2012-13: BUCCS PERFORM WELL AT VERSAILLES

Jake Sowers sets up his opponent for a takedown.

December 15, 2012 – Versailles
Covington’s high school wrestling team competed at the Versailles Invitational on Saturday and came away with a runner-up finish at the 10-team event, after dropping a close and exciting dual against Versailles in the finals. The Buccs went 4-1 on the day and now stand at 10-1 on the season.

After team seeding was complete, the five winners of the first round of duals were placed in the championship pool, while the remaining teams were placed in the consolation pool.

Covington advanced to the championship rounds with a 57-18 victory over West Liberty Salem. Brian Olson (195) and Jordan Wolfe (285) each picked up pins, while Connor Ryan (106), Ryan Ford (126), Daniel Jennings (145), Jake Sowers (152), Kyler Deeter (160), Ben Miller (170), A.J. Ouellette (182) and Justin Daniel (195) also won for the Buccs.

The Buccs then earned a solid 55-25 win over Celina in round 2. Ryan Ford (126), Brock Smith (138), Kyler Deeter (160), Ben Miller (170), A.J. Ouellette (182), Brian Olson (195) and Jordan Wolfe (285) all pinned their opponents. Also winning were Connor Ryan (106), Michael Cox (113) and Jake Sowers (152).

In round 4 (following a bye), Covington cruised to a 69-6 victory over Cross County Conference rival Tri-County North. Connor Ryan (106), Ryan Ford (126), Brock Smith (138), Daniel Jennings (145), Jake Sowers (152), Kyler Deeter (160), Brian Olson (195), Justin Daniel (220) and Jordan Wolfe (285) all earned pins for the team. Michael Cox (113), Ben Miller (170) and A.J. Ouellette (182) also picked up wins in the dual.

Covington’s second to last dual was against Urbana – a team they met in the finals of the Northeastern Invitational last week. The Buccs prevailed once again with a 45-30 win over the Hill Climbers. Daniel Jennings (145), Cole Smith (160) and Kyler Deeter (170) each pinned their opponents while Connor Ryan (106), Michael Cox (113), Ryan Ford (126), Jake Sowers (145), Brian Olson (220) and Jordan Wolfe (285) also won their matches.

Covington and Versailles – both undefeated at the tournament – met in the finals to determine the championship. Versailles took a 9-0 lead with a forfeit win at 132 lbs by Lewis Kremer, followed by a 9-4 decision by Matt Mangen (138) over Brock Smith.

The Buccs regained the lead 13-9, however, with three consecutive victories – Daniel Jennings (145) over Matt Subler, 8-6, Jake Sowers (152) over Joe Cain, 9-0, and Kyler Deeter (160) by pin over Kyle Platfoot. Versailles got the next win with an 11-6 decision by Brandon Christian (170) over Cole Smith.

Covington answered with victories by A.J. Ouellette (182) over Nick Francis, 6-0, and Brian Olson (195) over Kyle Dieringer, 7-5, to give the Buccs a 19-15 lead.

Versailles would take the lead once more with a 6-3 decision by Dominic Richards (220) over Justin Daniel and a fall by Andrew Smith (285) over Jordan Wolfe to give the Tigers a 21-19 edge.

Connor Ryan (106) gave the Buccs their last lead, 22-21, with a 10-5 decision over Leo Vogul, before Versailles would seal the victory with a Nathan Henry (113) pin over Michael Cox, followed by a Corey Dieringer (120) forfeit win.

Covington’s Ryan Ford (126) won the final match of the evening with a 9-2 victory over Andrew Slonkosky. The final score was Versailles 33, Covington 25.

In JV action, Brandon Magee (170) was 3-0 with 3 pins, while Cole Smith (160) was 2-0 with 2 pins. Gage Looker (160) also competed for the Buccs.

Freshman Connor Ryan continues to shine at 106 pounds.