DECEMBER 7, 2013 – NORTHEASTERN
Without some of the varsity wrestlers in the lineup, the Covington high school wrestling team put in a dominating performance at the Northeastern wrestling invitational on Saturday, sweeping all of their duals to finish 5-0 on the day and 7-0 thus far this season. The Buccs had eight wrestlers finish undefeated, and as a team combined for 54 individual victories against just 11 losses. The eight first-place finishes is the most Covington has ever had at the tournament.
Covington opened with a 72-12 victory over Southeastern, followed by a 52-24 victory over eventual runner-up Springfield. The Buccs then defeated Milton-Union, 66-6, Tipp City, 70-7, and Northeastern, 60-22, to take home the championship.
Ben Miller – one of eight Buccaneers to finish in first place – was voted most outstanding wrestler of tournament, going 5-0 at 182 lbs with 4 pins. Justin Daniel (195, 4 pins) matched his performance, taking first at the next weight class up.
The Ryan twins – Connor (2 pins) and Coleman (1 pin) – each brought home gold medals by winning the 106 and 113 lb weight classes, respectively. Also going 5-0 for first place were Branden Robinson (126, tech.fall, pin), Ryan Ford (132, 2 pins), Lance Miller (138, 2 pins) and Deron White (145, 4 pins). Miller won an exciting 5-4 decision over returning state qualifier Chase Mayabb of Milton-Union, while White showed toughness in a come-from-behind victory by pin over Cordell Bishop of Northeastern.
Taking 2nd place for Covington with 4-1 records were Daniel Jennings (152, 3 pins, major), Brandon Magee (170, pin) and Ian Fries (220, 2 pins). Also placing by filling in open slots on other teams were Josh Sowers (126, 3-1, 3 pins) and Michael Cox (132, 2-2) who both took third place. Picking up victories for the Buccs were Jacob Buchanan (126, pin), Ross Bowman (145, 2 pins), Dustin Freeman (160), Chandler Sampson (220) and Carl Lankford (285). Logan Fields (160) and Alex Fries (170) also competed for Covington.
The Buccs compete next at the Versailles Invitational on Saturday, December 14.
