DECEMBER 20, 2014 – VERSAILLES
Covington traveled west to compete in the Versailles Dual Meet Invitational on Saturday, where the Buccs found themselves on a collision course with Versailles. The two proud programs put in impressive performances during the day, each going 4-0 with dominant victories to advance to the finals where they would have a rematch of their dual two weeks ago – when Versailles won on the final match. This dual also came down to the very last match, with Covington winning and edging the Tigers, 33-32, for the tournament championship.
The dual started at 126 lbs, where Versailles’ Tanner Bey picked up a technical fall over Coleman Ryan for a 5-0 start. The Buccs would answer with a pin by Jarred Ganger (132 lbs) over Nathan Henry and a major decision by Ryan Ford (138) over Austin Didier to take a 10-5 lead, before Versailles’ Corey Dieringer (145) earned a decision over Josh Sowers. The Buccs extended their lead, 17-8, with a major decision by Lance Miller (152) over Jacob Rismiller, and a decision by Gage DeHart (160) over Jonathon Moorman.
Versailles narrowed the gap, 17-14, with a Bo Bey pin over Levi Brown (160), but Covington answered as Ben Miller (182) pinned Ian Hiestand to extend the lead, 23-14. Versailles would then get on a roll with three consecutive pins by Kyle Dieringer (195) over Bo Swank, Kyle Gigandet (220) over Seth Thomas and Grant Keller (285) over Carl Lankford to lead, 32-23, with two matches remaining.
Covington’s Connor Ryan (106) picked up valuable team points with a major decision over Marcus Marshel, to cut the Tigers’ lead to 32-27. After a double-forfeit at 113 lbs, the fate of the dual and tournament fell on the shoulders of Covington’s Jared Ford, who wrestled an excellent match, pinning Damon Miller for the six team points and the 33-32 victory.
Earlier in the day, Covington defeated St. Mary’s, 57-18, West Liberty-Salem, 71-6, Tri-County North, 59-18, and Preble Shawnee, 58-24. With the five victories, Covington improved its dual meet record to 13-2 overall.
Going undefeated on the day were Connor Ryan (106, 6-0, 2 pins), Jared Ford (120, 5-0, 2 pins), Jarred Ganger (132, 2 pins), Lance Miller (152, 2 pins) and Ben Miller (182, 6-0, 4 pins). Finishing with just one loss were Coleman Ryan (126, 4-1, 2 pins), Ryan Ford (138, 5-1, pin), Gage DeHart (160, 4-1, 2 pins) and Seth Thomas (220, 5-1, 4 pins).
Also winning matches for the Buccs were Josh Sowers (145, 3-2, pin), Ross Bowman (170, pin), Bo Swank (195) and Carl Lankford (285, 2 pins). Levi Brown (170) also competed well in limited action.
Covington travels next to the 55-team Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association (GMVWA) Holiday wrestling tournament on Saturday and Sunday, December 26-27.
