December 9, 2014 – Versailles
The Covington high school and jr. high wrestling teams traveled to Versailles on Tuesday night for a dual with the Tigers. Covington and Versailles’ high school teams both entered undefeated, and after six lead changes, the dual came down to the final match, with the Tigers prevailing, 38-27.
Alexis Roth (106) fell to Versailles’ Marcus Marshal, before Covington rebounded with a 9-4 decision by Jared Ford (120) over Damon Miller. Versailles’ Tanner Bey picked up a technical fall over Coleman Ryan (126), before Covington picked up two consecutive wins – Jarred Ganger (132) pinning Kyle Wuebker, and Ryan Ford (138) earning a technical fall over Austin Didier.
Covington’s Josh Sowers (145) then had a tight battle with Nathan Henry before dropping a 5-3 decision. Versailles would win another with a pin by Corey Dieringer over Deron White (152). Lance Miller (160) then gave Covington a major decision victory over Jonathan Moorman, followed by a decision victory by Brandon Magee (170) over Bo Bey. Versailles’ Ian Heistand then earned a pin over Bo Swank (182).
The 195 lb. match was the premier contest of the night, featuring Covington’s Ben Miller and Versailles’ Kyle Dieringer – both state placers from last season. After a scoreless first period, Miller earned a dramatic pin for the victory. Versailles’ then retook the lead by winning the final two bouts: Kyle Gigandet over Seth Thomas (220) and Jeffery Wave over Carl Lankford (285).
In reserve action, Covington’s Joey Schmelzer (145) picked up a 13-2 major decision victory, while Ross Bowman (160) pinned his opponent. Gage DeHart (160) then followed with a major decision victory. Also competing for the Buccs were Levi Winn (132), Mark Barga (145), Logan Fields (152), Bryce Keiser (220) and Luke Grieshop (285). The Buccs compete next at home on Wednesday, Dec. 17, against another two great dual meet teams in Mechanicsburg and Brookville.
Covington’s jr. high team also had a great dual with Versailles. Spotting the Tigers 30 points due to forfeits, the Buccs dropped the dual, 51-33, but won in head-to-head matches. Winning for the Buccs were Dolan Young (80), Austin Flick (116, pin), Keringten Martin (128, pin), Gavin McReynolds (134, pin), Cade Schmelzer (150, pin) and Eli Gerling (205, pin). Also competing well for the Buccs were Chris Triplett (92), Josh Latimer (110), Riley Richards (122), Gage Kerrigan (142) and Ian Wilson (160). The jr. high team travels to the Tipp City Invitational this Saturday.
