Willie Saylor, Editor

The big news this week came from Ohio, where St. Edward, who has been wrestling one of the toughest schedules you’ll ever see, downed Michigan powers St. Johns and Detroit Catholic Central.

Eds won 10 bouts in a 39-15 win over previous #3-St. Johns, after ousting #13-DCC, 41-12.

During the course of the season, Eds competed against every team in the Top 15 other than #4-Canon McMillan and #8-Bettendorf. Their only blemish was a narrow 27-22 dual loss at the hands of #1-Blair.

In Iowa…

A showdown between the states two top squads took place in the finals of the Mendenhall duals where #8-Bettendorf (Cheesehead Runners-Up) took on #17-Southeast Polk (Cheesehead 4^th).

SEP turned two deficits into falls, as the Rams upset Bettendorf, 34-29.

At 160, SEP’s Tim Miklus trailed Drake Chase 3-0 in the third and got the pin. And at 106, it was the Bett’s Jake Schwarm up comfortably 10-2 with in the waning moments of the bout. Schwarm was looking for a fall when the hold broke and SEP’s Aaron Meyer pounced on top for a pin of his own.

In Pennsylvania, #11-Bethlehem Catholic (Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd, ETR Champs) gave HM-Easton their second loss in a week. Easton, which wrestled a grueling slate of their own this last week, beat Collins Hill and lost to Blair at the Final Four two Saturdays ago. During the week the beat the always competitive Northampton (PA) on Wednesday, cross-river rival Phillipsburg on Thursday, and took on BECA Saturday.

In a pressure-packed dual featuring the reigning AA Dual Champions and the AAA Dual Runners-Up, the two squads traded seven bouts, with BECA posting more bonus points and a 29-26 win.

Changes:

After some consideration and the results from St. Johns’ most meaningful competition of the year, there is some reorganization in the middle of the Top 10. Canon-Mac jumps up to #4. They’re undefeated in duals, including a thrashing of the field at Virginia Duals with a win over the 5^th place Clash team, #12-Christiansburg, 47-18, in which they won 10 of 14 bouts.

St. Johns, who won just four bouts in their dual with #2-St. Edward, moves from #3 to #7, behind Brandon and Clovis, who were both 1^st bracket finalists at the Clash.

And Non-Changes:

Southeast Polk upset the higher-ranked Bettendorf for the second week in a row, suggesting it may not be an upset at all. But Bettendorf has been missing star 220lber, Nate Shaw.

Combine that with Bettendorf’s outplacing of SEP at the Cheesehead, and the circumstances of the dual win (a 19point swing if the two results hold as opposed to the falls the other way), and we’ll defer to their impending future match-ups. The two will see each other on a few more occasions this season.

This Week:

A big dual looms in the Sooner State. Last week both #19-Broken Arrow and #20-Tulsa Union beat Sapulpa, the #3 team in Oklahoma. BA and Union will tangle on Thursday. Here are there box scores from Sapulpa:

Broken Arrow 47, Sapulpa 18

106: Simmons (BA) t.f. E. Jones, 17-2. 113: Edwards (BA) p. Draffin, 1:17. 120: C. Clark (BA) d. Heiden, 7-4. 126: N. Clark (BA) p. C. Jones, 1:56. 132: Archer (BA) d. Conley, 3-1. 138: Boland (S) p. Ferman 2:55. 145: T. Bailey (BA) p. Luper, 1:11. 152: P. Bailey (BA) p. Barrett, 3:29. 160: Foshee (BA) d. Mendez, 9-7. 170: Warren (BA) p. Daniels, 3:35. 182: Keigley (S) d. M. Owens, 5-2. 195: Cotter (S) d. Calvert, 8-1. 220: Fisher (BA) d. Johnston, 3-2. 285: Duke (S) p. Hamilton, 1:28.

Union 36, Sapulpa 30

106: Godfrey (U) d. Jones, 6-2; 113: Heiden (S) m.d. Lombardo, 9-1; 120: Walker (U) p. Jones, 3:28; 126: Wolfenberger (U), inj. def. Peper; 132: B.Crutchmer (U) m.d. Conley, 13-4; 138: Boland (S) p. Barr, 1:57; 145: Barrett (S) m.d. Ash, 12-3; 152: K.Ash (U) p. Daniels, 1:08; 160: Mendez (S) d. Young, 7-4; 170: Wilson (U) t.f. Keigley, 25-9; 182: K.Crutchmer (U) p. Busby, 1:00; 195: Johnston (S) d. Wegent, 5-1; 220: Cotter (S) d. Walser, 5-3; Hvy: Duke (S) p. Allya, 1:39.

#1-Blair had their dual with Bergen Catholic cancelled last week. But they’ll be back in action in a big way Saturday as they take on #9-Sr. Paris Graham.

And, how quickly the season moves! Several states are conducting legs of their postseason tournaments. Michigan and Pennsylvania begin their dual qualifying with district tournaments while Illinois and Indiana have Regional Duals. Virginia and Florida start their individual series with district tournaments.

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)

Last Week: Dual with Bergen Catholic cancelled
This Week: @ #9-St. Paris-Graham

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, Beast Champs, POWERade Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)

Last Week: Beat #3-St. Johns, 39-15; Beat #13-Detroit Catholic Central, 41-12

This Week: Home tri-meet, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up, Clash Champs, DI State Duals Champs

#3 Apple Valley – Minnesota  (4)

Last Week: Won Forest Lake Duals

This Week: Lakeville North, Thurs.; HM-Kasson-Mantorville, Fri.; Robbinsdale Armstrong Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Delano, 1^st – Minn. Christmas, Clash Runners-Up, Cheesehead Champs, Lisbon Champs

#4 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)

Last Week: Won Sectionals

This Week: District Championships

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – North Canton, 2^nd – Powerade, VA Duals Champs

#5 Clovis – California  (5)

Last Week: Beat Buchanan HS

This Week: @ Clovis North, Wed.; Mission San Jose Tournament Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments:  1^st – Newbury, 1^st - Clovis West Shootout, 1^st – Zinkin, Clash 3^rd, Doc B Champs, Temecula Valley Champs

#6 Brandon – Florida  (6)

Last Week: Won County Tournament

This Week:  District Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Cougar Invitational, 1^st – Graves, Clash 4^th, Ippolito Champs

#7 St. Johns– Michigan (3)

Last Week: Lost to #2-St. Edward, 39-15

This Week: CAAC League Tournament

Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs, Goodrich Champs, Redwing Invit. Champs

#8 Bettendorf – Iowa (8)

Last Week: Lost to #17-Southeast Polk, 34-29

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Keith Young, 1^st – KC Classic, Cheesehead Runners-Up, MAC Champs, Ed Winger Runners-Up

#9 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (10)

Last Week: Beat New Lexington

This Week: vs. #1-Blair Academy, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 3^rd at Ironman, Clash 6^th, DII State Duals Champs, Top Gun Champs

#10 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (9)

Last Week: 3-0 at Gilman Duals

This Week: @ Wyoming Valley West, Wed.; @ Delbarton, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st - Clyde Cole, Ironman 4^th, Beast Runners-Up, Bethlehem Holiday Champs, Eastern States Champs

#11 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (11)

Last Week: Beat HM-Easton, 29-26

This Week: District Duals, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd, Christmas City Champs, ETR Champs

#12 Christiansburg – Virginia (12)

Last Week: Lost to HM-Colonial Forge, 40-25

This Week: Individual Districts

Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7^th, Beast – 4^th, Clash 5^th, VA Duals Runners-Up

#13 Detroit Catholic Central – Michigan  (13)

Last Week: Lost to #2-St. Edward, 42-12

This Week: District Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Oakland County, Medina Champs

#14 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (14)

Last Week: Won three duals

This Week: Sectionals

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5^th, SW Ohio Champs, Clash 7^th, DI State Runners-Up, Catholic Schools Champs

#15 Simley – Minnesota (15)

Last Week: Beat HM-Kasson-Mantorville, 43-25

This Week: Suburban Conference Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Minn. Christmas Tournament, Clash 8^th, Cheesehead 3^rd

#16 Perry Meridian – Indiana (16)

Last Week: Won Sectionals

This Week: Regional Duals, Wed.; Regionals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Marion County, 1^st- North Montgomery

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (17)

Last Week: Defeated #8-Bettendorf, 34-29

This Week: Central Iowa Metro League Tournament, Fri./Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Gardner-Edgerton, Cheesehead 4^th, Ed Winger Champs

#18 Poway – California (18)

Last Week: Won Raul Huerta over HM-Bakersfield, 327 to 266

This Week: vs. Torrey Pines, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – El Dorado, 1^st – La Quinta Duals, 1^st – Reno TOC, 3^rd – Doc B, 2^nd – Temecula Valley

#19 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (19)

Last Week: Beat Sapulpa, 47-18

This Week: vs. #20-Tulsa Union, Thurs.; vs. Bishop Kelley, Fri.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8^th, Geary Champs, Sand Springs Champs

#20 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (20)

Last Week: Beat Sapulpa, 36-30

This Week: vs. #19-Broken Arrow, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Mid America Nationals, Reno Runners-Up, Geary Runners-Up, Newton Champs, Midwest Duals Champs

#21 Allen – Texas (21)

Last Week: Beat Southlake Central, 58-12

This Week: District Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – The Woodlands, 3^rd – Mid America Nationals, 5^th – KC Classic, Texas Outlaw Champs, Cheeshead 5^th , State Duals Champs, Midwest Duals Runners-Up

#22 Montini Catholic – Illinois (22)

Last Week: Beat Oak Park-River Forest, 37-24

This Week: Regional Tournament, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, 15^th, Dvorak Champs, Cheesehead 6^th

#23 Iowa City West – Iowa (23)

Last Week: Won MVC Tournament

This Week: vs. Waterloo East and Dubuque, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2^nd – Cedar Rapids Duals, 1^st – Battle of Waterloo, Dvorak – 3^rd, Ed Winger – 3^rd

#24 Lowell – Michigan (24)

Last Week: Lost to #3-St. Johns, 41-18; Beat #10-Detroit Catholic Central, 27-24

This Week: District Duals

Season Accomplishments: Beat #13-DCC, Beat Glenbard North

#25 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (25)

Last Week: Beat CD East and Garden Spot

This Week: District Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Brandywine, 5^th – Beast, 3^rd – POWERade

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA

Blue Springs, MO

Camden County, GA

Christian Brothers, TN

Collins Hill, GA

Colonial Forge, VA

Easton, PA

Foley, MN

Long Beach, NY

Lowell, MI

Luxemburg-Casco, WI

Kasson-Mantorville, MN

Massillon-Perry, OH

McDonogh School, MD

Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA

St. Michael-Albertville, MN

St. Peter’s Prep, NJ

Scott West, MN

Shenendehowa, NY

South Plainfield, NJ

Tuttle, OK

Wantagh, NY

West Fargo, ND

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Willie Saylor, Editor

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)

Last Week: Won the Final Four
This Week: Dual vs. Bergen Catholic, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, Beast Champs, POWERade Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)

Last Week: Beat #11-St. Paris-Graham, 39-17

This Week: Double Dual (St. Johns/DCC/St. Vincent-St. Mary’s)

Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up, Clash Champs, DI State Duals Champs

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)

Last Week: @ Williamston Invitational

This Week: @ St. Ed’s Double Duals

Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs, Goodrich Champs

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota  (4)

Last Week: Won Lisbon Tournament

This Week: Bloomington-Kennedy, Fri.; Forest Lake Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Delano, 1^st – Minn. Christmas, Clash Runners-Up, Cheesehead Champs

#5 Clovis – California  (5)

Last Week: Beat Central HS

This Week: Central Valley Invitational, Sat.

Season Accomplishments:  1^st – Newbury, 1^st - Clovis West Shootout, 1^st – Zinkin, Clash 3^rd, Doc B Champs, Temecula Valley Champs

#6 Brandon – Florida  (6)

Last Week: Won Ippolito Tournament

This Week:  Hillsborough County Championships, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Cougar Invitational, 1^st – Graves, Clash 4^th

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)

Last Week: Won Sectional Championships

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – North Canton, VA Duals Champs

#8 Bettendorf – Iowa (8)

Last Week: Ed Winger Runners-Up

This Week: Mendenhall Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Keith Young, 1^st – KC Classic, Cheesehead Runners-Up, MAC Champs

#9 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (9)

Last Week: Won 3 Duals at Northfield Mt. Hermon

This Week: Gilman Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st - Clyde Cole, Ironman 4^th, Beast Runners-Up, Bethlehem Holiday Champs, Eastern States Champs

#10 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (11)

Last Week: Lost to #2-St. Edward, 39-17

This Week: @ #2-St. Edward, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 3^rd at Ironman, Clash 6^th, DII State Duals Champs, Top Gun Champs

#11 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (12)

Last Week: Beat Northampton; Parkland Snowed Out

This Week: vs. Liberty, Wed.; vs. #25-Easton, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd, Christmas City Champs, ETR Champs

#12 Christiansburg – Virginia (13)

Last Week: Won Big Blue Duals

This Week: Home Tri-Meet

Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7^th, Beast – 4^th, Clash 5^th, VA Duals Runners-Up

#13 Detroit Catholic Central – Michigan  (10)

Last Week: Lost to HM-Lowell, 27-24; Beat #14-Moeller, 34-19

This Week: @ St. Ed’s Super Duals

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Oakland County, Medina Champs

#14 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (14)

Last Week: Lost to #10-Detroit Catholic Central, 34-19

This Week: vs. St. Xavier, Fri.; vs. Mason and Lakota East, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5^th, SW Ohio Champs, Clash 7^th, DI State Runners-Up, Catholic Schools Champs

#15 Simley – Minnesota (15)

Last Week: Beat St. Thomas and Mahtomedi

This Week: @ Henry Sibley, Thurs.; Swalla Duals @ HM-Kasson-Mantorville, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Minn. Christmas Tournament, Clash 8^th, Cheesehead 3^rd

#16 Perry Meridian – Indiana (16)

Last Week: beat Ben Davis HS

This Week: Sectionals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Marion County, 1^st- North Montgomery

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (17)

Last Week: Ed Winger Champs

This Week: vs. Johnston, Tues.; vs. Indianola, Thurs.; @ Ed Winger Invite, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Gardner-Edgerton, Cheesehead 4^th

#18 Poway – California (18)

Last Week: Beat Westview

This Week: vs. Mount Carmel, Thurs.; Canyon Springs Tournament, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – El Dorado, 1^st – La Quinta Duals, 1^st – Reno TOC, 3^rd – Doc B, 2^nd – Temecula Valley

#19 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (19)

Last Week: Beat Owasso

This Week: vs. Stillwater, Tues.; @ Claremore, Thurs.; @ Sapulpa, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8^th, Geary Champs, Sand Springs Champs

#20 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (20)

Last Week: Midwest Duals Champs. Beat #21-Allen, 34-30

This Week: vs. Sapulpa, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Mid America Nationals, Reno Runners-Up, Geary Runners-Up, Newton Champs

#21 Allen – Texas (21)

Last Week: Midwest Duals Runners-Up. Lost to #20-Tulsa Union, 34-30

This Week: Southlake, Thurs.; St. Marks Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – The Woodlands, 3^rd – Mid America Nationals, 5^th – KC Classic, Texas Outlaw Champs, Cheeshead 5^th , State Duals Champs

#22 Montini Catholic – Illinois (22)

Last Week: Mon two duals

This Week: vs. HM-Oak Park River Forest, Wed.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, 15^th, Dvorak Champs, Cheesehead 6^th

#23 Iowa City West – Iowa (23)

Last Week: Ed Winger, 3^rd

This Week: @ CR-Washington and CR-Prairie, Thurs.; Miss. Valley Conference Tourney, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2^nd – Cedar Rapids Duals, 1^st – Battle of Waterloo, Dvorak – 3^rd

#24 Lowell – Michigan (HM)

Last Week: Lost to #3-St. Johns, 41-18; Beat #10-Detroit Catholic Central, 27-24

This Week: @ East Grand Rapids and Holland, Wed.

Season Accomplishments:

#25 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (24)

Last Week: Beat Big Springs and Carlisle

This Week: @ CD East, Thurs.; @ Garden Spot, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Brandywine, 5^th – Beast, 3^rd – POWERade

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA

Blue Springs, MO

Camden County, GA

Christian Brothers, TN

Collins Hill, GA

Colonial Forge, VA

Easton, PA

Foley, MN

Long Beach, NY

Lowell, MI

Luxemburg-Casco, WI

Kasson-Mantorville, MN

Massillon-Perry, OH

McDonogh School, MD

Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA

St. Michael-Albertville, MN

St. Peter’s Prep, NJ

Scott West, MN

Shenendehowa, NY

South Plainfield, NJ

Tuttle, OK

Wantagh, NY

West Fargo, ND

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

There was no shortage of big time clashes last week. Before our rankings update, we’ll take you across the country with briefs of the major events.

NHSCA Wrestling Festival

#1-Blair Academy and #2-St. Edward battled in eastern PA. The result, which obviously had national title implications, was a tight and wild (if not controversial) affair.

The dual started at 138, meaning that an individual match-up of #2-Mark Grey and #7-Edgar Bright, would be the finale.

Blair swept the first three bouts, though no bonus points made the lead just 9-0. Ed’s won the next three with a major from #7-Mark Martin, putting the Eagles ahead, 10-9, before the teams would flop regular decisions heading to HWT.

With Blair now trailing, 13-12, #1-Brooks Black pinned Ed’s back-up Joe Belford, who was in for injured #3-Greg Kuhar, making the Bucs lead five points at the turn.

After a regular decision in Blair’s favor at 106, Ed’s Sr. Alex Moore posted an unexpected fall at 113. Blair 21, Ed’s 19.

Joey McKenna, who started the season at 113 for Blair, and who is ranked 3^rd nationally at that weight, wrestled 120 and downed Colin Heffernan, 7-1. The Blair lead was back to five with two bouts to go, 24-19.

Ed’s stud, #5-Dean Heil, took a 4-1 decision from HM-Max Hvolbeck, to set up the drama.

Grey was in deep on a shot early, but after a wild scramble, no points were earned.

At the end of the period, a controversial call developed when Bright was initially awarded a takedown when he had a cradle locked up. It was subsequently blown off after referees and table workers conferred.

After a relatively uneventful remainder of regulation and neutral portion of overtime, Grey rode out Bright before gaining a quick escape to start his portion of the ride-out, sealing Blair’s win 27-22.

Box Score:

138: #5-Todd Preston, BA, dec. Nick Barber, STE, 4-2 – BA 3-0

145: #9-Dylan Milonas, BA, dec. Markus Scheidel, STE, 12-6 – BA 6-0

152: #16-Russ Parsons, BA, dec. Martin Van Curen, STE, 7-1 – BA 9-0

160: HM-Jacob Davis, STE, dec. HM-Patrick Coover, BA, 2-1 – BA 9-3

170: #7-Mark Martin, STE, md. Addison Knepshield, 14-3 BA – 9-7

182: #12-Domenic Abounader, STE, dec. Michael Mocco, BA, 10-3 – STE 10-9

195: #14-Frank Mattiace, BA, dec. #17-James Suvak, STE, 3-0 – BA 12-10

220: #11-Ty Walz, STE, dec. David Farr, BA, 10-8 OT – STE 13-10

HWT: #1-Brooks Black, BA, wbf. Joe Belford – BA 18-13

106: Jordan Kutler, BA, dec. LJ Bentley, STE, 4-2 – BA 21-13

113: Alex Moore, STE, wbf. Chaz Tucker, BA – BA 21-19

120: #3-Joey McKenna, BA, dec. Colin Heffernan, STE, 7-1 – BA 24-19

126: #5-Dean Heil, STE, dec. HM-Max Hvolbeck, BA, 4-1 – BA 24-22

132: #2-Mark Grey, BA, dec. #7-Edgar Bright, STE, 2-1 OT – 27-22

Virginia Duals

Canon-McMillan looked good in storming through a tough VA Duals National High School Bracket. Wrestling without two-time state finalist, Connor Schram (120) didn’t prevent the #7 Big Macs from bringing home the title in dominant fashion. In their four dual victories, they dropped just ten individual bouts. In the semi’s they doubled up HM-McDonogh (MD), 44-22. In the finals, they took out #13-Christiansburg, the 5^th place finisher at this year’s Clash. From 138 on, Canon Mac lost just one match to the Blue Demons. The 3^rd place dual featured two Honorable Mention squads. South Plainfield won the first seven bouts over McDonogh, who then won the last seven. But bonus points were the difference as SP took it, 37-32.

Iowa City West Duals

#4-Apple Valley, #23-Iowa City West, HM-Oak Park River Forest, and Marmion Academy got together for a great quad.

First Round
#4-Apple Valley 44  – OPRF 20
#23-ICW 55  - Marmion Academy 10

Second Round
#4-Apple Valley 75 – Marmion Academy 6
#23-ICW 38 – OPRF 29

Final Round Box Score:

Apple Valley 40, Iowa City West 16
106 – Maolu Woiwor (AV) tech. fall Bailey 17-2.
113 – #13-Phil Laux (W) major dec. Brock Morgan 16-7.
120 – HM-Seth Gross (AV) dec. Willis 5-2.
126 – #16- Jack Hathaway (W) dec. #13-Dakota Trom 2-0.
132 – HM- Kyle Bauer (W) dec. Cory Rathman 6-4.
138 – HM-Dayton Racer (AV) dec. Kegan Wakefield 8-4.
145 – HM-Mason Manville (AV) major dec. Sam Chalkley 9-0.
152 – #9-Brandon Kingsley (AV) pinned Gradey Gambrall :21.
160 – #14-Justin Koethe (W) dec. Ben Sullivan 4-3.
170 – HM-Daniel Woiwor (AV) major dec. Watkins 11-1.
182 – Corbin Farrell (AV) pinned Kelsay 2:29.
195 – Mikey Pelfrey (W) dec. Trom Peterson 6-1.
220 – Paul Cheney (AV) pinned P. Pelfrey 1:12.
Hwt. – Zach Martens (AV) dec. Foerstner 3-0.

Eastern States Classic

#9-Wyoming Seminary dominated the deep NYS field. The Knights outdistanced Runners-Up, HM-Shenendehowa by 89pts. Sem was paced by five champions: Evan Botwin (120), Dom Malone (126), Eric Morris (170), AJ Vizcarrando (220), and Michael Johnson, Jr. (HWT).

Top Gun @ Alliance, Ohio

Some have called the SPG Falcon studs, ‘the big five’. But Micah Jordan has been on a tear. Make that ‘the big six’.

#11-St. Paris-Graham, one of the best deep tournament teams in the country, blitzed the all-Ohio field, 72pts ahead of #25-Massillon Perry. Winning titles for the Falcons were Ryan Taylor (120), Micah Jordan (126), Blake Kastl (145), Bo Jordan (152), Isaac Jordan (170), and Huston Evans (182).

Escape the Rock

#12-Bethlehem Catholic bested a 31-team field at the southeastern PA tournament. Solanco (PA) were Runners-Up, followed by HM-Colonial Forge (VA). BECA had two champions on five finalists wrestling without nationally ranked Zeke Moisey (120). Winning titles for the Hawks were Randy Cruz (132) and Elliot Riddick (170), while Darian Cruz (113), Zane Heller (126), and Josh Alpha (195), finished 2^nd.

Detroit CC Super Duals

A showdown pitting the top two teams in Michigan, and two of TOM’s Top 10 programs nationally, was a tight affair. #10-Detroit Central Catholic lead #3-St. Johns the majority of the dual. DCC still had the lead with three bouts remaining, but, with the dual starting at 215 (Michigan uses the ‘old’ weights) St. Johns had hammers coming.

With the score 21-17 and three bouts to go, consecutive falls by #20-Jordan Wohlfert (160) and #1-Taylor Massa (171) iced it. HM-Payne Hayden beat HM-Andrew Garcia at 189, and after a team point was deducted, St. Johns had a 31-21 win.

Central Dauphin Breaks PA Dual Streak

#24-Central Dauphin set a Pennsylvania state record for consecutive dual wins on Saturday, winning their 78^th in a row. The previous mark was held by Dallastown from 1983 through 1989.

CD won four more duals Saturday to up that mark to 82 in total. The current streak began in January of 2008 and spans the course of four straight PA State Dual Championships.

Collins Hill Dethroned on Criteria

Two Honorable Mention squads went at it for the Georgia State 5A (largest class) dual title. Earlier this year, Collins Hill and Camden County met in a tournament format and it was neck-and-neck, with Camden out-placing the Eagles. It turned out to be as close as ever in a dual competition, too.

In the end, the score was tied at 27, with Camden County winning on criteria: most pins. Collins Hill had won four straight State Duals titles, and hadn’t lost a dual to a GA team since 2008.

Jefferson, who placed 10^th at the Clash, won the AA title, winning four duals and never allowing more than 11pts against them. They won in the finals, 55-9.

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)

Last Week: Beat #2-St. Edward, 27-22
This Week: vs. NHSCA Final Four

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, Beast Champs, POWERade Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)

Last Week: Lost to #1-Blair, 27-22

This Week: vs. #11-St. Paris-Graham

Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up, Clash Champs, DI State Duals Champs

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)

Last Week: Beat #10-Detroit CC, 30-21

This Week: @ Williamston Invatational

Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs, Goodrich Champs

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota  (4)

Last Week: Beat HM-Oak Park River Forest, 44-20; beat #23-Iowa City West, 40-16

This Week: vs. Rosemount, Thurs.; @ Lisbon Tournament, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Delano, 1^st – Minn. Christmas, Clash Runners-Up, Cheesehead Champs

#5 Clovis – California  (5)

Last Week: Won Temecula Valley Tournament

This Week: vs. Central HS, Wed.

Season Accomplishments:  1^st – Newbury, 1^st - Clovis West Shootout, 1^st – Zinkin, Clash 3^rd, Doc B Champs

#6 Brandon – Florida  (6)

Last Week: Idle

This Week:  Ippolito Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Cougar Invitational, 1^st – Graves, Clash 4^th

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)

Last Week: Won Virginia Duals; beat HM-McDonogh, 44-22; beat #13-Christiansburg, 47-18

This Week: Sectional Championships

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – North Canton

#8 Bettendorf – Iowa (8)

Last Week: Won MAC Championship with 6 Champs

This Week: vs. Davenport Assumption, Thurs.; Ed Winger Invite, @ Urbandale, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Keith Young, 1^st – KC Classic, Cheesehead Runners-Up

#9 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (9)

Last Week: Won Eastern States Classic by 89pts.

This Week: NHSCA Final Four

Season Accomplishments: 1^st - Clyde Cole, Ironman 4^th, Beast Runners-Up, Bethlehem Holiday Champs

#10 Detroit Central Catholic – Michigan  (10)

Last Week: Lost to #3-St. Johns, 30-21

This Week:

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Oakland County, Medina Champs

#11 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (11)

Last Week: Won Top Gun Tournament

This Week: @ #2-St. Edward, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 3^rd at Ironman, Clash 6^th , DII State Duals Champs

#12 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (12)

Last Week: Won Escape the Rock Tournament

This Week: Vs. Northampton, Wed.; Parkland, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd, Christmas City Champs

#13 Christiansburg – Virginia (13)

Last Week: Runners-Up at VA Duals; beat HM-South Plainfield, 37-29, lost to #7-Canon Mac, 47-18

This Week: Home Duals

Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7^th, Beast – 4^th, Clash 5^th

#14 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (14)

Last Week: Won Catholic School Championships

This Week: Catholic School Championships

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5^th, SW Ohio Champs, Clash 7^th, DI State Runners-Up

#15 Simley – Minnesota (15)

Last Week: Beat Tartan, 58-9; Beat S. St. Paul, 54-10

This Week: St. Thomas and Mahtomedi, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Minn. Christmas Tournament, Clash 8^th, Cheesehead 3^rd,

#16 Perry Meridian – Indiana (16)

Last Week: Beat Cathedral, 39-18; Won Conference Indiana Tournament

This Week: @ Ben Davis HS, Wed.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Marion County, 1^st- North Montgomery

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (17)

Last Week: Beat Urbandale, 52-30

This Week: vs. Johnston, Tues.; vs. Indianola, Thurs.; @ Ed Winger Invite, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Gardner-Edgerton, Cheesehead 4^th

#18 Poway – California (18)

Last Week: Runners-Up at Temecula Valley

This Week: @ Westview, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – El Dorado, 1^st – La Quinta Duals, 1^st – Reno TOC, 3^rd – Doc B

#19 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (19)

Last Week: Won Sand Springs Tournament

This Week: vs. Owasso, Fri.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8^th, Geary Champs

#20 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (20)

Last Week: Beat Muskogee, 36-26, Won Newton Tournament of Champions

This Week: District Duals, Thurs.; OCU Duals, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Mid America Nationals, Reno Runners-Up, Geary Runners-Up

#21 Allen – Texas (21)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Midwest National Duals (El Reno, OK), Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – The Woodlands, 3^rd – Mid America Nationals, 5^th – KC Classic, Texas Outlaw Champs, Cheeshead 5^th

#22 Montini Catholic – Illinois (22)

Last Week: Did Not Compete

This Week: Home Tri, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, 15^th, Dvorak Champs, Cheesehead 6^th

#23 Iowa City West – Iowa (23)

Last Week: Beat HM-Oak Park River Forest, – ;lost to #4-Apple Valley,

This Week: Ed Winger Classic, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2^nd – Cedar Rapids Duals, 1^st – Battle of Waterloo, Dvorak – 3^rd

#24 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (24)

Last Week: Won five duals

This Week: @ Big Springs, Wed.; vs. Carlisle, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Brandywine, 5^th – Beast, 3^rd – POWERade

#25 Massillon Perry – Ohio (25)

Last Week: Runners-Up at Top Gun

This Week: @ McKinley, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 9^th – Ironman, 2^nd – KOM, Medina Runners-Up, State Duals 3^rd,

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA

Blue Springs, MO

Camden County, GA

Christian Brothers, TN

Collins Hill, GA

Colonial Forge, VA

Easton, PA

Foley, MN

Long Beach, NY

Lowell, MI

Luxemburg-Casco, WI

Kasson-Mantorville, MN

McDonogh School, MD

Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA

St. Michael-Albertville, MN

St. Peter’s Prep, NJ

Scott West, MN

Shenendehowa, NY

South Plainfield, NJ

Tuttle, OK

Wantagh, NY

West Fargo, ND

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Four major events involving multiple nationally ranked teams took place last weekend.

The biggie occurred in Wisconsin where five ranked teams took part in the Cheesehead.

Here, we’ll break it all down, and give a brief preview of what’s on tap for this weekend.

Last Week:

Cheesehead

Featuring the top two teams from Iowa and Minnesota, the top team from Texas, and the #1 and #3 team from Wisconsin, the Cheesehead offered a great team race. #9-Bettendorf pushed #4-Apple Valley, who lost stud 145lber, Mark Hall to injury. When it was all said and done, Valley edged Bettendorf in the tightest team race ever at the Cheesehead.

#15-Simley was a solid 3^rd place finisher, ahead of Allen (TX), who were missing two starters, including top-seeded Jack Bass.

#17-Southeast Polk was 5^th. #21-Montini (IL) placed 6^th, missing two starters of their own.

Doc Buchanan

Hosts #5 Clovis treated their guests assertively. In what has become the deepest tournament in the Golden State, Clovis significantly distanced second place Bakersfield, 205 to 115.

Bakersfield edged #18-Poway for 2^nd despite having just five placers to Poway’s nine.

Geary Invitational

The oldest wrestling tournament in the country hosted the three top-ranked teams in Oklahoma. #19-Broken Arrow edged #20-Tulsa Union by a point and a half. HM-Tuttle, was just off the pace, 10.5pts behind Union.

State Duals in Ohio

The best in the Buckeye State battled it out on Sunday. Four TOM-ranked teams went at it.

#2 St. Edward won the DI dual title, beating #14 Archbishop Moeller in the finals, 44-13. Moeller had beaten #24 Massillon Perry, 33-29, in the semifinals.

#11 St. Paris-Graham survived a mild scare from Claymont in the DII finals, trailing 18-14 after eight bouts before their studs got rolling. Bo and Isaac Jordan and Huston Evans all recorded falls, leading SPG to the dual title, 38-30.

This Week

NHSCA Wrestling Festival

#1 vs. #2. Can’t get much bigger than that!

Blair Academy is slated to square off against St. Edward in a dual that will probably decide the national title.

TOM will be there to call all the action with live audio.

Virginia Duals

A host of solid squads make up the Virginia Duals “National” bracket. #7-Canon McMillan is the top seed with HM-McDonogh the 4^th seed. HM-South Plainfield is the 3-seed opposite #13-Christiansburg.

Iowa City West Duals

A great quad will take place at #23-ICW’s gym. The Trojans host #4-Apple Valley, Marmion Academy, and Oak Park-River Forest.

Eastern States Classic

#9-Wyoming Seminary will take on the bulk of New York’s best teams.

Top Gun @ Alliance, Ohio

#11-St. Paris-Graham and #25-Massillon Perry will compete at the Top Gun.

Escape the Rock

#12-Bethlehem Catholic and HM-Colonial Forge headline the southeast PA tournament.

Detroit CC Super Duals

The best in Michigan will meet as #3-St. Johns and #10-Detroit Central Catholic will dual. #22-Montini is also there, looking to pull an upset.

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)

Last Week: Idle
This Week: vs. #2-St. Edward at NHSCA Wrestling Festival, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, Beast Champs, POWERade Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)

Last Week: State Duals Champs

This Week: vs. #1-Blair at NHSCA Wrestling Festival, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up, Clash Champs

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)

Last Week: Defeated DeWitt

This Week: Home Quad, Wed.; DCC Super Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs, Goodrich Champs

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota  (4)

Last Week: Won Cheesehead

This Week: Iowa City West Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Delano, 1^st – Minn. Christmas, Clash Runners-Up

#5 Clovis – California  (5)

Last Week: Doc B Champs

This Week: vs. Clovis East, Tue.; Temecula Valley Tourney Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments:  1^st – Newbury, 1^st - Clovis West Shootout, 1^st – Zinkin, Clash 3^rd,

#6 Brandon – Florida  (6)

Last Week: Beat King HS and Freedom HS

This Week:

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Cougar Invitational, 1^st – Graves, Clash 4^th

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)

Last Week: Beat Moon HS, and Cumberland Valley

This Week: Virginia Duals, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – North Canton

#8 Bettendorf – Iowa (9)

Last Week: Cheesehead 2^nd

This Week: @ Davenport Assumption, Thurs.; @ MAC Tournament Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Keith Young, 1^st – KC Classic

#9 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (8)

Last Week: Beat St. Anthony’s, 55-13

This Week: Eastern States Classic, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st - Clyde Cole, Ironman 4^th, Beast Runners-Up, Bethlehem Holiday Champs

#10 Detroit Central Catholic – Michigan  (10)

Last Week: Beat Oxford, 49-13; Won CC Invite with 5 Champs

This Week: Super Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Oakland County, Medina Champs

#11 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (11)

Last Week: Won DII State Duals

This Week: Top Gun Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 3^rd at Ironman, Clash 6^th

#12 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (12)

Last Week: Beat Central Catholic

This Week: Vs. Nazareth, Wed.; Escape the Rock Tournament

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd, Christmas City Champs

#13 Christiansburg – Virginia (13)

Last Week: 5-0 at home duals

This Week: Virginia Duals

Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7^th, Beast – 4^th, Clash 5^th

#14 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (14)

Last Week: State Duals Runners-Up

This Week: Catholic School Championships

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5^th, SW Ohio Champs, Clash 7^th

#15 Simley – Minnesota (15)

Last Week: Cheesehead 3^rd

This Week: Home Tri, Thurs.; Centennial Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Minn. Christmas Tournament, Clash 8^th

#16 Perry Meridian – Indiana (16)

Last Week: Beat Belmont

This Week: Conference Tournament, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Marion County, 1^st- North Montgomery

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (17)

Last Week: Cheesehead 4^th

This Week: vs. Urbandale, Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Gardner-Edgerton

#18 Poway – California (18)

Last Week: Doc B, 3^rd with 9 placers

This Week: Temecula Valley Invite, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – El Dorado, 1^st – La Quinta Duals, 1^st – Reno TOC

#19 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (19)

Last Week: Geary Tournament Champs

This Week:

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8^th

#20 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (20)

Last Week: Geary Tournament Runners-Up

This Week:

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Mid America Nationals, Reno Runners-Up

#21 Allen – Texas (25)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Cheesehead, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – The Woodlands, 3^rd – Mid America Nationals, 5^th – KC Classic, Texas Outlaw Champs

#22 Montini Catholic – Illinois (21)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Cheesehead, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, 15^th, Dvorak Champs

#23 Iowa City West – Iowa (22)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: @ CR-Jefferson, Thurs.; @ Lepic Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2^nd – Cedar Rapids Duals, 1^st – Battle of Waterloo, Dvorak – 3^rd

#24 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (23)

Last Week: 3^rd @ POWERade

This Week: @ Cumberland Valley, Thurs.; vs. Chambersburg, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Brandywine, 5^th – Beast

#25 Massillon Perry – Ohio (24)

Last Week: 3^rd @ State Duals

This Week: Alliance Top Gun

Season Accomplishments: 9^th – Ironman, 2^nd – KOM, Medina Runners-Up

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA

Blue Springs, MO

Bergen Catholic, NJ

Camden County, GA

Collins Hill, GA

Colonial Forge, VA

Foley, MN

Forest Lake, MN

Glenbard North, IL

Jefferson, GA

Longwood, NY

Lowell, MI

Luxemburg-Casco, WI

Kasson-Mantorville, MN

Kearney, MO

McDonogh School, MD

Marist, IL

Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA

Shenendehowa, NY

South Plainfield, NJ

St. Michael-Albertville, MN

Scott West, MN

Tuttle, OK

Wantagh, NY

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Whew!

That was fun.

An exciting weekend of wrestling with interesting results from around the country.

What isn’t fun? Having to sort the mess out and rank teams (and individuals) accordingly. (Ok, it’s still fun, but a bit of a chore with all the upsets and conflicting results.)

You might remember, in the Preseason rankings, a line I wrote about ‘tiers’ of teams, as opposed to a straight numerical order. A weekend like this is precisely why I wrote that; team A beats B, but loses to C, who gets beat by B. It’s all about match-ups.

In trying to sort it all out, here’s what last weekend gave us:

Medina Invitational

Detroit Central Catholic flexed its muscles at the Medina Tournament, leading wire-to-wire and toasting Runners-Up #24-Massillon Perry.

DCC won by 52pts with 5 finalists, 4 champs, and 9 total placers. Perry went 3-for-3 in the finals and placed 8 total.

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) was 3^rd, 26pts behind Perry.

While beating Perry in a tournament was a good start, we’ll get a better gauge on DCC later in the year when they dual St. Edward, St. Johns, And Archbishop Moeller.

POWERade Showdown

#1-Blair Academy flexed its muscles for the third time this year. First they won Ironman. Then the Beast. With half their line-up in the finals, The Bucs crowned four champs and placed 12 wrestlers overall in winning the POWERade over #7-Canon MacMillan.

Blair beat CM by nearly a third more points, 293 to 195.5.

Canon Mac had two champs on five finalists. They placed 8 guys overall.

#23-Central Dauphin was 3^rd with 130pts.

Clash X

Two full days of extremely competitive duals at The Clash still have my head spinning. The St. Paris-Graham-Clovis explosion was epic. And the Brandon-Apple Valley drama was closer than expected; down to the last bout.

Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City (colloquially referred to as ‘ACGC’) gave us a great show on the first day, knocking off 2^nd seeded Carl Sandburg.

In the end, it was St. Edward who came away with a well deserved title, and who put themselves in position to still keep hopes of a national title alive.

Here are the Clash seeds and their final results:

Seed                           Place                          Seed                           Place

1. St. Edward, OH              1                      17. Hastings, MN                23

2. Apple Valley, MN           2                      18. Coon Rapids, MN        16

3. Brandon, FL                    4                      19. Forest Lake, MN          9

4. Clovis, CA                         3                      20. Lux-Casco, WI              14

5. St. Paris, OH                    6                      21. Pierre, SD                      22

6. Simley, MN                      8                      22. Lewiston, ID                 21

7. Moeller, OH                    7                      23. Owatonna, MN           24

8. Carl Sandburg, IL           18                   24. Arrowhead, WI                       29

9. Christiansburg, VA        5                      25. ACGC                              15

10. Colonial Forge , VA     11                   26. Corona del Sol, AZ      30

11. St. Michael, MN           13                   27. RC Central, SD              27

12. Kass-Man, MN             12                   28. Prior Lake, MN                        25

13. Marist. IL                       17                   29. Anoka, MN                   31

14. Vacaville, CA                 19                   30. Ironwood, AZ               32

15. Baylor, TN                     20                   31. Mitchell, SD                  28

16. Jefferson, GA               10                   32. Punahou, HI                 26

Movement

There were a few spots of contention.

First, Brandon was much closer in their duals with Apple Valley and St. Edward than Clovis was. But, when it came to head-to-head, Clovis beat Brandon straight up.

The second tough dilemma came with St. Paris-Graham. They went 4-2 on the weekend, losing on criteria to Clovis, which is certainly forgivable. The tough part comes when analyzing their loss to Christiansburg in which SPG won just 5 of the 14 bouts. In the end, it was a match-up based situation, and SPG outplaced CBurg by a wide margin at the Ironman. I’m an equal opportunity type of guy; both tournament scoring and duals, and both past and present results from this season, are taken into consideration. In which case, I’ll split the difference. They’ll beat most teams in a dual, and just about everyone in a deep tournament.

The biggest drop this week comes from Simley, who went 3-3 and finished 8^th. They do have a chance to move back up this week, should they outplace Bettendorf. But they are really hurting in duals without the services of Kyle Gliva.

This Week

Cheesehead

In addition to the positions of Simley and Bettendorf, many other teams will face a sort of last national litmus test when they had to the Cheesehead, which will feature the top two teams from Iowa and Minnesota, the top team from Texas, and the #1 and #3 team from Wisconsin.

We’ll be live from Kaukauna for all championship rounds with audio and blog. Check back on Thursday for TOM’s Official Cheesehead Preview.

Doc Buchanan

The other big tournament on tap is in the Golden State. This time every year, California starts a string of big tournaments in which some of the best teams in the state convene. The first up just may be the best: the great Doc Buchanan, hosted by #5-Clovis, and featuring #18-Poway, HM-Bakersfield, and 24 TOM-ranked individuals. Additionally, 24 of the Top 30 teams, and 263 individuals (an average of 19 per weight class) are ranked in the state.

TOM’s Official “Doc B” Preview will also be released Thursday.

State Duals in Ohio

The best in the Buckeye State will battle it out on Sunday. Four TOM-ranked squads will take part: #2-St. Edward, #11-St. Paris-Graham, #14-Arcbishop Moeller, and #24-Massillon Perry.

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)

Last Week: Won POWERade
This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, Beast Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)

Last Week: Won Clash X – Wins over #4 Apple Valley 32-22, #5 Clovis, 36-13; #6 Brandon 37-27; and # 13 Christiansburg, 51-10

This Week: State Duals, Sun.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)

Last Week: Won Goodrich Invitational with 9 finalists

This Week: @ Dewitt, Wed.;

Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs,

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota  (4)

Last Week: 2^nd at Clash X – lost to #2 St. Edward, 32-22; beat #5 Clovis, 46-21; #6 Brandon, 31-29; #16 Archbishop Moeller, 45-17

This Week: Cheesehead, Fri/Sat

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Delano, 1^st – Minn. Christmas

#5 Clovis – California  (6)

Last Week: 3^rd at Clash X – lost to #2 St. Edward, 36-13; to #4 Apple Valley 46-21; beat #6 Brandon, 31-28; and #10 St. Paris Graham, 37-36

This Week: Doc Buchanan, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments:  1^st – Newbury, 1^st - Clovis West Shootout, 1^st – Zinkin

#6 Brandon – Florida  (5)

Last Week: 4^th at Clash – lost to #2 St. Edward 37-27; to #4 Apple Valley, 31-29; to #5 Clovis 31-28; beat # Simley 42-27

This Week:  Vs. King and Freedom, Wed.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Cougar Invitational, 1^st – Graves

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)

Last Week: POWERade Runners-Up

This Week: @ Moon, Wed.; vs Cumberland Valley, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – North Canton

#8 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (10)

Last Week: Won Liberty Holiday Classic

This Week: Vs. Storm King and Wingate, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st - Clyde Cole, Ironman 4^th, Beast Runners-Up

#9 Bettendorf – Iowa (13)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Cheesehead, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Keith Young, 1^st – KC Classic

#10 Detroit Central Catholic – Michigan  (12)

Last Week: Won Medina Tournament

This Week: @ Oxford, Wed.; @ CC Invitational, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Oakland County

#11 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (8)

Last Week: 6^th at Clash X – lost to #5 Clovis 37-36; and #12 Christiansburg, 38-27; beat #14 Simley 39-34; beat #15 Moeller, 36-32

This Week: State Duals, Sun.

Season Accomplishments: 3^rd at Ironman

#12 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (11)

Last Week: Won Christmas City Classic

This Week: Vs. Central Catholic, Wed.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd

#13 Christiansburg – Virginia (16)

Last Week: 5^th at Clash X – lost to #2 St. Edward, 51-10; to #14 Simley, 39-27; beat #13 St. Paris-Graham, 38-27; beat # 15 Moeller, 32-30

This Week: Home Duals

Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7^th, Beast – 4^th

#14 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (15)

Last Week: 7^th at Clash X – lost to #4 Apple Valley, 45-17; to #12 Christiansburg, 32-30; to #13 SPG 36-32; beat #15 Simley 33-27

This Week: State Duals, Sun.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5^th, SW Ohio Champs

#15 Simley – Minnesota (9)

Last Week: 8^th at Clash X – lost to #6 Brandon, 42-27; to #15 Moeller, 33-27; to #13 SPG, 39-34; beat #12 Christiansburg, 39-27

This Week: Cheesehead, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Minn. Christmas Tournament

#16 Perry Meridian – Indiana (14)

Last Week: 7-0 @ North Montgomery Tournament Holiday Duals

This Week: @ Belmont, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Marion County,

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (17)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Cheesehead, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Gardner-Edgerton

#18 Poway – California (18)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Doc Buchanan Tournament, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – El Dorado, 1^st – La Quinta Duals, 1^st – Reno TOC

#19 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (19)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: @ Ponca City, Tues.; @ Geary Tournament, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8^th

#20 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (20)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Vs. Claremore, Tues.; @ MacArthur, Thurs.; @ Geary Tournament, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Mid America Nationals, Reno Runners-Up

#21 Montini Catholic – Illinois (22)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Cheesehead, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, 15^th, Dvorak Champs

#22 Iowa City West – Iowa (23)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: @ CR-Jefferson, Thurs.; @ Lepic Duals, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2^nd – Cedar Rapids Duals, 1^st – Battle of Waterloo, Dvorak – 3^rd

#23 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (21)

Last Week: 3^rd @ POWERade

This Week: @ Cumberland Valley, Thurs.; vs. Chambersburg, Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Brandywine, 5^th – Beast

#24 Massillon Perry – Ohio (24)

Last Week: Medina Runners Up

This Week: @ Hoover/Boardman, Thurs.; State Duals, Sun.

Season Accomplishments: 9^th – Ironman, 2^nd – KOM

#25(tie) Collins Hill – Georgia (25)

Last Week: Won Tiger Holiday Classic, NC

This Week: Regional Duals, Wed.

Season Accomplishments:  10^th – Ironman, 2^nd – KC Classic, 2^nd – Maynard Duals

#25(tie) Allen – Texas (25)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Cheesehead, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – The Woodlands, 3^rd – Mid America Nationals, 5^th – KC Classic, Texas Outlaw Champs

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA

Blue Springs, MO

Bergen Catholic, NJ

Camden County, GA

Colonial Forge, VA

Foley, MN

Forest Lake, MN

Glenbard North, IL

Jefferson, GA

Longwood, NY

Lowell, MI

Luxemburg-Casco, WI

Kasson-Mantorville, MN

Kearney, MO

McDonogh School, MD

Marist, IL

Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA

Shenendehowa, NY

South Plainfield, NJ

St. Michael-Albertville, MN

Scott West, MN

Tuttle, OK

Wantagh, NY

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

With the holidays falling where they did, this weekend was rather quiet on the high school wrestling scene.

Although, there were a few nationally-relevant competitions, one of which really muddied the back half of the rankings picture:

The Dvorak

Annually one of Illinois’ toughest tournaments, this year’s edition produced interesting results. It was anticipated to be a showdown of two perennial powers: Iowa City West and Montini Catholic.

Montini came out on top with nine placers for 205.5pts. Iowa City West finished 27pts back with seven placer for 178.5. Marist was the surprising runners-up with 182.5.

The problem for ICW is balance. They are probably a better deep tournament team than Montini, but the Dvorak was rather thin this year, allowing Montini to surpass ICW’s studs with sheer numbers.

Further evidence from the Ironman, where Montini was just 15^th with two placers and 59 team points.

In short, I’ll take Montini in shallow tournaments and a dual over ICW, but favor ICW in deep tournaments over teams like Montini and Collins Hill.

Quite the conundrum. Teams in that range seem to be match-up based with results largely dependent upon tournament format.

Kyle Maynard Duals

Speaking of the Collins Hill Eagles, they had a good showing at their own Kyle Maynard Duals. They reached the finals where they faced #5 Brandon (FL).

Collins Hill got out to an early lead, but Brandon would ultimately take the dual 38-24, winning 9 of 14 bouts.

From the “Not Ordinary News” File

Collins Hill got bad news upon returning home from the Ironman. The Georgia State Athletic Association fined the program for participating against prep schools.  As such, the Eagles will be unable to compete at the POWERade this week, where Blair Academy will be.

Movement

The top 17 teams stay in order.

Iowa City West, which finished behind two (previously) unranked teams, moves back to 24 amid a cluster of talented teams with mixed results.

Collins Hill outplaced Montini at the Ironman by five places and 16pts.

Allen is a wildcard. They’ve wrestled most of the year missing key starters. Their superbowl will be the Cheesehead in two weeks, in what will ultimately determine their final assessment. I have them as a #25 with an asterisk until then.

This Week

After a relatively quiet week, we’ll have some monster events coming up. Here is a brief synopsis of what to look for:

Medina Invitational

Massillon-Perry was the surprise winner at last year’s King of the Mountain. That tourney win (over a highly regarded High Point, NJ team) put them on the national radar. And, after a solid 9^th place showing at the Ironman, MP looked to be on schedule one again.

But at the KOM this year, they finished a disappointing 2^nd to an entirely unrankable Erie McDowell squad.

This week they’ll seek some redemption as they’ll head to a field at the Medina that includes #12 Detroit Central Catholic.

POWERade Showdown

Realistically, #7 Canon-Mac shouldn’t be a serious threat to #1 Blair, but the POWERade should help us get a better gauge on them, along with #22 Central Dauphin, who was 5^th at the Beast, and HM-Pitt Central Catholic, who was 7^th there.

The Big Macs will be without one of their true studs, however, as state runner-up #8-Connor Schram will be a scratch. A true favorite for the top seed and a title, Schram’s absence will seriously cut in to CM’s point total.

Hurtin’ in the ‘Burgh

One team that will be hit hard with the injury bug will be Pitt CC, who will be without at least three starters. Nationally ranked Jason Luster may be lost for the season with a shoulder injury. Austin Coniker was injured at the Beast. And Beast Champ Perry Hills will also be a no-go.

Clash X

Eight of our Top 25 and five more HM’s will head to Rochester, MN for the tenth edition of The Clash, in what could be the best dual tournament ever held.

Ranked Participants: #2-St. Edward (OH), #4-Apple Valley (MN), #5-Brandon (FL), #6-Clovis (CA), #8-St. Paris-Graham (OH), #9-Simley (MN), #15-Moeller (OH), #16-Christiansburg (VA), HM-Carl Sandburg (IL), HM-Colonial Forge (VA), HM-Kasson-Mantorville (MN), HM-St. Michael-Albertville (MN), and HM-Marist (IL).

Stay tuned for previews and coverage from TheOpenMat in the coming days.

We’ll be live from Rochester for all championship rounds with audio and blog.

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)

Last Week: Idle
This Week: POWERade, Thursday/Friday

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, Beast Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)

Last Week: Beat Claymont, 59-17; beat Solon, 59-11

This Week: Clash X, Fri/Sat

Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: @ Goodrich Invitational, Friday

Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs,

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota  (4)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Clash X, Fri/Sat

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Delano, 1^st – Minn. Christmas

#5 Brandon – Florida  (5)

Last Week: Won Kyle Maynard Duals with win over #24 Collins Hill, 38-24

This Week:  Clash X, Fri/Sat

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Cougar Invitational, 1^st – Graves

#6 Clovis – California  (6)

Last Week: Partial squad at Coast Classic

This Week: Clash X, Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments:  1^st – Newbury, 1^st - Clovis West Shootout, 1^st – Zinkin

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)

Last Week: Beat North Allegheny, 46-12; Beat West Allegheny, 68-0

This Week: POWERade, Thursday/Friday

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – North Canton

#8 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (8)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Clash X, Fri/Sat

Season Accomplishments: 3^rd at Ironman

#9 Simley – Minnesota  (9)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Clash X, Fri/Sat

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Minn. Christmas Tournament

#10 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (10)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Liberty Holiday Classic

Season Accomplishments: 1^st - Clyde Cole, Ironman 4^th, Beast Runners-Up

#11 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (11)

Last Week: Beat Freedom, 64-3

This Week:

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6^th, Beast 3^rd

#12 Detroit Central Catholic – Michigan  (12)

Last Week: Beat Rockford, 53-4; Beat Hesperia, 48-22

This Week: @ Medina Invitational, Wed/Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Oakland County

#13 Bettendorf – Iowa (13)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Keith Young, 1^st – KC Classic

#14 Perry Meridian – Indiana (14)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: @ North Montgomery Tournament

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Marion County,

#15 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (15)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Clash X Fri/Sat.

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5^th, SW Ohio Champs

#16 Christiansburg – Virginia (16)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Clash X Fri/Sat

Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7^th, Beast – 4^th

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (17)

Last Week: Beat Ankeny 56-13

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Gardner-Edgerton

#18 Poway – California (19)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – El Dorado, 1^st – La Quinta Duals, 1^st – Reno TOC

#19 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (20)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8^th

#20 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (21)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Mid America Nationals, Reno Runners-Up

#21 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (22)

Last Week: Beat Harrisburg 61-10

This Week: POWERade Thurs/Fri.

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – Brandywine, 5^th – Beast

#22 Montini Catholic – Illinois (HM)

Last Week: Won Dvorak

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: Ironman, 15^th

#23 Iowa City West – Iowa (18)

Last Week: 3^rd at Dvorak

This Week: Idle

Season Accomplishments: 2^nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2^nd – Cedar Rapids Duals, 1^st – Battle of Waterloo

#24 Massillon Perry – Ohio (23)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: @ Medina Invitational, Wed/Thurs.

Season Accomplishments: 9^th – Ironman, 2^nd – KOM

#25(tie) Collins Hill – Georgia (24)

Last Week: Runners-Up at Kyle Maynard Duals to #5 Brandon, 38-24

This Week: Tiger Holiday Classic, NC

Season Accomplishments:  10^th – Ironman, 2^nd – KC Classic

#25(tie) Allen – Texas (25)

Last Week: Won Texas Outlaw Tournament

This Week: Dallas Dual Qualifier, Saturday

Season Accomplishments: 1^st – The Woodlands, 3^rd – Mid America Nationals, 5^th – KC Classic

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA

Blue Springs, MO

Bergen Catholic, NJ

Camden County, GA

Carl Sandburg, IL

Colonial Forge, VA

Foley, MN

Glenbard North, IL

Longwood, NY

Lowell, MI

Kasson-Mantorville, MN

Kearney, MO

McDonogh School, MD

Marist, IL

Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA

Shenendehowa, NY

South Plainfield, NJ

St. Michael-Albertville, MN

Scott West, MN

Tuttle, OK

Wantagh, NY

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Willie Saylor, Editor

I’m a day behind.

Team Rankings always come out on Tuesdays. Individuals, on Wednesdays.

This week presented a different challenge, as I flew out to take in the Minnesota Christmas Tournament, and to shoot The Clash Selection Show .

It threw off my schedule, so, apologies for my tardiness.

Last weekend was one of the biggest in terms of deep, national competition involving the country’s best squads. There were at least four events that featured multiple ranked teams.

Here’s a quick briefing on them:

Beastin’

Blair has always had a stranglehold on The Beast of the East. In the 18 years of its existence, Blair won it 15 times. They were twice 2nd and once 3rd. In this, the 19th year of the Beast, Blair won their 16th title by a whopping margin, beating runners-up Wyoming Seminary by 142.5pts. The Bucs put more than half their line-up in the finals as five individuals won titles and three more finished 2nd. In total, 13 Bucs placed.

The biggest star was Mark Grey (132lbs) who became the first individual to ever win four Beast of the East crowns.
Behind Blair (NJ) and WySem (PA) in the team standings were Bethlehem Catholic (PA), Christiansburg (VA), and Central Dauphin (PA).

Colonial Forge (VA), Pitt CC (PA), McDonogh (MD), and Jackson (NJ), rounded out the top ten.

Other than Blair, no one crowned multiple champions, and only BECA (4) had multiple finalists.

Teams by placers: Blair – 13, WySem and BECA – 6, Central Dauphin – 5, CBurg – 4

Minnesota Christmas

A great tradition in the land of lakes, the Christmas Tournament, I’m told, carries perhaps more prestige than the individual state tournament.

Viewing the event first hand, I can see why. Many of the champs here will go on to win state titles. And the tournament wipes out the class system, pitting many of the best across the state, head-to-head, including the #1 AAA school, Apple Valley, and the #1 AA school, Simley.

It would have been a tall task for Simley to take out Valley at full strength. But with Simley down two starters, it proved impossible, as Valley cruised to the title by nearly triple digits. In all, the Eagles landed seven in the finals, and crowned five champs.

Kansas City Classic

The folks at the KC Classic outdid themselves this year, putting together a dynamite field, including seven teams that have appeared in the Clinch Gear rankings or on our honorable mention list.

Bettendorf (IA) claimed the title with two champs, two runners-up, and three more placers. The Bulldogs were followed by Georgia power Collins Hill, Blue Springs (MO), Tuttle (OK), and Allen (TX).

And so I get off a plane for a layover in Detroit when I get a text from Allen uber-stud, Oliver Pierce saying: “you probably already know this, but we finished fifth. Just wanted to tell ya not to count us out yet. We’ll be full strength for the Cheesehead.”

Well, ya know what, Ollie. You have a point.

With Fargo AA Nick Cobb (195) and state runner-up Matt Meyer, Allen would have been at the very least, 3rd.

I’ll give Allen the benefit of the doubt, but get your boys ready to roll in Wisconsin, Ollie!

The Great Northwest

Tri-State, held in Coeur d’ Alene, ID, is perhaps the deepest tournament the Northwest has to offer, with many nationally ranked individuals.

Mead (WA) won the title this year with individual championships from the Rogers (Chandler and Jordan) brothers.

Lewiston (ID), with seven placers, finished second, followed by Post Falls (ID), Lake Stevens (WA), and Tahoma (WA).

Iowa Battle

Iowa City-West bested all comers at the dual tournament Battle of Waterloo.

The Trojans went undefeated in pool play, then beat West Des Moines, Waverly-Shell Rock, and West Delaware to take the crown.

Rollin’ in Reno

There were murmurs that Poway would be tough this year. Last weekend, they removed any and all doubt. The Titans 12 placers doubled that of runners-up Tulsa Union, who had six.

Easton (PA), Roseburg (OR), and Pleasant Valley (PA), rounded out the top five.

Well, Hello!

The Clinch Gear National Team Rankings feature two new squads this week.

Collins Hill moves to #24 after a runner-up finish at KC.

Poway’s Reno demolition has them debuting at #17.

This Week

With Christmas falling on the weekend this year, it’s a light week as far as the national schedule goes. However there are a few interesting events of note.

Illinois best in-state tournament is this week. Powerful programs in the field: #18 Iowa City West, HM-Glenbard North, HM-Montini Catholic, and Oak Park-River Forest.

#5 Clovis and Gilroy, who is ranked 5th in the Golden State, will be at the Coast Classic in a deep individual field.

#24 Collins Hill (GA) will host the Kyle Maynard Duals on Wednesday with #7 Brandon (FL). Other teams of note include Osceola (FL), Jesuit (LA), Peachtree Ridge (GA), Bremen (GA), and Baylor (TN).

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)
Last Week: Beast of the East Champs
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: Ironman Champs

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)
Last Week: Beat St. Ignatius, 68-3; Walsh Jesuit, 58-15
This Week: @ Claymont, Friday
Season Accomplishments: Ironman Runners-Up

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)
Last Week: Defeated Hartland 57-13
This Week:
Season Accomplishments: Lansing Champs,

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota (4)
Last Week: Won Minnesota Christmas Tournament
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Delano

#5 Brandon – Florida (5)
Last Week: Won Hills County Divisional Tournament
This Week: @ Collins Hill, Wed.
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Cougar Invitational, 1st – Graves

#6 Clovis – California (6)
Last Week: Won Zinkin Classic, 10 Finalists, 5 Champs
This Week: @ Coast Classic
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Newbury, 1st – Clovis West Shootout

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)
Last Week: Won North Canton Holiday Classic, 6 Champs, 8 finalists, 12 Top 4
This Week: @ West Allegheny, Wed.; Vs. North Allegheny, Sat.
Season Accomplishments:

#8 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (8)
Last Week: Won four Duals at Canfield
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: 3rd at Ironman

#9 Simley – Minnesota (9)
Last Week: Runners Up at Minnesota Christmas Tournament
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments:

#10 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (10)
Last Week: Runners-Up at Beast of the East
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Clyde Cole, Ironman 4th

#11 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (11)
Last Week: Beast 3rd
This Week: @ Emmaus, Wed.; @ Freedom, Thursday
Season Accomplishments: Ironman 6th

#12 Detroit Central Catholic – Michigan (12)
Last Week: Won Oakland County Tournament, 8 Champs on 10 Finalists
This Week: @ Rockford and Hesperia, Wed.
Season Accomplishments:

#13 Bettendorf – Iowa (13)
Last Week: Won KC Classic, 4 Finalists, 2 Champs
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Keith Young

#14 Perry Meridian – Indiana (19)
Last Week: Won Marion County Tournament, 8 Champs
This Week: County Tournament
Season Accomplishments:

#15 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (14)
Last Week: Won Southwest Ohio Tournament, 3 Champs, 4 Thirds
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: Ironman 5th

#16 Christiansburg – Virginia (16)
Last Week: 4th at Beast
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: Ironman – 7th

#17 Southeast Polk – Iowa (18)
Last Week: Undefeated in Home Quad
This Week: vs Ankeny, Tues.
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Gardner-Edgerton

#18 Iowa City West – Iowa (20)
Last Week: Won Battle of Waterloo Duals
This Week: Dvorak Tournament, Machesney Park, IL
Season Accomplishments: 2nd – Gardner Edgerton, 2nd – Cedar Rapids Duals

#19 Poway – California (HM)
Last Week: Won Reno, 1 Champ, 1 Runner-Up, 13 placers
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: 1st – El Dorado, 1st – La Quinta Duals

#20 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (15)
Last Week: Bixby Tournament
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: Ironman 8th

#21 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (22)
Last Week: Reno Runners-Up, 2 Champs, 6 Placers
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Mid America Nationals

#22 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (21)
Last Week: 5th at Beast
This Week: Vs. Harrisburg, Wed.
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Brandywine

#23 Massillon Perry – Ohio (17)
Last Week: Runners-Up at King of the Mountain, 2 Champs on 4 finalists
This Week: Idle
Season Accomplishments: 9th – Ironman

#24 Collins Hill – Georgia
Last Week: Runners-Up at KC Classic
This Week: Home Duals, Including Brandon, FL
Season Accomplishments: 3rd – Cougar Invite, 10th – Ironman

#25 Allen – Texas (23)
Last Week: 3rd at Mid America Nationals
This Week: Kansas City Classic
Season Accomplishments: 1st – The Woodlands, 3rd – Mid America Nationals, 5th – KC Classic

Dropped Out: #24 Carl Sandburg, IL; #25 Tuttle, OK

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA
Blue Springs, MO
Camden County, GA
Carl Sandburg, IL
Colonial Forge, VA
Foley, MN
Glenbard North, IL
Longwood, NY
Lowell, MI
Kasson-Mantorville, MN
Kearney, MO
McDonogh School, MD
Montini Catholic, IL
Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA
Shenendehowa, NY
South Plainfield, NJ
St. Anthony’s, NY
St. Michael-Albertville, MN
Scott West, MN
Timber Creek, NJ
Tuttle, OK
Wantagh, NY
Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Willie Saylor, Editor

Ironman

The big news this week was the results from the Ironman, which went as expected, albeit a little closer than anticipated with #1-Blair edging #2-St. Edward.

The two schools were well ahead of the rest of the pack. #8-St. Paris-Graham was 3rd, 77.5 pts off the pace.

The biggest mover of the week comes from Archbishop Moeller, a pleasant surprise, placing 5th at Ironman ahead of several teams ranked ahead of them. But their results should be put in perspective; they had just one 4th place finisher with the rest being 5th or lower. And, most of their placers were in the thinnest of weight classes.

That being said, they were without their starting heavyweight. We have them tentatively slotted at #14, with plenty of opportunity to move up with many premier dates on their schedule.

Bethlehem Catholic and Wyoming Seminary flip positions at #’s 10/11.

Movement

Bettendorf is up four spots after handling Iowa City West, 34-21 in the Cedar Rapids Dual final.

The biggest drop of the week comes from Allen, TX, who had a disappointing showing at the Mid America Nationals. They placed 3rd behind Tulsa Union and Tuttle. However, they were without a star at 195. We’ll see if they can rebound this week in a loaded field at the Kansas City Classic.

Well, Hello!

The Clinch Gear National Team Rankings feature three new squads this week as they move up from the Honorable Mention ranks.

After viewing Perry Meridians line-up, it appears we underestimated them. They are feature a great combo of top-end power and balance.

Carl Sandburg also checks in. While they didn’t face the stiffest of competition in winning the Wheeling tournament, their line-up is certainly formidable.

Tuttle, OK moves from HM to #25 after a 2nd place finish at the Mid America Nationals, behind Tulsa and ahead of Allen. We’ll see if they can keep it going in KC.

This Week

What a great week of wrestling we’ll have, as major events will be staged all across the country.

In Delaware, The Beast of the East will feature several of the top ranked teams.

The Kansas City Wrestling Classic is absolutely loaded.

Reno, with its monster-sized brackets, is this weekend.

And in what is nearly a one-class state championship, the Minnesota Christmas Tournament will also be held in Rochester. Which we will be at.

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)
Last Week: Won Ironman by 12 points over #2 St. Ed’s.
This Week: Beast of the East

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)
Last Week: 2nd at Ironman behind #1 Blair.
This Week: St. Ignatius, Thurs.; Walsh Jesuit, Sat.

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)
Last Week: Won Lansing Eastern Invitational with 12 of 14 Champs
This Week: vs. Fowlerville, Wed., @ Holland Invitational, Sat.

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota (4)
Last Week: Won Delano Tournament
This Week: Minnesota Christmas Tournament

#5 Brandon – Florida (5)
Last Week: Won Graves Invitational, Camden County (GA) 2nd
This Week: Hills County Divisional Tournament
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Cougar Invitational

#6 Clovis – California (6)
Last Week: Won Clovis West Shootout
This Week: Zinkin Classic
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Newbury

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)
Last Week: Won five duals, Conneaut Lake, 76-3; Seneca Valley, 71-0; Erie Prep 63-3; Brookville, 60-12, Greenville, 63-12.
This Week: vs. Upper St. Clair, Wed., @ North Canton Holiday Classic, Sat.

#8 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (8)
Last Week: 3rd @ Ironman behind #1 Blair and #2 St. Eds
This Week: Canfield Duals, Sunday

#9 Simley – Minnesota (9)
Last Week: Won three duals, Prior Lake, 52-10; Farmington 53-6; Montgomery-Lonsdale 59-3
This Week: Minnesota Christmas Tournament

#10 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (11)
Last Week: 4th at Ironman
This Week: Beast of the East
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Clyde Cole

#11 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (10)
Last Week: 6th at Ironman
This Week: Beast of the East

#12 Detroit Central Catholic – Michigan (13)
Last Week: Defeated Davison, 54-9; Won 5 duals at Rocket Duals
This Week: @ Oakland County Tournament

#13 Bettendorf – Iowa (17)
Last Week: Won Cedar Rapids Duals over Iowa City West, 34-21
This Week: Kansas City Classic
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Keith Young

#14 Archbishop Moeller – Ohio (24)
Last Week: 5th at Ironman
This Week: Southwest Ohio Tournament

#15 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (18)
Last Week: 8th at Ironman
This Week: Bixby Tournament

#16 Christiansburg – Virginia (14)
Last Week: 7th at Ironman
This Week: Beast of the East

#17 Massillon Perry – Ohio (19)
Last Week: 9th at the Ironman
This Week: King of the Mountain

#18 Southeast Polk – Iowa (18)
Last Week: @ Waukee, Tues.; Sat. home tournament.
This Week: Home Quad
Season Accomplishments: 1st – Gardner-Edgerton

#19 Perry Meridian – Indiana (HM)
Last Week: Defeated Roncalli, 52-12; Avon, 70-0; and Greenfield Central, 58-12
This Week: County Tournament

#20 Iowa City West – Iowa (19)
Last Week: 2nd @ Cedar Rapids Duals to #15 Bettendorf, 34-21
This Week: Waterloo Duals
Season Accomplishments: 2nd – Gardner Edgerton

#21 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (20)
Last Week: Won Brandywine Tournament, 10 finalists, 8 champs
This Week: Beast of the East

#22 Tulsa Union – Oklahoma (23)
Last Week: 1st at Mid America Nationals, Tuttle 2nd, Allen 3rd
This Week: Reno Tournament of Champions

#23 Allen – Texas (12)
Last Week: 3rd at Mid America Nationals
This Week: Kansas City Classic
Season Accomplishments: 1st – The Woodlands, 3rd – Mid America Nationals

#24 Carl Sandburg – Illinois (HM)
Last Week: 1st at Wheeling Invitational
This Week: at Hinsdale Invite

#25 Tuttle – Oklahoma (HM)
Last Week: 2nd at Mid America Nationals
This Week: Kansas City Classic

Honorable Mention

Bakersfield, CA
Collinsville, OK
Collins Hill, GA
Colonial Forge, VA
Foley, MN
Glenbard North, IL
Longwood, NY
Lowell, MI
Kasson-Mantorville, MN
McDonogh School, MD
Montini Catholic, IL
Park Hill, MO
Poway, CA
Shenendehowa, NY
South Plainfield, NJ
St. Anthony’s, NY
Timber Creek, NJ
Waverly-Shell Rock, IA
Wisconsin Rapids, WI

All questions and comments will be answered on our High School forum. Please direct your concerns there.

FORUMS

Again, we know we are far from perfect, but we do our best to stay on top of things, there are a lot of wrestlers across the nation. If you feel we are overlooking someone or are unaware of them, please send us a bio or fill out the ranking profile and a RESPECTFUL note as to why they should be ranked. This does not mean we will rank them, but it will give us info to follow that wrestler. You can send info to rankings@theopenmat.com

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HWT

Willie Saylor, Editor

Last week we unveiled our Preseason team rankings. And while there was only a limited schedule of top teams in action this week, we’ll keep you up to speed with the results from last weekend schedules of all the top teams heading into the next.

The biggie, of course, is the Ironman tournament in Ohio. Watch for our official preview for that tournament Thursday, with live audio and chat coming for all rounds on Friday and Saturday.

*(Last week’s rank)

#1 Blair Academy – New Jersey (1)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Ironman

#2 St. Edward – Ohio (2)
Last Week: Defeated Oregon Clay, 52-12; Defeated CVCA, 54-12
This Week: Ironman

#3 St. Johns– Michigan (3)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Davison Invitational

#4 Apple Valley – Minnesota (4)
Last Week: Defeated Prior Lake 52-6
This Week: @ Delano Tournament

#5 Brandon – Florida (5)
Last Week: Won Cougar Invitational, Camden (GA) 2nd
This Week: Graves Invitational

#6 Clovis – California (6)
Last Week: Newbury Park Invite
This Week: Clovis West Shootout

#7 Canon McMillan – Pennsylvania (7)
Last Week: Defeated Ft. LeBeouf
This Week: @ Sheetz Tournament

#8 St. Paris Graham – Ohio (8)
Last Week: Defeated Huntington
This Week: Ironman

#9 Simley – Minnesota (9)
Last Week: Defeated Chisago Lakes, 42-18
This Week: Thurs: Tri-Meet; Sat.: Prior Lake Duals

#10 Bethlehem Catholic – Pennsylvania (10)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Ironman

#11 Wyoming Seminary – Pennsylvania (11)
Last Week: Won Clyde Cole Invitational with 8 champs.
This Week: Ironman

#12 Allen – Texas (12)
Last Week: Won The Woodlands Tournament, Klein Oak (TX) 2nd
This Week: Mid-American Nationals (Tulsa, OK)

#13 Detroit Central Catholic – Michigan (13)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Vs. Davison, Wed.; @ Rocket Duals (Westland John Glenn), Sat.

#14 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (18)
Last Week: Defeated Bixby and Bartelsville
This Week: Ironman

#15 Bettendorf – Iowa (17)
Last Week: Won Keith Young Invitational, West DM Valley, 2nd
This Week: Cedar Rapids Duals

#16 Christiansburg – Virginia (14)
Last Week: Defeated West Stokes (NC), 71-6; Defeated Franklin County, 53-24.
This Week: Ironman

#17 Massillon Perry – Ohio (19)
Last Week: @ Hawkens HS
This Week: Ironman

#18 Southeast Polk – Iowa (21)
Last Week: Won Gardner-Edgerton Tournament, #15-Iowa City West, 2nd
This Week: @ Waukee, Tues.; Sat. home tournament.

#19 Iowa City West – Iowa (15)
Last Week: 2nd to #21, Southeast Polk @ Gardner-Edgerton Tournament
This Week: Cedar Rapids Duals

#20 Central Dauphin – Pennsylvania (20)
Last Week: Idle
This Week: @ Brandywine Tournament

Dropped Out:
#16-Wisconsin Rapids: Lost to Mukwonago, 36-33.

Honorable Mention
Bakersfield, CA
Carl Sandburg, IL
Collinsville, OK
Colonial Forge, VA
Glenbard North, IL
Kasson-Mantorville, MN
Longwood, NY
Lowell, MI
McDonogh School, MD
Moeller, OH
Montini Catholic, IL
Park Hill, MO
Poway, CA
Perry Meridian, IN
Shenendehowa, NY
South Plainfield, NJ
St. Anthony’s, NY
Timber Creek, NJ
Tulsa Union, OK
Tuttle, OK
Waverly-Shell Rock, IA
WisconsinRapids, WI