First and foremost, Ockerman was a great host today! Hospitality room was great, the ref's were consistant, and the facility was very nice and clean.
Big prop to Jon Eschan who ran a great tournament along with all the help from Ockerman at tables getting us out of there by 3:45.
Thoughts:
WIth out Turkeyfoot this tournament really lacked overall depth. Only 73 kids in the tournment and not a who lot of quality matches up uptil the finals. With that being said there were still competitive match ups all days.
- MOW went to Blake Roth.
- Walton won the tournament running away, followed by Ryle then Conner.
- Jacob Grandstaff might be the best kid in the state at 70. I know Holub dropped to 70 but until I see him I will say Grandstaff is the kid to beat here. Hopefully Shay's shoulder is better by next week, looks like he got it tourqued against Grandstaff several times. Also big props to Samuel Grandstaff who wrestled Shay to a 2-1 match in the semi's. If both Grandstaff's win their first round match up's next weekend they will have to wrestle in the semi's which will suck for the other coach and myself.
- Blake Roth will get him a state title this year. With Yenter dropping down to 75 I think Blake is kid to beat at this weight class.
- Mason Smith got caught on his back twice today. First time wasn't to big of deal, but against Chaffee he was in some big trouble. Outside of Chaffee putting Smith on his back, Mason controlled the match for the most part winning I think 12-6 or 12-7. I think Mason is still a favorite at this weight class. Really want to see him get a state title as he is one of my favorite wrestlers to watch.
- Woodward from Walton looked super strong, will definently do well at state.
- Not a lot of competition between 120 and up.
- Walton's 190 has the build of a good wrestler, would like to see him tested against another bigger and stronger wrestler.
- Coltyn Kearn's is a man amoung boys. I was blown away last year by Landon Young size and then I seen Kearns this year and WOW! If he isn't the best in the state then I don't know who is. I know he has been with the high school all year and should score a lot of bonus points at regions and state.
- Lastly not a whole lot of suprises today, biggest might be Walton's 3rd string 75 pounder wrestling his way to the finals with a win of Brossart in the quarter's. Boyd came in as the 3 seed and wrestled a great match against Harris winning in overtime then beating Higgins 7-2 in the finals. Outside of those two nothing else stands out.
Can't wait to see everyone next weekend at Gray.
Everybody stay HEALTHY!