Sunday, July 04, 1999
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS COLUMN
Local wrestling club gives sport momentum
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
Enquirer contributor
Despite one of the worst performances in years by Cincinnati wrestlers at the state meet, prospects appear bright for future seasons.
This optimistic outlook can be traced to the Cincinnati Wrestling Club, an organization formed several years ago to promote and upgrade the quality of the sport in Cincinnati.
“Wrestling isn't exactly a premier sport in Cincinnati,” said Clyde Findley, a state qualifier at Avon Lake and father of Moeller senior Brad.
“When I had the opportunity to jump in and do something, I took advantage of it. But Jim Monnig deserves most of the credit. The club was his idea and he got it started.”
The need for an offseason program is apparent, with only one Cincinnati wrestler, Sycamore's Omar Scruggs, winning a state title in 1999.
As in past years, Cleveland and other Northern Ohio athletes dominated at the state meet, a trend that probably will continue in future years while Cincinnati plays catch-up.
While Monnig started the club, Moeller assistant coach Neil Ryan and club president David Sellet (father of Harrison 1997 state champion Adam) have been the driving forces behind the rapid growth with nearly 300 athletes (grades seven through 12),participating this season compared to 174 in 1998.
“We start junior high in February and high school in March,” Ryan said.
Two nights a week through May, the wrestlers practiced at Princeton High School, with more than 20 coaches from Cincinnati schools volunteering their time.
“Can you imagine 20 football coaches getting together to help players from other schools?” Ryan said. “In Cincinnati, we want what is best for our kids.”
While Ryan is confident the growth will continue, he also is aware that this is just the beginning.
“In Cleveland, they start wrestling in the third grade and Indiana has programs that begin in the first grade,” Ryan said. “Next year we will invite fifth and sixth graders.”
Last week, Matt McIntire from Lakota West and Glen Este's Arlen Lampe won freestyle championships at an international meet in Rhode Island.
Five others (Joel Cottone, Milford Jr. High; David Candy, Moeller; Chris McIntire, Lakota West; Bobby Lyons, Moeller and Brad Findley, Moeller), took second place in freestyle at the same meet.
Tim Kelly (Reading), Josh Shepard (Oak Hills) and Brandon Allen (Loveland) finished second in Greco-Style, also at the Rhode Island meet.
“I think we're closing the gap,” said Lampe, who has compiled a 85-18 record in three years at Glen Este.
The ultimate goal of Ryan, Findley and Sellet is to secure a permanent facility for the club.
PROBATION LEVIED: Following an investigation of charges of illegal recruiting, the Massillon Washington football team was placed on three years probation by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
Independent investigators Greg Beck and Don Wiley were retained by the OHSAA and presented their findings to commissioner Clair Muscaro, who made the final decision.
If the football team qualifies to the Division I playoffs, they will be allowed to participate but will not receive any financial payments other than team meal money.
JOB HUNTING: Goshen has the following openings: varsity girls basketball, reserve volleyball and reserve girls soccer. Contact Bill Schmidbauer at 722-2222 or John Stowe at 722-2227.
Bethel-Tate is looking for a junior varsity volleyball coach and several assistant varsity football coaches. Call Rick Wilson at 734-2271.
Purcell Marian neds a varsity girls tennis coach. Contact Tom Nerl at 487-3122.
OFF TO COLLEGE: Lisa Allgeier, the only senior on Mount Notre Dame's Division I state champion volleyball team, has accepted a grant-in-aid from Bellarmine College, Louisville, Ky.
During the state championship victory over Mentor, Allgeier, a 5-foot-11 middle hitter, recorded 18 serving points for a Cougar team that went from 4-20 in 1997 to state champions in 1998.
Brandy Dewar, a soccer standout at Norwood, will continue her career at Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Ky.
VOLLEYBALL CAMP: Kings coach Julie Haverkos will conduct a volleyball camp from July 26-30 at the school. Contact the Athletic Department at 459-2937, ext. 102.
Sports Stories
REDS 10, ASTROS 0
The bad news: Harnisch still in pain
Astros-Reds a box office hit
Box, runs
REDS NOTEBOOK
Five questions with Pokey Reese
Reds' bullpen unconventional, unsurpassed
