Friday, February 16, 2001
N.Ky. wrestlers defend state titles
By Ray Schaefer
Enquirer contributor
Scott's Jason Daviaux and Simon Kenton's Chad Dalton.
(Jeff Swinger photo)
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Simon Kenton senior Chad Dalton plans to eat lots of candy Saturday night, and Scott senior Jason Daviaux might reveal the meaning of the tattoo on his right arm. But first, Dalton and Daviaux will chase their second straight state wrestling titles, beginning with today's matches at Farnham Dudgeon Civic Center in Frankfort.
Daviaux wants to add the 125-pound championship to last season's 112-pound title, and Dalton has moved from 140 to 145.
Coaches apparently think Dalton and Daviaux can pull it off. They have each been ranked first all season, and neither has lost to a Kentucky wrestler this season.
Dalton said all the work he put in last summer has helped him this season.
“I think I'm stronger now,” Dalton said.
Daviaux said last season's tournament makes this one a bit easier to win.
“I just know what it's like,” Daviaux said.
Dalton and Daviaux are similar in a few ways. Both started wrestling in the sixth grade; and both are well over 30 wins for the season (Daviaux is 40-1 with 11 pins, Dalton is 36-2 with 25 pins).
They've also been good for a long time. Daviaux carries a 160-20 career record, while Dalton is 116-38.
But Dalton and Daviaux have traveled different roads to the finish of their high school careers.
Dalton has battled injuries. In the opening round of the 1999 tournament, he separated some ribs from his sternum, and he won last season despite breaking his left hip the week before the district meet.
“When I was wrestling on the mat, (the hip) didn't hurt; it was adrenaline,” Dalton said of last season's win. “Off the mat, it hurt ... I think the injury helped me back. I think I'm more focused.”
Dalton never wants to experience anything like last week's regional final against South Oldham's Nick Fiser. Dalton maneuvered behind Fiser for a takedown when ...
“He planted his arm straight on the mat,” Dalton said. “He locked his arm, his elbow went the opposite way it was supposed to. That was a terrible experience; now he has no chance (to compete at state).”
Daviaux has had an injury-free career. Last week, he became the first Scott wrestler to win four consecutive regional titles (he also has three district championships).
Two seasons ago, he finished second at 112 pounds to Louisville St. Xavier's Isaac Knable, but said his only goal was to beat Franklin County's Chad Hayden in the semifinals.
“I was satisfied with second,” Daviaux said.
Like Dalton, Daviaux credits summer workouts for this season's success.
“I've just got a greater variety of takedowns,” Daviaux said. “I just became a better wrestler.”
Does a wrestler have to have a certain style to win this weekend? Dalton and Daviaux said it's a mental game.
“If the pin's there, I'm going for it,” Dalton said. “Just wrestling smart is the key.”
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N.Ky. wrestlers defend state titles