Friday, February 23, 2001
District wrestling preview
By Chris Yeager
Enquirer contributor
Cincinnati area wrestlers continue their march to Columbus at district tournaments this weekend. A few are still undefeated.
Kings' John Velez (112 pounds), Lakota West's Matt McIntire (135), Fairfield's Mike Wahoff (145) and Lakota East's Hetag Pliev (171) still have unblemished records in Division I, as does Reading's D.J. Engel in Division III.
Led by Nick Spatola, Elder is hoping to place a number of wrestlers into the state meet the first weekend in March. Seven Panthers qualified for the district tournament. Winton Woods' Ian Ruth might get another opportunity to take on Wahoff, who beat Ruth in the final seconds of their Coaches' Classic final in December.
Moeller, Harrison, Fairfield, and Dayton Carroll will probably battle for the Division I team title. The tournament is held at Fairfield High School.
Moeller qualified 11 wrestlers in taking the St. Xavier sectional last weekend. Harrison qualified 10 while winning the Fairfield sectional. Runner-up to Harrison, Fairfield has 11 district qualifiers, the same as Dayton Carroll.
Moeller coach Jeff Gaier downplayed the Crusaders' role as tourney favorites.
“You never know at this point in time with kids,” Gaier said. “What's most important right now is that they have their heads on right.”
Gaier said the team that places the most wrestlers in the state tournament will probably take the team championship.
“I think this is the toughest district,” Gaier said.
In Division II, Purcell-Marian coach Terry Meinking said everyone will be chasing St. Paris Graham for the district team trophy in Wilmington.
“Graham is the big dog,” Meinking said. “Franklin will be right there, though.”
Franklin won the Division II sectional at Purcell-Marian last weekend, placing eight wrestlers in the district meet. Purcell also qualified eight, with Roger Bacon placing seven.
“We need a little help,” Meinking said of the Cavaliers' team chances. “Having 40 teams spreads out the points and that can help us.”
Reading and Madeira have been fighting it out all season. Reading won the CHL title, while Madeira won the sectional crown. Reading coach Dick Engel predicts a very competitive race for the Division III district meet at Xenia High School.
“Brookville is a little down this year. Carlisle won its sectional but it was a bit weak,” Engel said. “We and Madeira have a good shot.”
Madeira qualified 11 wrestlers to the district meet, with Reading placing 10. Engel noted Versailles, along with Carlisle, as other strong contenders for the team title.
SCHEDULES
• : 2:15 p.m. today at .Resumes , with p.m.
• :Starts at 2:30 p.m. today at . Resumes a.m. Saturday • Division III: from-7today at Xania High School. ResumesSaturday
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District wrestling preview