Friday, March 23, 2001
N.Ky. wrestling all-stars
Blackmore, Daviaux share top honors
By Ray Schaefer
Enquirer contributor
It's not certain whether Ryle senior Jordan Blackmore or Scott senior Jason Daviaux will wrestle in college. One thing was certain this season. Blackmore and Daviaux - The Enquirer's Co-Wrestlers of the Year - turned in the strongest seasons.
In a year that produced four state champions altogether (Simon Kenton sophomore Brad Cooper and Campbell County senior Mike Ramsey won the 119- and 275-pound crowns, respectively), Blackmore and Daviaux stood out. Blackmore compiled a 50-1 record on the way to the 135-pound title, while Daviaux grabbed the 125 championship with a 44-1 mark.
Blackmore earned a trip to Jamaica from older brother Brett and stayed glued to the television once he returned.
“I've watched my state tournament tape about 10 times,” Blackmore said. “It was a perfect year. It was the way I wanted to go out - three district and three region (titles).
Blackmore dominated the field - two pins (including the title match over Simon Kenton's Josh Sharon), a 19-3 technical fall over Eric Case of Harrison County in the quarterfinals and a 17-4 major decision over Matt Goode of Woodford County in the semifinals.
College is a certainty, but Blackmore might go to the University of Cincinnati to study fashion design.
“Wrestling is undecided now; it's a tough decision,” Blackmore said. “I guess my time for wrestling might be up. It's not official, but at least I went out with a win.”
Daviaux's title was his second (he won the 112 crown last season). He also made school history by becoming the first wrestler to win four district and regional titles.
At state, Daviaux breezed through the 125-pound division nearly as easily - no wrestler scored more than six points at the state meet.
“I just had a better technique (this year); I was mentally stronger,” Daviaux said. “I prepared myself. I knew what I had to do to make it there.”
Campbell County coach Mike Bankemper - the Coach of the Year - knows how to win, too. After finishing second to Ryle at the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference meet in December, the Camels won the regional and state meets last month.
“I just thought we came a long way,” Bankemper said. “The last two years we lost 16 starters, nine in 1999 and seven in 2000. We're kind of rebuilding. I don't think expectations (by other teams) were very high, considering what we lost and that we had three freshmen.”
Bankemper said next season's team should be just as good.
“We only lose five seniors this year, so the future's looking bright.”
The Enquirer's Northern Kentucky All-star wrestling team
Co-wrestlers of the Year
Jordan Blackmore, Ryle, senior: won the state 135-pound title; finished with a 50-1 record; won third consecutive district and regional titles.
Jason Daviaux, Scott, senior: won the state 125-pound title, adding to the 112-pound crown he won last year; finished with 44-1 record and became first Scott wrestler to win four straight district and regional championships.
Coach of the Year
Mike Bankemper, Campbell County: led the Camels to the district and regional titles.
First team
103 pounds: Cory Bankemper, Campbell County, freshman - finished second in the district and fourth in the region:
112 - Brad Strouse, Ryle, junior: won district and regional titles.
119 - Brad Cooper, Simon Kenton, sophomore: won state title; finished with a 39-3 record; won the district and region titles.
130 - Josh Boggs, Campbell County, junior: finished fourth in the state; won the district and region titles.
140 - Matt Reis, Campbell County, junior: finished fourth in the state meet; finished third in the district and fourth in the district.
145 - Chad Dalton, Simon Kenton, senior: finished second in the state meet; ended the season with 39-3 record; won the district and regional titles.
152 - Craig Cooper, Simon Kenton, junior: finished third in the state; finished second in the district and third in the region..
160 - Kyle Johanneman, Campbell County, senior: finished fourth in the state meet; won the district and regional championships.
171 - Josh Hunt, Ryle, senior: finished fifth in the state; won the district and region titles.
189 - Chris Reynolds, Dixie Heights, senior: won the district and regional titles.
215 - Tony Unger, Campbell County, senior: won the district and finished second in the region.
275 - Mike Ramsey, Campbell County, senior: won the state title; finished with a 46-3 record; won district and regional titles.
Honorable mention
103: Matt Gipson (Holmes); 112: Ben Hines (Campbell County); 119: Joey Hagedorn (Campbell County), Bryant Neal (Conner); 125: Derrick Fassbender (Ryle): 130: Matt Pearce (Ryle); 135: Josh Sharon (Simon Kenton); 140: Steve Reynolds, Simon Kenton; 145: Jason Harris (Conner); 152: Jeremy Lovell (Ryle), Jacob Unger (Campbell County); 160: Eric Simon (Dixie Heights), Jake McMahan (Simon Kenton); 171: Mark Nelson (Campbell County); 189: Jon Reilly (Simon Kenton); 215: Keith Ruschell (Ryle); 275: Dan Ollberding (Dixie Heights).
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N.Ky. wrestling all-stars
