prep wrestling News and notes

Local legend: Former Boardman High fooball and wrestling star Steve Vallos made an appearance at his alma mater last Saturday to watch the Spartans’ dual against Canfield. “It’s always good to come back and get the Boardman update,” said Vallos, who played in all 16 games, including the last five as the starting center, for the Seattle Seahawks in 2008. At Boardman, Vallos was a first-team All-EOWL wrestling selection. He holds the school’s season (24) and career (58) pin records. He was drafted by the Seahawks in 2007 after playing fooball at Wake Forest.

Howland wins Green tourney: Howland placed first out of 10 teams at the Green Bulldog Pool Tournament last Saturday. The Tigers went 5-0, beating Mount Vernon, 35-34; Canton GlenOak, 51-8; Waterloo, 53-17 and Akron Coventry, 33-30. Howland defeated Akron Kenmore in the finals, 45-23. Wrestlers who went 5-0 for the Tigers were 112-pound Kyle Descenna, 140-pound Kyle Leek, Robbie Klose at 152 pounds and Cody Reesman at 285. Howland wrestlers with one loss were Kai Yancey (130) and Bryce Tricker (160). The Tigers are now 8-0 on the dual meet season.

Brakeman Report: Anyone who follows Ohio high school wrestling can’t wait to get their hands on the annual Brakeman Report each year. The report, prepared by wrestling guru Brian Brakeman, offers commentary on the top teams and individuals in Ohio. For each weight class in all three divisions, Brakeman ranks the top 25 wrestlers and even projects state champions. The 2009 report will be likely be released the week of January 26. You can find a link to the Brakeman Report via www.baumspage.com/wr/index.htm.

Dillon update: Boardman freshman John Dillon is ranked as high as third at 103 pounds, according to several unofficial statewide rankings. That’s quite an accomplishment for someone who has yet to wrestle a high school match. He won a junior high state championship at 90 pounds last year, but will not be eligible until the end of January. His first high school match will likely come at the EOWL tournament on Feb. 6-7.

Ohio coaches poll: Massillon Perry (Division I), St. Paris Graham (D2) and Troy Christian (D3) are ranked as the top teams in the first Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association State Poll. In Division I, Perry is just four points ahead of 12-time defending state champion Lakewood St. Edward. Wadsworth is third. In Division II, the top four schools - Graham, University School, Claymont and Walsh Jesuit - will compete at the upcoming Top Gun Tournament on Jan. 16-17 at Alliance. In Division III, defending state champion Troy Christian received all nine first-place votes. Monroeville is second and Marion Pleasant is third.

Eric Hamilton