Jackson-Milton wrestlers battle CVCA

Photo by: Mark Stahl

Special to the Vindicator

Photo

Jackson Milton's Johnny Matacic wrestles Mike Ratay of CVCA in the 135 lb class during their match at Jackson Milton on Wednesday night.

Jackson-Milton wrestlers battle CVCA

By John Bassetti

bassetti@vindy.com

NORTH JACKSON

A sign in the Jackson-Milton gym says “Santa is Coming.”

Following a 48-21 loss to Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy on Wednesday, there will be no present for the Bluejays’ wrestling team.

Dave Tomaino wasn’t jolly, but he wasn’t worried, either.

He says the real gift may be delivered a few months from now when the high school wrestling season calendar could be naughty or nice.

“We need to get in better shape,” the Jackson-Milton coach said after the defeat to the No. 3-ranked Div. III team in the Ohio coaches state poll.

“We need to go over our technique a little more, but I think we’re where we need to be for December,” Tomaino said. “We’re wrestling for February, not December. To me, this is a scrimmage.”

The sixth-ranked Bluejays had three outright wins and a few forfeit victories.

The evening started with Jackson-Milton’s top dogs on the mat as Tim Wiseman (130) and defending state champion Johnny Matacic (135) gave the Bluejays a 6-0 lead.

After losing the first two matches, CVCA got a foothold and rolled.

“We got some momentum on our side and it kept on going,” coach Donnie Lorence said when CVCA dented the scoreboard and pulled within 6-3 before a pin gave the Royals a 9-6 lead they didn’t relinquish.

“Guys were battling the whole six minutes [three, two minute periods] and some of our underclassmen really stepped up.”

Lorence was impressed with wins by Nicholas Havener and Jimmy Coyne (119), but he gave the Bluejays their credit, too.

“They’ve got a good program,” Lorence said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Jackson-Milton and their coach. ”

Lorence, too, summarized Wednesday’s outcome as a tune-up.

“You just work hard and hope you get hot those last three weeks of the season. That’s what we’re working toward.”

Wiseman’s match against Josh Decatur started with the Jackson-Milton senior taking a 1-0 lead. At one point in the final two minutes, Decatur lunged for Wiseman’s legs, but ended up sprawled on the mat. Wiseman quickly dropped down on top of his CVCA opponent and won 3-2.

Against Mike Ratay, Matacic took an early 4-1 lead before Ratay came within 4-2. Entering the final period with a 6-3 lead, Matacic was able to hop around on one leg for several seconds while Ratay partially lifted him. The maneuver was repeated later, but Ratay undercut the Jackson-Milton wrestler’s leg and temporarily sent him on his backside. Still, Matacic came out on top of an 8-3 decision.

CVCA’s Seth Powers got the Royals rolling at 140 with a 7-4 decision over Alex Tomaino, followed by back-to-back wins by Tyler Macellan (145) and Havener (152).

Macellan pinned Burns Chamberlin in 5:15 and Havener decisioned Tyler Collins, 10-8, in overtime.

Dylan Tomaino gave the Bluejays a bit of a jolt at 160 by defeating Dan Tiley, 8-4.