Apr 24-28, 5:00 PM UTC
US Open Wrestling Championships
Mar 23-Dec 31 · Resumes Monday at 1:30 PM UTC
FloWrestling Radio Live
Tomorrow · 12:00 PM UTC
Ohio Tournament of Champions
Tomorrow · 12:00 PM UTC
North Region MAWA Championships
Tomorrow · 12:00 PM UTC
Poseidon
Tomorrow · 2:00 PM UTC
2024 Jet Ironman
May 2-3, 4:00 PM UTC
2024 Alaska USAW State Folkstyle Champio
May 4, TBD
ISWA Freestyle State
May 4, TBD
2024 Missouri USA Girls Greco State
May 4-5, 12:00 PM UTC
ISWA FS/Greco State
May 4-5, 12:00 PM UTC
Eastern National MAWA Championships
May 4-5, 12:30 PM UTC
Ultimate Club Girls Freestyle Duals
May 4-5, 1:00 PM UTC
MN/USA 6U-16U, Junior, Girls State FS/GR
May 4-5, 1:00 PM UTC
VAWA FS/Greco State Champs
May 4-5, 1:00 PM UTC
2024 Missouri USA FS/GR State

Insider: National Prep Tourney Preview

Insider: National Prep Tourney Preview

Feb 21, 2013 by Willie Saylor
Insider: National Prep Tourney Preview
Insider: National Prep Tourney Preview Willie Saylor, Saylor

Unlock this article, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

Insider: National Prep Tourney Preview
Willie Saylor, Saylor

 
One of the most enjoyable events to cover on the high school scene each year, the National Prep Wrestling Championships aren’t just interesting because of the high-level wrestling you’ll see on the mats, but also because of the class and character of the wrestlers themselves. The young men here, which will go on to populate DI rosters, particularly in the Ivies and strong academic institutions, embody the term ’student-athlete’. 

Annually held at Lehigh’s Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pa, Blair has won Preps for three straight decades. Coming in to this year’s tournament, they’re once again ranked #1 in the country. The biggest threat to the Buccaneers will be Wyoming Seminary, who just might be the country’s second best team. In an odd year for Seminary in which they unfortunately suffered injuries to several key figures, the Knights will probably put the best line-up they’ve had on the mat all season, in this, their culminating event.

Other teams that should be in the hunt for a podium finish include McDonogh, who boast several studs, and Good Counsel, who had fine performances at Ironman and Beast, and who edged McDonogh at Maryland Prep States last week.

On the individual side, we’ll be treated to some of the finest wrestlers in the country, as each bracket has multiple nationally ranked competitors, including three #1’s.

It’s sort of a special year at Preps, as we’ll be witnessing the closing of several fine and memorable careers. Brooks Black, the nation’s #1 HWT, and Eric Morris, #1 at 182, will each be looking to reach their 4th National Prep final. 

Additionally, the finals should set-up to feature an amazing number of returning finalists, making for what should be really compelling match-ups and high level wrestling.

Returning National Prep Finalists:
Chaz Tucker, Blair
Danny Boychuck, Wy Sem
Joey McKenna, Blair
Andrew Atkinson, Liberty Christian
Alfred Bannister, Bishop McNamara
Jack Clark, McDonogh
Russ Parsons, Blair
Myles Martin, McDonogh
Patrick Coover, Blair
Toby Hague, McDonogh
Eric Morris, Wy Sem
Frank Mattiace, Blair
Kyle Snyder, Good Counsel
Brooks Black, Blair
Michael Johnson, Wy Sem


Weight Class Capsules:

106:
2009 Champ - Mark Grey, Blair Academy
2012 Champ - Jordan Kutler, Blair Academy

Contenders: 
#12-Fr. Jack Mueller, Trinity, TX - Ironman Placer
Fr. TK Megonigal, McDonogh, Md
Fr. Joey Prata, St. Christopher’s, VA - Fargo AA
Jr. Adam Whitesell, Good Counsel, Md
Fr. Michael Doetsch, Severn, Md - Fargo Runner-Up
Fr. Ethan McCoy, Kiski, Pa
So. CJ Skokowski, John Carroll

Notes: Exemplifying Mueller’s ability, he beat then-#1 Aaron Assad at the Ironman this year. He’s your clear favorite, but there’s young talented contenders around him, most notably, Prata and Megonigal. Those two met at the Beast of the East with Megonigal coming out on top.
Ethan McCoy was the PA Prep Champ last week and was a bout from placing at the Beast in December.

FLO Picks:  1. Mueller    2. McCoy     3. Doetsch   4. Megonigal  


113:
2009 Champ - Evan Silver, Blair Academy
2012 Champ - Corey Huntley, Archbishop Curley

Contenders: 
So. HM-Chaz Tucker, Blair - Returning Runner-Up
So. HM-Danny Boychuck, Wy Sem - Returning Runner-Up
So. Ryan Friedman, St. Paul’s, Md - Beast Placer
So. Steve Simpson, St. Mary Ryken, Md - Beast Placer
So. Colin Kowalski, Georgtown Prep, Md
So. Justin Chenault, St. Vincent, Md
Fr. Mike Berkowitz, Long Island Luthern
Jr. Will Kelly, St. Christopher’s, VA - Prep 5th

Notes: Good group of contenders here should make for an interesting bracket. Boychuck (at 106) and Tucker (at 113) were both finalists last year.
Simpson had a breakout showing at the Beast, but was beaten by Kowalski last week. 
I have a feeling there’s going to be an upset or two in here, but I’m not sure where. I’ll go with Friedman.

FLO Picks:  1. Tucker    2. Friedman     3. Boychuck      4. Simpson



120:
2009 Champ - Sean Boyle, Blair Academy
2012 Champ - Joey McKenna, Blair Academy

Contenders: 
#2-So. Matt Kolodzik, Blair - Ironman and Beast Runner-Up
Jr. Christian Vallis, Phillips Academy - 2011 Prep Placer
Sr. Will Crisco, Wy Sem - Former Beast Placer
Fr. Kevin Buddock, Good Counsel, Md - Powerade Placer
Fr. Matt Lattanze, Malvern Prep - Pa Prep Champ

Notes: Kolodzik makes his Prep debut. He won a state title last year in Ohio. He’s an overwhelming favorite here. 
Lattanze beat Crisco last week for the Pa Prep title. Budduck won the MD Prep title and had good showings at Beast and Powerade.

FLO Picks:  1. Kolodzik    2. Lattanze    3. Buddock    4. Crisco


126:
2009 Champ - Pat Owens, Germantown Academy
2012 Champ - Dom Malone, Wyoming Seminary

Contenders: 
HM-Sr. Judson Preskitt, Wy Sem - Ironman Runner-Up, Doc B Champ
Jr. Alex Rinaldi, Blair - NJ Prep Champ
Jr. Braxton Walker, Benedictine - VA Prep Champ
Jr. Christian Doyle, McKinney, TX - Prep Placer
Jr. Jack Mutchnik, St. Paul’s, MD - Prep Placer
Jr. Jawan Jones, St. Benedict’s, NJ
Jr. Ezekiel Salvo, Mt. St. Joe’s, Md
Sr. Jherad Simmons, Good Counsel, Md
So. John Anderson, Tabor Academy

Notes: Preskitt has had a banner year with two FLO Major finals appearances. He’s your front-runner. But if there’s a guy that should be considered a legitimate darkhorse it’s Rinaldi.
He came out of nowhere this year, just missing placings at Beast and Ironman. He runs hot and cold, but when he’s own he’s tough (and really fun to watch). If he puts it together here he could push Preskitt.

FLO Picks:   1. Preskitt    2. Rinaldi    3. Mutchnik    4. Walker


132:
2009 Champ - Chris Villalonga, Blair Academy
2012 Champ - Mark Grey, Blair Academy

Contenders: 
#7-Jr. Joey McKenna, Blair - 2x Returning Champ
#18-Sr. Andrew Atkinson, Liberty Christian, VA - 2011 Prep Runner-Up
Jr. Tyler Ponte, Wy Sem - Pa Prep Champ
Sr. Scott Strappelli, John Carroll, Md - 2x Prep Placer
Sr. Daniel Sanchez, Georgetown Prep, Md - Prep Placer
Sr. Geoffrey Verallis, Northfield Mt. Hermon - 2x Prep Placer

Notes:
McKenna and Atkinson have both seen the finals at Stabler before. But there is really solid depth and experience behind them. This should be one of the most enjoyable weight classes.
A kid I really like to shake things up is Strappelli. He only placed 7th here last year, but that was up at 138, and I liked what I saw out of him. Keep your eyes peeled.

FLO Picks:  1. McKenna    2. Strappelli     3. Atkinson   4. Verallis


138:
2009 Champ - Austin Ormsbee, Blair Academy
2012 Champ - Todd Preston, Blair Academy

Contenders: 
#4-Jr. Alfred Bannister, Bishop McNamara, Md - Beast Champ, Prep Runner-Up
Jr. Walker Dempsey, Blair, NJ
Sr. David Mohler, Loyola, Md - Prep Placer
Jr. Jake Savoca, Wy Sem 
Sr. Xavi Ramos, McDonogh - Prep Placer, Beast Placer
Sr. Freddie Perrine, Peddie - 2x Prep Placer
Jr. Zach Papin, St. Mark’s, TX
Jr. Brandon Walker, Woodberry Forest, VA

Notes:
Bannister is always an exciting figure to watch. Look up his 2012 Prep finals with Todd Preston or his Beast final from December. Last week he teched Ramos in MD Prep State finals. He’s the heaviest of favorites in a field that includes several multi-time prep placers.
With Manville moving up to 145 (and Milonas’ injury) the race to meet Bannister in the finals isn’t too clear. 

FLO Picks:  1. Bannister    2. Ramos    3. Dempsey    4. Perrine


145:
2009 Champ - Riley Adamson, Bishop Lynch
2012 Champ - Jack Clark, McDonogh

Contenders: 
#7 (at 138)-Fr. Mason Manville, Blair - Ironman, Beast, Powerade RU
#12-Jr. Jack Clark, McDonogh, Md - 2x Prep Finalist, Beast RU
HM-Sr. George Weber, John Carroll - Super 32 Placer
Jr. Ty White, Wy Sem, Pa 
Jr. Michael Sprague, Georgetown Prep, Md

Notes:
Really good group here, and with star power. Clark is looking to make the finals mat for the third time in three years. Dylan Milonas (Blair) a two-time Runner-Up who Clark beat for the title last year, is out with an injury. Manville moves up. And he’s plenty big enough to go with Clark. If it plays out that way, we’re looking at a really premier finals.
Manville has been extremely defensive this season, which contrasts with Clark, who is a volume shooter. Makes for an interesting dynamic.
But let’s not put the cart ahead of the horse. Weber is real solid, and was nationally ranked until last week when he was beaten by Sprague in MD State semi’s. Weber had beaten Sprague at Prep’s last year in the 3rd place bout. He could be undersized. He was a placer at Super 32 in October way down at 132.

FLO Picks:  1. Clark     2. Manville    3. Weber    4. Sprague


152:
2009 Champ - Justin Martinez, Wyoming Seminary
2012 Champ - Russ Parsons, Blair Academy

Contenders: 
#5-Sr. Russ Parsons, Blair - Ironman, Beast, Powerade, Prep Champ
HM-Jr. Logan Breitenbach, Archbishop Spaulding, Md - Prep, Fila Placer
HM-So. Ricky Regas, St. Thomas, TX - Prep Slam Runner-Up, Prep Placer
HM-Sr. Robert Janis, St. Christopher’s, VA
HM-So. Joey Nelson, Wy Sem, Pa - Fargo GR Finalist
HM-Sr. William Crozier, Germantown Academy, Pa - Prep Placer
HM-Jr. Bryce Pappas, St. Mary’s, Md- 2x Prep Placer
HM-So. Zach Kelly, Kiski, Pa - Beast 5th
HM-Jr. Toby Hague, McDonogh, Md - Returning Prep Runner-Up
Sr. Max Smith, MDAC, Md- Prep Placer
So. Chris Almony, John Carroll, Md

Notes: What a weight! This one is going to be great. Tons of talent and a whole heckuva lot of history between these guys. Parsons has won everything this year and was the champ at this weight last year. Breitenbach has been wrestling really well, beating Hague last week. But he’ll have some ground to make up as Parsons teched him in quarterss here last year.
Crozier, Janis, Regas, and Smith went 5th through 8th here last year. Crozier and Janis were both a match from placing at Beast. 
Regas and Kelly are two of the nation’s best Soph’s. Kelly beat nationally ranked Wayne Stinson in the 5th place bout at Beast. 
Pappas has placed in both trips to Preps, but he had a rough weekend at the MD tournament, placing just 5th while losing to Hague and Almony.
Can’t wait to see the brackets for this one.

FLO Picks:   1. Parsons   2. Breitenbach    3. Kelly     4. Hague



160:
2009 Champ - Adam Hogue, Blair Academy
2012 Champ - Patrick Coover, Blair Academy

Contenders: 
#6-So. Myles Martin, McDonogh - Fargo, Beast, Prep Runner-Up
#7-Jr. Josh Llopez, St. Mary Ryken, Md - Fargo Champ, S32 Runner-Up
Sr. Jack Wedholm, Blair - Beast Placer
HM-Fr. Chris Weiller, Wy Sem - Double Fargo AA, Ironman Placer
HM-Jr. Greg Bacci, Malvern Prep - Prep Placer
Jr. Connor Doyle, McKinney Christian, TX

Notes:
Martin and Llopez have a lot of history. This should be another chapter to it, in what should be the best final of the afternoon. Llopez held the early advantage over Martin, but Martin closed the gap and even beat Llopez at the Beast. 
The guy to keep an eye on is Bacci, who was 5th here last year. He just beat Weiller in the Pa Prep finals last week.

FLO Picks:  1. Llopez    2. Martin    3. Bacci    4. Wedholm


170: 
2009 Champ - Turtogtogh Luvsandorj, St. Benedicts
2012 Champ - Eric Morris, Wyoming Seminary

Contenders: 
HM-Jr. Patrick Coover, Blair - Returning Prep Champ
HM-Sr. Nicky Hall, Wy Sem - New York State Runner-Up, Beast Placer
HM-Sr. Troy Murtha, Georgetown Prep, Returning Prep 3rd
So. Hunter Ritter, John Carroll, Md - State Prep Champ
Jr. Charles Thoma, Benedictine - VA State Prep Champ
Sr. Terrell Forbes, St. Benedict’s, NJ - Prep Placer
Sr. Connor Schuster, Loyola, Md - Prep Placer
Sr. Travis Bradford, St. Thomas, TX - Prep Placer, Prep Slam Champ

Notes:
Really interesting weight with numerous head-to-heads.
Coover beat two of the top contenders in close ones last year. Schuster 4-2 in last year’s semi’s after beating Ritter 3-0 in quarters.
Just a Soph, Ritter beat both Schuster and Murtha for the State title last week.
Bradford was 6th here last year. One of his losses was to Murtha.
The wild card here is Hall, who wrestled 160 earlier in the year. I think he’ll be fine at 170, and though I’m picking Coover, I think Hall could get the job done. Should be a great bracket and a wild final.
This is going to be an ultra competitive bracket with the scores razor close in the quarters and beyond.

FLO Picks:  1. Coover   2. Hall    3. Ritter    4. Schuster    


182: 
2009 Champ - Ed Ruth, Blair Academy
2012 Champ - Michael Mocco, Blair Academy

Contenders: 
#1-Eric Morris, Wy Sem, Pa - 3x Prep Finalist, Ironman and Beast Champ
HM-Sr. Addison Knepshield, Blair - Powerade Runner-Up, Beast and Ironman Placer
Sr. Tyler Patrick, McDonogh, Md - State Prep Champ
Sr. Ralph Toomey, Benedictine - VA State Prep Champ

Notes:
I can’t say enough superlatives about Knepshield’s progression this season. He went from solid wrestler to threat in every tournament he enters. It’s a testament to his work ethic and drive.
That being said, this should be Morris’ title for the taking. He’s just that good. He posted a 6-1 win over Knepshield in Beast semi’s.

FLO Picks:  1. Morris    2. Knepshield    3. Patrick    4. Toomey


195: 
2009 Champ - Max Huntley, Blair Academy
2012 Champ - Frank Mattiace, Blair Academy

Contenders: 
#3-Sr. Frank Mattiace, Blair - Ironman, Powerade, Prep Champ
#20-Sr. Spencer Neff, Good Counsel, Md - Ironman, S32, Powerade, Beast Placer
HM-So. LJ Barlow, Haverford, Pa - Prep Placer, Beast Placer
So. Desmond Johnson, Chestnut Hill
Sr. Blake Papet, Liberty Christian - VA State Prep Champ
Jr. Daniel Hawkins, Mt. St. Joe’s, Md - Mount Mat Madness Runner-Up
Sr. Harry Mauk, Malvern Prep

Notes:
A pretty good crop here, where Mattiace is a your clear leader. He should meet Neff, who he’s beaten a couple times this season, in the finals.
Keep an eye on Johnson, who had a close, all-sophomore final with Barlow in the Pa Prep tournament.
Mauk is down from 220 where he just missed placing at Preps last year.

FLO Picks:  1. Mattiace    2. Neff    3. Barlow    4. Johnson


220: 
2009 Champ - Billy McMullan, Wyoming Seminary
2012 Champ - Kyle Snyder, Good Counsel

Contenders: 
#1-Jr. Kyle Snyder, Good Counsel, Md - 2x Prep, 2x Ironman, 3x Beast Champ
#11-Sr. Garrett Ryan, Wy Sem - Fila Champ, Ironman and Beast 3rd
So. David Showunmi, Blair - Beast and Ironman Placer
Sr. Roman Accetta, Poly Prep, NY - State Prep Champ
PG-McZiggy Richards, St. Benedict’s, NJ - NY State 3rd
Sr. Marshall Hollerith, St. Christopher’s, VA - Prep and Ironman Placer
Jr. Jake Anderson, Malvern Prep, Pa
Sr. Shane Cockerille, Gilman School, Md

Notes:
Snyder is a man amongst boys. In most tournaments, the battle is for second, and this is no exception.
Ryan is tough, but I can’t see him going with Snyder. Pay attention to post-grad Richards.

FLO Picks:  1. Snyder    2. Ryan     3. Richards    4. Showunmi     

 
HWT:
2009 Champ - Mike McMullan, Wyoming Seminary
2012 Champ - Brooks Black, Blair Academy

Contenders: 
#1-Sr. Brooks Black, Blair - 3x Ironman, 3x Beast, 2x Prep Champ
#7-So. Michael Johnson, Jr., Wy Sem - Ironman 2nd, Beast 3rd, Doc B 2nd, Prep 2nd
Sr. Viktor Pedchenko, New Church, Pa
Jr. Jemal Averette, Good Counsel, Md - Ironman, Powerade Placer
Sr. Andrew Schwartz, Horace Man, NY - State Prep Champ
Jr. Antonio Santoro, St. Vincent

Notes:
For Brooks Black, perhaps the most credentialed heavyweight in high school wrestling history, National Preps will serve as a swan song. We should see a rematch of last year’s finals with him and Michael Johnson.
Averette has turned in a fine season with placings at Ironman and Powerade and just missing at the Beast. He should be a player here.

FLO Picks:  1. Black    2. Johnson    3. Pedchenko    4. Averette


Related Content