Fi: 2014 Ironman Preview

Fi: 2014 Ironman Preview

Dec 10, 2014 by Willie Saylor
Fi: 2014 Ironman Preview
2014 Walsh Ironman Preview

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2014 Walsh Ironman Preview

I get tons of wrestling gear. Tons. So much so, I have to cull my collection from time to time, giving pieces away or throwing them out altogether.

But a few years ago, when moving to one state or another (I've lived in six states), I lost my 1994 (the first ever) Ironman T-Shirt and it caused a moment of reflection.

A lot of fans may be too new or too young to remember a time when national high school tournaments, particular in-season tournaments with national fields, were non existent. 

In 1993 they didn't exist. In 1994, the entire high school landscape was changed when the first Ironman was held. Stars from coast to coast including the best teams in the country, were invited to Walsh Jesuit in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and a tradition was born.

I was a sophomore on nationally ranked Easton High School. Our area in eastern Pennsylvania was known as a wrestling hotbed and two other teams in our district were nationally ranked at the same time. So we were used to the press and the pageantry, but what we found in the Warrior Dome was unlike anything we could have expected.

The collection of talent had everyone star struck. So many names we read about in magazines, so many teams we sat and said "we can beat them," they were all there.

This is what Ted Meixell, a columnist from the Lehigh Valley who travel to cover Easton, Nazareth, and Northampton, wrote about the talent,

"I've never seen such an abundance of blue chip talent competing under the same roof at the same time. The Ironman boasted a great field, not only of teams, but of individual stars as well."

I'll never forget the night before the tournament, after a workout and in the locker room, Choctaw, Oklahoma, came in. One of the wrestlers said, 'Where's Jeremy Hunter?"

Someone said, "He wrestles for McGuffey. They aren't here."

The Choctaw wrestler said, "Well shit, I was gonna kick his ass."

It was a different era. And though that wrestler had no shot in hell to beat Hunter (a Fargo Champ, 4x State Champ, eventual NCAA Champ for Penn State), everyone came to the first Ironman with a mean streak - to prove something to the entire country.

Particularly dejected after placing 5th, I sat in the stands, all the way at the top, and sulked as I waited to watch the finals. While reflecting on my missteps (and perhaps crying), I turned to my left and saw none other than Dan Gable, who was there to recruit.

My heart about stopped.

And so, here we are twenty years later. The Ironman is not just a good tournament, but an institution and a part of wrestling history. The teams and the individuals who wrestled there...get yourself a copy of the tournament program. History.

This weekend, another chapter will be added. At least three #1's will be decided (or confirmed) with head-to-heads at 138, 152, and 182, where Zahid Valencia will be attempting to join David Taylor as the only 4x Ironman Champions.

And the path to the National Team Title will get underway (as it nearly always does) at Ironman. The Top 4 teams in our latest team rankings are here along with to others in the Top 10.

Below are the contenders with credentials, notes, and picks.



(X) = seed; # = Asics FloRanking

106:
Last Year’s Final: Tyler Warner, Claymont, OH md. Jason Renteria, OPRF, 12-2
5 Years Ago: (103) George DiCamillo, St. Ignatius, OH dec. Dean Heil, St. Edward, OH, 7-5
Pre Seeds:
(1) #1-Fr. Cade Olivas, Don Bosco, CA - Cadet World Champion
(2) #7-So. Drew Mattin, Delta, OH - S32 4th
(3) Jr. Josh Venia, Toledo CC, OH - Cadet AA
(4) Jr. Justin Stickley, Graham, OH - State 6th
(5) #9-Fr. Anthony Madrigal, OPRF, IL - Cadet AA
(6) Fr. Josh Breeding, Elyria, OH
(7) So. Tyler Lawley, Broken Arrow, OK
(8) Fr. Matt Kazmir, St. Edward, OH

Other Contenders:
Fr. Mark Salvatore, Malvern Prep, PA
Jr. Trey Keely, Washington, IL
Fr. Alex Cruz, Orting, WA
So. Will Moss, Wyoming Seminary, PA
Fr. Matt Vinci, Blair Academy, NJ
Fr. Logan Macri, Canon Mac, PA
Fr. Real Woods, Montini, IL

The Situation: Olivas officially begins his high school career after already owning Super 32 and Cadet World titles. He’ll be a heavy favorite here. Frosh Madrigal should be considered the top threat in his half.
The bottom half features three highly regarded Ohio youngsters. Mattin and Breeding have appeared in the class rankings, as has darkhorses Woods and Macri.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Olivas 2. Mattin 3. Madrigal 4. Breeding


113:
Last Year’s Final: Spencer Lee, Franklin Reg., PA fall Anthony Bosco, Marmion, IL 1:44 
5 Years Ago: (112) Evan Silver, Blair, NJ dec. Alex Cisneros, Selma, CA, 10-4
Pre Seeds:
(1) #2-Sr. Devin Brown, Franklin Reg., PA - 2x State Champ
(2) #5-So. Jason Renteria, OPRF, IL - Returning Runner-Up
(3) #10-So. Paxton Rosen, Edmond N., OK - Returning 3rd
(4) HM-Jr. Joey Prata, St. Christopher’s, VA - Prep Champ, Returning 7th
(5) Sr. Keegan Hessler, Scottsbluff, NE - 2x State Finalist
(6) #7-Jr. Noah Baughman, Wadsworth, OH - Super 32 Runner-Up
(7) So. Alex Hart, St. Edward, OH - Returning 5th
(8) HM-Zach Sherman, Blair, NJ - Prep Runner-Up

Other Contenders:
#13-Fr. Mitch Moore, Graham, OH - FloNats and S32 Placer
#18-Fr. Tommy Hoskins, Dayton Christian, OH - Super 32
HM-Jr. Tony DeCesare, Padua, OH - State Runner-Up
Sr. Zac McCaulley, Perry, OH - 2x Fargo AA
Jr. Devione Edwards, Loraine, OH - State 3rd
So. Cody Fatzinger, Arvada West, CO - State Champ
Jr. Jarod Bronstrup, Brecksville, OH - Fila AA
So. Luke Davis, St. Johns, DC - Prep 8th
So. Gage Bayless, Reynolds, PA
Fr. Jaden Mattox, Central Crossings, OH - Super 32 7th
Fr. Jack Davis, Wy Sem, PA
Fr. Maxx Peters, Claymont, OH
Fr. Brndon Fenton, Elyria, OH

The Situation: Brown comes in as the highest ranked and most seasoned. But he Cadet World Team Member will have plenty of competition. JRent and Rosen each had just one loss here last year - to eventual champ, Warner. Rosen beat Prata, 1-0.
Baughman, whose only loss at S32 came in the finals to Spencer Lee, will have a showdown with Rosen in quarters.
And the giant question looming is where Mitch Moore will fall as he’s unseeded under Ironman seeding criteria. He’ll play a huge roll in to how this bracket plays out.
Baughman beat Moore, 2-0 at Super 32.
Keep an eye on Hart, too. He was a surprise semifinalist last year after upsetting Prata, who was the #3 seed.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Brown 2. Renteria 3. Moore 4. Rosen


120:
Last Year’s Final: Ke-Shawn Hayes, Park Hill, MO dec. Brent Fleetwood, Smyrna, DE, 3-0
5 Years Ago: (119) Mason Beckman, Reynolds, PA dec. Hunter Stieber, Monroeville, OH, 3-0
Pre Seeds:
(1) #1-So. Spencer Lee, Franklin Reg., PA - Cadet World Champ, 2x S32 Champ
(2) #6-Jr. Jack Mueller, Wy Sem, PA - 2x Prep, 2x Fargo Champ
(3) #7-Sr. Eli Stickley, Graham, OH - 2012 Ironman Chamo, S32 4th
(4) #11-Sr. Elijah Oliver, Washington, IL - 3x State Champ, 2013 Fargo Champ
(5) #16-Sr. Doyle Trout, Centennial, NE - 3x State Champ, Fargo AA
(6) #14-Jr. Alex Mackall, Walsh Jesuit, OH - State Champ, Returning 4th
(7) #10-Jr. Tyler Warner, Claymont, OH - Returning Champ
(8) HM-Jr. Mario Guillen, Perrysburg, Returning 6th

Other Contenders:
HM-Sr. Alex Madrigal, OPRF, IL
Sr. Ethan Koen, Park Hill, MO - State 3rd
Sr. Jake Newhouse, Perry, OH - State Runner-Up
Sr. Mike May, Dayton Christian, OH - Super 32 8th
Jr. Requir Vandermerwe, Blair, NJ - Prep 3rd
Fr. Malcolm Robinson, St. John’s, DC
Fr. Cole Matthews, Reynolds, PA
Fr. Caden Mareno, McDonogh, MD
Sr. Conner Ziegler, Moeller, OH

The Situation: Spencer Lee is among the biggest favorites to win any tournament he enters. But size may come in to play. Lee will be small at 120, especially on Saturday night. On his side is Oliver (who will be big) and Trout.
The other side of the bracket is highly intriguing. Mackall will hit Stickley, who I couldn’t have come away from S32 any more impressed with, in the quarters.
The other quarter will likely be Mueller, who has looked really sharp lately, and the 106 champ from last year, Tyler Warner, who is super scrappy.
Stickley beat Mueller 4-0 in the 3rd place bout last year.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Lee 2. Stickley 3. Mueller 4. Mackall


126:
Last Year’s Final: Matt Kolodzik, Blair, NJ dec. Eli Seiple, Graham, OH, 5-0
5 Years Ago: (125) Logan Stieber, Monroeville, OH dec. Devin Carter, Christiansburg, VA, 10-4
Pre Seeds:
(1) #5-Sr. Austin Assad, Brecksville, OH - Fargo Champ, 2x Ironman 3rd
(2) HM-Sr. Eli Seiple, Graham, OH - Returning Runner-Up
(3) #4-Sr. Jose Rodriguez, Perry, OH - 3x State Finalist, S32 Runner-Up
(4) HM-Sr. Ryan Friedman, St. Paul’s, MD - FloNats 3rd, 3x Prep and Beast Placer
(5) HM-Sr. Evan Cheek, Milan, OH - 2x Fargo AA
(6) HM-Sr. Garrett Hancock, Troy Christian, OH - 2x State Champ
(7) HM-Sr. LJ Bentley, St. Edward, OH - Returning 5th
(8) HM-Jr. Trent Olson, Wy Sem, PA - Prep Runner-Up
(9) Jr. Hunter Bray, Dayton Christian, OH - State Runner-Up
(10) #7-Jr. Dylan Duncan, Montini, IL - Fargo Champ
(11) #14-Jr. Gabe Townsell, OPRF, IL - Fila Runner-Up
(12) HM-So. Colton Williams, Trinity Christian, TX - Fargo AA
(13) HM-So. Quentin Hovis, Seton Catholic, AZ - Fargo AA
(14) Jr. Nelson Jones, Pleasant Grove, UT - Doc B and Reno 3rd

Other Contenders:
Jr. Curtis Booth, Folsom, CA
So. Gus Solomon, Franklin Reg., PA
Fr. Andrew Merola, Blair, PA

The Situation: Deep, deep bracket with quality and a heavy load of Ohio talent here with two Top 5 guys. Assad looked amazing in Fargo in beating Sean Russell (GA). And Rodriguez looked the best I’ve ever seen him in his S32 run.
Seiple had a cinderella run to the finals last year when he upset David Bavery and Trae Blackwell. To get to the finals, he’ll again have to earn it.
There are so many ‘sleepers’ in this bracket and if chaos happens (based on seeds) don’t be surprised.
Dylan Duncan doesn’t have a whole lot of seeding points, so the Fargo Champ sits at the 10 seed and will have a pre-quarter with Bentley, and then Seiple.
Another low-seeded Illinoian lurks in Gabe Townsell who will hit Hancock early.
I really like the 3-14 quarter match-up with a highly underrated Ryan Friedman and up-and-comer Hovis. And the 12 seed, Colton Williams, can pretty much beat anyone when ‘on’.
Also pay attention to Gus Solomon. He’s talented and coming off a win over Bentley in their dual last week.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Rodriguez 2. Assad 3. Duncan 4. Seiple


132:
Last Year’s Final: Zahid Valencia, Don Bosco, CA dec. Brock Ervin, Union, KY, 5-3 
5 Years Ago: (130) Nate Skonieczny, Walsh Jesuit, OH dec. Colton Rasche, Montini, IL, 4-1
Pre Seeds:
(1) #3-Sr. Chaz Tucker, Blair, NJ - 3x Prep Finalist, 2x Fargo Finalist
(2) HM-Sr. Jarred Ganger, Covington, OH - 2x State Champ
(3) #17-Sr. Cam Kelly, Bellbrook, OH - 3x State Finalist
(4) #19-Jr. Julian Flores, San Marino, CA - 2x State 5th
(5) Jr. Ben Anderson, Pleasant Grove, UT - 2x State Champ, Fargo AA
(6) HM-Sr. Angel Velasquez, Pitman, CA - FloNats AA
(7) Jr. Josh Heil, Brunswick, OH - State 3rd
(8) So. John Busiello, Wy Sem, PA - Prep 5th
(9) Jr. Jimmy Pawelski, Montini, IL - State 4th
(10) HM-So. Jaime Hernandez, OPRF, IL - Fargo Cadet Runner-Up
(11) So. Ben Gore, Orting, UT - State Champ
(12) So. Quinn Devaney, McDonogh, MD - Prep 4th

Other Contenders:
Sr. AJ Jaffe, Marmion, IL - Fargo AA
Fr. Rocky Jordan, Graham, OH
Jr. Seth Hogue, Reynolds, PA - State Placer
Fr. Imran Heard, St. John’s, DC

The Situation: An oddly thin middleweight for an Ironman. Chaz Tucker is a prohibitive favorite. His road will be a Busiello-Pawelski pre-quarter with a Flores quarter.
Flores is a guy I like to make waves this tournament along with fellow Californian Velasquez, who, at one time, I was very high on.
Also watch out for AJ Jaffe. If there is a ‘surprise of the tournament,’ it could be him.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Tucker 2. Ganger 3. Jaffe 4. Flores


138:
Last Year’s Final: Joey McKenna, Blair, NJ dec. Michael Kemerer, Franklin Reg., PA, 3-1
5 Years Ago: (135) Cam Tessari, Monroeville, OH dec. Simon Kitzis, Wy Sem, PA, 4-3
Pre Seeds:
(1) #1-Sr. Matt Kolodzik, Blair, NJ - Returning Champ
(2) #2-Sr. Ke-Shawn Hayes, Park Hill, MO - Returning Champ
(3) #5-Sr. Davion Jeffries, Broken Arrow, OK - Super 32 Runner-Up, 3x State Finalist
(4) HM-Sr. Richie Screptock, Oregon Clay, OH - State Champ
(5) #11-Sr. Vince Turk, Montini, IL - Returning 7th, 2x State Finalist
(6) HM-Sr. Fred Green, Orting, WA - 3x State Champ, 2x TriState Finalist
(7) Sr. Bennie Pachello, Arvada West, CO - 3x State Placer
(8) Sr. Landon Gates, Pleasant Grove, UT - 3x State Placer
(9) HM-Sr. Nate Hagan, Toledo CC, State Champ, Fargo AA
(10) HM-Jr. Will Verallis, Wy Sem, PA - Prep Runner-Up
(11) Sr. Tyler Vath, Saegertown, PA - 3x State Placer
(12) Jr. Adam Lewis, Tampa Jesuit, FL - 2x State Runner-Up
(13) Sr. Ryan Bennett, CVCA, OH - 2x State Placer
(14) Justin DeMicco (Brecksville) - State Placer, Fargo AA

Other Contenders:
#18-So. Dom Demas, Dublin, OH - State Placer, Fargo AA
So. Hunter Bolen, Christiansburg, VA - State Placer, Beast Placer
Jr. Jacoby Ward, Moeller, OH - State Placer
Fr. David Carr, Dayton Christian, OH - State Champ in KY
Jr. Evan Wick, San Marino, CA - State Placer
Fr. Ryan Thomas, Graham, OH
Sr. Colin Kowalski, Georgetown Prep, MD - Prep Placer

The Situation: The headline here is #1 on the line with a WNO rematch between Kolodzik and Hayes. But Jeffries was hottt at Super 32, so don’t count him out.
After the big three, it seems on first glance that the weight is thin. But there’s sneaky depth here.
Demas is super scary. He lurks as an unseeded. Ryan Thomas and David Carr are two premier freshmen who you will probably remember for, well, the rest of your life.
Put it this way, to win a state title as an 8th grader, Carr beat Trae Blackwell, a nationally ranked senior that was a semifinalist here and who is now a starter for Oklahoma.
Like 132, there are certain guys that appear to be ‘safe’. But after that, I can see the bracket playing out in any number of permutations.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Kolodzik 2. Hayes 3. Jeffries 4. Carr


145:
Last Year’s Final: Micah Jordan, Graham, OH dec. Alfred Bannister, McNamara, MD, 2-1
5 Years Ago: (140) Chris Villalonga, Blair, NJ dec. Ian Miller, Oak Harbor, OH, 3-2
Pre Seeds:
(1) #1-Sr. Michael Kemerer, Franklin Reg., PA - Returning 2nd, 3x PA 2nd, 3x S32 Finalist
(2) #9-Jr. Brent Moore, Graham, OH - FloNats Champ, Returning 3rd, S32 7th
(3) HM-Sr. Wade Hodges, Wauseon, OH - Returning 6th
(4) #8-Jr. Kevin Budock, Good Counsel, MD - 2x Prep Runner-Up, S32 6th
(5) Jr. Sean Hosford, Park Hille, MO - 2x State Champ
(6) Jr. Sam Martino, McDonogh, MD - Prep 7th
(7) Sr. Danny Boychuck, Wy Sem, PA - 2x Prep placer
(8) Sr. David Giantonio, Robinson, VA - State Champ
(9) HM-Sr. Nick Steed, Perry, OH - State Runner-Up
(10) Sr. Jimmy Rothwell, Arvada West, CO - State Runner-Up
(11) Jr. Jeremy Thomas, Santiago, CA
(12) Jr. Zander Wick, San Marino, CA

Other Contenders:
Jr. Matt Lattanze, Malvern Prep, PA - Prep 5th
Sr. John Ziegler, Mechanicsburg, OH - State 5th
Sr. Michael Monica, Blair, NJ
Jr. Nick Monico, Saegertown, PA - 2x State Placer

The Situation: Larry Early is a confirmed scratch. It would have been a showdown for the #1 spot in the land. As a result, it will have to be a significant underdog to prevent Kemerer from taking one step higher on the podium.
Kemerer will see the Steed-Giantonio winner (I like Steed there) and likely Budock in the quarters.
In the bottom half, Brent Moore has established himself among the next tier of 145ers. Among all the weight classes, these two seem to have the clearest path the the finals.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Kemerer 2. Moore 3. Steed 4. Budock


152:
Last Year’s Final: Jake Danishek, Dayton Chr., OH dec. Mason Manville, Blair, NJ, 4-2
5 Years Ago: (145) Andrew Alton, Central Mountain, PA dec. Brad Squire, Wadsworth, OH, 5-4
Pre Seeds:
(1) #2-Sr. Vincenzo Joseph, Pitt CC, PA - State Champ, Fargo Runner-Up
(2) #1-Jr. Isaiah White, OPRF, IL - Fargo Champ
(3) #7-Sr. Josh Maruca, Franklin Reg., PA - Fargo 3rd, S32 5th, 3x State Placer
(4) #10-Sr. Jordan Kutler, Blair, NJ - Returning 5th, Prep Champ, Fargo AA
(5) #8-Sr. Cameron Harrell, McDonogh, MD - Returning 5th, Prep Runner-Up, Fargo AA
(6) #14-Jr. Austin Kraisser, Centennial, MD - Fargo Runner-Up
(7) HM-So. Kyle Lawson, Graham, OH - Returning 6th, State Champ
(8) HM-Sr. Luke Fortuna, Montini, IL - State Runner-Up, Fargo 6th
(9) Sr. Patyon Tawater, Arvada West, CO - State Champ, 2x State 3rd
(10) HM-Jr. Justin Thomas, Santiago, CA - State 3rd, State 4th
(11) #17-Sr. Kade Kowalski, Tri-Valley, OH - State Champ
(12) HM-Sr. Taleb Rahmani, Marysville, OH - 3x State Placer
(13) Jr. Creed Lump, Christiansburg, VA - State Runner-Up
(14) HM-So. Kaleb Romero, Mechanicsburg, OH - State Champ

Other Contenders:
Jr. Austin Hiles, Brecksville, OH - Fargo AA
Sr. Kyle Kaminski, Padua, OH - 2x State 5th
Sr. John Mossing, Toledo CC, OH - State Runner-Up
So. Jesse Beverly, Delta, OH - State 3rd
Jr. Nick Vestal, Dayton Christian, OH - State Runner-Up
So. Luke Troy, San Marino, CA - Fargo 3rd
Sr. Andy Dobben, CVCA, OH - 2x State Placer

The Situation: Joseph has been jonesing for this match-up since White beat him in Fargo finals. White controlled the match there.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, this is an absolutely loaded weight class where talent is everywhere. There’s bound to be ‘no way that just happened’ upsets. As the 1 seed, Joseph is likely to have fellow Fargo Runner-Up Fortuna before hitting the winner of what will be one of the premier quarterfinal winners in the Harrell-Kutler match. Harrell didn’t place last year, taking losses to Maruca and Larry Early at 145. Kutler reached the semi’s before losing to Zahid.
Isaiah White will have to contend with Lawson, who he narrowly defeated (3-1) last year in the 5th place bout. That’s IF Lawson can get through Justin Thomas. Both Lawson and Thomas had disappointing Super 32’s. We’ll see how they rebound here.
As the 3 seed, Maruca actually has a slightly better draw than White. He’ll have to get through Kraisser in quarters.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Joseph 2. White 3. Kutler 4. Maruca


160:
Last Year’s Final: Dylan Milonas, Blair, NJ fall Alex Marinelli, Graham, OH 4:51
5 Years Ago: (152) Dylan Alton, Central Mountain, PA dec. Jesse Shanaman, Blair, NJ, 7-2
Pre Seeds:
(1) #2-Jr. Mason Manville, Blair, NJ - 2x Ironman Finalist, Cadet World Champ
(2) #4-Sr. Josh Shields, Franklin Reg., PA - Fargo 3rd, State Runner-Up, 2x IM Placer
(3) #7-Jr. Alex Marinelli, Graham, OH - 2x Ironman Finalist, 2x State Champ, S32 Finalist
(4) #8-Jr. Chris Weiler, Wy Sem, PA - Returning 4th, Prep Runner-Up, 3x Fargo AA
(5) HM-Sr. Paden Bailey, Broken Arrow, OK - 2x State Runner-Up
(6) HM-Sr. Matt Rundell, OPRF, IL - State Runner-Up, State 3rd
(7) HM-Sr. Colston DiBlasi, Park Hill, MO - 2x State Champ
(8) HM-Sr. Ben Schram, Bellbrook, OH - 2x State 3rd
(9) HM-Sr. Lorenzo De La Riva, Folsom, CA - 3x NHSCA Placer
(10) HM-Sr. Trace Carello, Marmion, IL - Fargo Runner-Up
(11) #20-Jr. Randy Meneweather, Washington, IL - State Champ
(12) Sr. Vince Casados, Arvada West, CO - State 3rd

Other Contenders:
Fr. Michael Beard, Malvern Prep, PA
Fr. Dylan Rogers, Delta, OH
Fr. Cody Mulligan, Saegertown, PA

The Situation: Mason Manville has won just about everything. But he was second here the last two years: to Retherford as a Frosh and to Danishek last year. His path back to the finals will depend on a quarter with Weiler in a clash of styles. Weiler is a wild man. Manville ‘stays at home’.
Speaking of wild men, although DiBlasi struggles with consistency, has some big wins. He’ll hit Carello, with the winner getting Shields in the quarters.
For the second weight in a row, it appears the 3 seed got a slightly better draw than the 2. That being said, I’m really looking forward to watching Meneweather. He’s not well-known nationally, but I think he will be by Saturday night.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Manville 2. Marinelli 3. Shields 4. Weiler


170:
Last Year’s Final: Anthony Valencia, Don Bosco, CA dec. Myles Martin, McDonogh, MD, 8-2
5 Years Ago: (160) Nick Sulzer, St. Edward, OH inj. def. Brad Wukie, University School, OH
Pre Seeds:
(1) #2-Sr. Anthony Valencia, Don Bosco, CA - Returning Champ, Junior WTM
(2) #5-Jr. Brandon Dallavia, Blair, NJ - Fargo Champ, Returning 6th
(3) #7-Jr. Kamal Bey, OPRF, IL - 3x Fargo Runner-Up
(4) #13-Sr. David-Brian Whisler, Howland, OH - Returning 8th, Fargo AA
(5) Sr. Sergio Chavez, Seton Catholic, AZ - 2x State Finalist
(6) #19-So. Jacob Warner, Washington, IL - State Runner-Up, FILA AA
(7) Sr. Jesse Palser, Mansfield, OH - State Runner-Up
(8) Sr. Zach Sullivan, National Trail, OH - State 3rd
(9) Sr. Chancellor Sonnenberg, Van Buren, OH - State 5th
(10) Sr. Taylor Bergquist, Arvada West, CO - 2x State Placer
(12) Sr. Dylan Alexander, Parkersburg South, WV - 2x State 5th
(13) Jr. Koy Wilkinson, Pleasant Grove, UT - State Placer
(14) Sr. Mason Koshiyama, Folson, CA - 2x NHSCA Placer

Other Contenders:
So. James Handwerk, Luthern West, OH - Fargo AA
Jr. Riley DeMoss, Marmion, IL - Fargo AA

The Situation: Valencia looks to repeat, but that’s never easy at Ironman. Brandon Dallavia looms as a legitimate threat.
Valencia should roll to the finals, with the top guy on his side of the bracket coming in as Whisler.
The other side will be much more interesting. Many fans were hoping to see Bey-Dallavia match-ups at National Duals last summer, but it didn’t materialize. The two Top 10 Juniors could meet in semi’s. HOWEVER. Pay attention to Jacob Warner. He could play spoiler if he upsets Bey in the quarters. Great youngster.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Valencia 2. Dallavia 3. Whisler 4. Bey


182:
Last Year’s Final: Bo Nickal, Allen, TX dec. Rocco Caywood, Perrysburg, 5-1
5 Years Ago: (171) Charles Argue, Mt. Carmel, IL dec. Mike Alexander, Findlay, OH, 5-2
Pre Seeds:
(1) #1-Sr. Zahid Valencia, Don Bosco, CA - 3x Ironman Champ
(2) #2-Sr. Myles Martin, McDonogh, MD - Returning Runner-Up
(3) #6-Sr. Dylan Wisman, Millbrook, VA - FloNationals Champ
(4) #3-Sr. Xavier Montalvo, Montini, IL - FloNationals Champ
(5) #7-Jr. Christian Dietrich, Wy Sem, PA - FloNationals Runner-Up
(6) #12-Sr. Ben Darmstadt, Elyria, OH - Fargo 3rd, State 3rd
(7) #13-Jr. Jack Harris, Urbana, OH - Fargo Runner-Up, State Runner-Up
(8) #18-Jr. Nathan Traxler, Marmion, IL - State 4th, Fargo 7th
(9) HM-So. Chase Singletary, Blair, NJ - State Champ
(10) So. Justin Allman, Parkersburg South, WV - State Champ
(11) Sr. Zeck Lehman, Revere, OH - State 3rd
(12) Jr. Tre Campbell, Wauseon, OH - State 4th
(13) Sr. Tim Knipl, Wadsworth, OH - State 5th
(14) Sr. Tyler Lewis, Arvada West, CO - Sate 5th

Other Contenders:
Jr. Rashon Lusane, Malvern Prep, PA
So. Brian Hennessey, St. John’s, DC - NHSCA Runner-Up
Sr. Ryan Patchin, Delta, OH - State 6th

The Situation: And here it is.
It’s not very often that you have an in-season tournament where even the top seed gets a nationally ranked opponent in quarters. And it’s not very often (never?) that the best weight at Ironman is an upperweight.
The stars align to make 182 one of the best damn weight classes Ironman has ever put together. And it’s the backdrop to history as Zahid attempts to become just the second Ironman four-timer ever, along with the legendary David Taylor.
To do so, he’ll have to go through a bracket with five guys ranked in the Top 7, all of whom have been to a FloNational final.
To get to Zahid, Montalvo, who beat #4-Beau Breske last month, will have to get through Dietrich. Montalvo was the FloNats Champ at 170 while Dietrich lost in the finals to Wisman at 182.
Wisman will have to get through Darmstadt before hitting Martin. Both were 3rd in Fargo - Wisman at 182 JR, Darmstadt at 160 Cadet.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Zahid 2. Martin 3. Montalvo 4. Wisman


195:
Last Year’s Final: Derek White, Edmond N., OK dec. Tegray Scales, Colerain, OH, 3-2
5 Years Ago: (189) Mike Evans, Blair, NJ dec. Max Thomousseit, Graham, OH, 6-2
Pre Seeds:
(1) #7-Sr. LJ Barlow, Haverford, PA - Prep Runner-Up, Returning 7th
(2) HM-Sr. Steve Allen, Broken Arrow, OK - State 3rd, Returning 6th
(3) #8-Jr. Matt Stencel, Oregon Clay, OH - State Runner-Up, Fargo Champ
(4) HM-Sr. Dylan Reynolds, Saegertown, PA - State 3rd, State 4th
(5) Jr. Neil Putnam, Blair, NJ - Prep 4th
(6) #19-Sr. Austin Flores, Clovis North, CA - State 4th
(7) Sr. Isaiah Margheim, Lorain, OH - State Runner-Up
(8) #12-Sr. Bailey Faust, Lexington, OH - FloNationals Runner-Up
(9) Jr. Kevin Snyder, Good Counsel, MD - Super 32 8th
(10) Sr. Tyler Newhart-Koreski, Parkersburg South, WV - State 4th
(11) So. Zane Black, Wy Sem, PA - Fargo 5th
(12) So. Jared Campbell, St. Edward, OH
(13) Sr. Ben Bergen, OPRF, IL
(14) Sr. Michael Gregory, Toledo CC, OH

The Situation: The four nationally ranked guys are spread out among eight seeds. The four would hit in quarters with Barlow-Faust and Stencel-Flores match-ups.
It’s a difficult weight to handicap because the guys are bunched up in a solid-but-not-spectacular tier. While I like the upside of Stencel, I’m going off the reservation here and taking a 6 seed.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Flores 2. Faust 3. Barlow 4. Stencel


220:
Last Year’s Final: Edgar Ruano, Montini, IL dec. Austin Pfarr, Marysville, OH, 3-2
Pre Seeds:
(1) HM-Sr. David Showunmi, Blair, NJ - Fargo AA, Returning 6th
(2) HM-Sr. Mike Smith, McDonogh, MD - Prep 3rd, Fargo Runner-Up
(3) Sr. Parker Knapp, St. Edward, OH - State 6th
(4) #14-Sr. Devin Rothrock, Arvada West, CO - State Champ
(5) So. Ben Sullivan, National Trail, OH - State Runner-Up
(6) HM-So. Nick Mosco, Tampa Jesuit, FL - NHSCA Champ, 2x State Runner-Up
(7) Sr. Thomas Hall, Parkersburg South, WV - State 3rd, State 5th
(8) Jr. Kordell Chaney, Perkins, OH - 2x State Placer
(9) Sr. Drek Brumley, SVSM, OH - 2x State Placer
(10) Jr. Devon Richard, Delta, OH - State 5th
(11) So. Cole Nye, Wy Sem, PA - Fargo 4th
(12) So. Cole Rickert, Reynolds, PA
(14) Jr. Ed Sternad, Brecksville, OH

Other Contenders:
Jr. Allen Stallings, OPRF, IL

The Situation: Like 195, 220 is without clear separation among the leading contenders. Only Rothrock is nationally ranked, and that’s a tenuous situation as his resume is slim. It will be confirmed or refuted here.
Showunmi is a talent, but coming off football. And talk about specimens. You won’t believe Stallings is in high school, far less a JR. He’s a monster.
Pay attention to the two Soph’s - Mosco and Sullivan. They could be future stars.

Willie’s Picks: 1. Rothrock 2. Showunmi 3. Stallings 4. Mosco


285:
Last Year’s Final:  Michael Johnson, Montini, IL dec. Cale Bonner, Perrysburg, OH, 2-1
5 Years Ago: Mike McMullan, Wy Sem, PA dec. Ben Buzzelli, Wadsworth, OH, 5-2
Pre Seeds:
(1) #6-Sr. Tate Orndorff, University School, WA - Fargo AA, FloNats AA
(2) #10-Sr. Mike Rogers, Wy Sem, PA - Prep 3rd, Fargo AA
(3) #5-So. Kevin Vough, Elyria, OH - FloNationals Champ
(4) HM-Jr. Hunter Mullins, Orting, WA - Fargo Runner-Up
(5) #16-Sr. Jay Nino, Genoa, OH - State Champ
(6) Jr. Gene Ringer, Reynolds, PA - State 8th
(7) Sr. Adam Lemke-Bell - FILA and Fargo AA
(8) Jr. Chance Veller, Delta, OH - State 7th

The Situation: Not a bad group of big men considering some are still coming off football and that were slated to compete are out with injury.
Both finalists #2-Michael Johnson (Montini) and #8-Cale Bonner (Perrysburg) have scratched.
A number of head-to-heads here. Vough beat Orndorff in FloNational semi’s en route to winning the title as a Freshman. Ordorff beat Mullins in TriState finals last year. There was also a Greco win at FILA’s with Orndorff besting Vough.
Mullins was the runner-up at Fargo on the opposite side of the bracket from Vough.
Rogers is new to the weight, but he’s already proved his mettle here. He’ll need to be bulked up, though, as Vough and Orndorff are big ‘uns.
The guy I want to see is Nino. He was a state champ at 220 last year, beating Sullivan (who’s here at 220).

Willie’s Picks: 1. Vough 2. Ordorff 3. Rogers 4. Nino