Unlock this article, live events, and more with a subscription!
Already a subscriber? Log In
Dapper Dan Report
Willie Saylor, Editor
One of the true crown jewels of wrestling is the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic which annually pits the nation’s top seniors against the top seniors from Pennsylvania.
The level of wrestling is always top notch, but beyond that, the class, experience, and history of the event of what makes it special. And entering it’s 40th year, the Dapper Dan is a truly enduring keystone event.
In this special edition of Insider, we’ll take a look at the Dapper Dan picture as it stands now in the preseason. Of course, in the coming months and throughout the course of the season, kids will win, kids will lose, kids will move up and down in weight.
The following breakdown inspects the current situation for the Dapper Dan, examining contenders for each of the 26 slots for Team USA and Team PA.
*Wrestlers ranked at the current weights will be listed first, followed by wrestlers ranked at other weights.
113
PA Nominees: #1-Ethan Lizak, Parkland; #5-Scotty Parker, Pennridge
PA Picture: Lizak is in the driver’s seat with two state titles and runner-up finish. He just recently made the Junior World Team. Parker was 4th in the state as a Sophomore and placed 3rd last year when his only loss was 4-2 to Lizak. Parker was also the Fargo Champ in 2012.
USA Nominees: #2-Brent Fleetwood, Smyrna, DE; #6-Brian Rossi, Lockport, IL
USA Picture: Fleetwood owns two wins over Lizak and was the #1 before losing to an unranked foe in Fargo last month. He beat Rossi in that tournament, but Rossi, a state champ in Illinois’ big class, went on to be runner-up.
Prediction: #1-Lizak vs. #2-Fleetwood
120
PA Nominees: #8-Dalton Macri, Canon-Mac; #10-Jake Gromacki, Erie Prep
PA Picture: Macri wrestled 120 last year, losing to Sam Krivus in state finals. He’s on the smaller side, and 126 will be much more loaded. So another year at 120 could be in the cards. However, I’m under the impression that he’ll be up at 126. That would make way for Gromacki, who is largely under-appreciated as a national talent. He was 4th at both the state tournament and FloNationals where he beat PA AA Champ Phillippi and Cali Champ Saavedra.
USA Nominees: #1-Stevan Micic, IN; #3-Sean Russell, GA; #5-Nathan Boston, KY; #7-Tommy Thorn, MN
USA Picture: Micic should be the guy here depending on what weight he wrestles his state tournament at. He’s the Cadet World Team Member at this weight by virtue of his win over #2-Kaid Brock in Akron. Russell, a Super32 Runner-Up last year, and Boston, a two-time FloNationals finalist and this year’s champ, would be next men up if Micic goes 126, which, I think he does. A potential curveball to this scenario would occur if Thorn, a two-time Fargo Champ, wrestles 120 at the state tournament.
Prediction: vs. #10-Gromacki vs. #3-Russell
126
PA Nominees: #11-Zeke Moisey, Bethlehem Catholic; HM-Chase Zemenak, Nazareth; #8-Dalton Macri, Canon-Mac; HM-Zach Valley, Northampton
PA Picture: As a two-time state runner-up (to Nicky Roberts and Ryan Diehl), Moisey is a heavy favorite. Zemenak has been 4th and 6th at the state tournament. But PA has a big question mark at this weight right now. Both these guys were 126 last year. If they both move up, and Macri stays at 120, it will have to be filled with whomever emerges in Hershey. While that’s a real possibility, I think Macri moves up and is the guy. There’s also a chance that Valley, who was 4th last year with losses to Krivus and Joseph, runs the table and gets the nod.
USA Nominees: #1-Jered Cortez, IL; #4-Brock Ervin, KY; #5-Ryan Millhof, GA; #6-Johnny Jimenez, IL; #7-Tommy Thorn, MN; #1-Stevan Micic, IN
USA Picture: As far as August predictions go, Cortez is one of the biggest ‘locks’ to make team USA. He’s won Fargo at both the Cadet and Junior level and is going for his 4th state title. The Dapper Dan Committee LOVES 4-timers. Cortez going 132 for his 4th title would really shake things up. In that case, I think the nod would go to Millhof. And it would be really cool (and deserved) to see two guys (Millhof/Russell) from the same team in Georgia, on the USA roster back-to-back.
Prediction: #8-Macri vs. #5-Millhof
132
PA Nominees: #12-Tyler Smith, Franklin Regional; HM-Ian Brown, Hanover; #11-Zeke Moisey, Bethlehem Catholic
PA Picture: Smith was your state champ at this weight last year. Brown has gone 4th-4th-3rd from FR to JR years. Smith wrestled Fargo at 138, and what weight he goes next year is likely dependent upon how they balance the deep line-up at Franklin Regional, with Mike Kemerer also in the vicinity. Brown wrestled 132 at Fargo. If he stays there, it should be him and Moisey for the AA title.
USA Nominees: #1-Seth Gross, MN; #2-Zac Hall, MI; #3-Hayden Tuma, ID; #1-Jered Cortez, IL; #4-Brock Ervin, KY;
USA Picture: If Cortez goes 132, this spot is almost assuredly his. Gross won Fargo with a loss and is a shaky #1. Tuma will never see this weight in high school action again.
Prediction: #11-Moisey vs. #1-Cortez
138
PA Nominees: #2-Jason Nolf, Kittaning; #12-Tyler Smith, Franklin Regional
PA Picture: Pretty clear here. Nolf is one of the premier wrestlers in the country, and will be looking for his 3rd state title. Smith, who is in AAA, could get the nod if he goes back-to-back and if something unforeseen happens to Nolf.
USA Nominees: #3-Joey McKenna, NJ; #4-Alfred Bannister, MD; #6-Tyler Berger, OR
USA Picture: It will be very interesting to see where the USA guys end up weight wise. Blair is currently pondering McKenna at 145. Bannister and Berger were both 138 last year. Another interesting side note: Berger beat Nolf for the title 2-0 on an escape and riding time point in FloNational finals. Whoever it is, this is going to be one of the best match-ups at the Dapper.
Prediction: #2-Nolf vs. #3-McKenna
145
PA Nominees: #3-Joey Galasso, Father Judge; #14-Brock Zacherl, Brookville; #1-Solomon Chishko, Canon-Mac
PA Picture: Galasso (138) and Chishko (145) are both returning state champs in AAA. Zacherl was 4th at the state tournament and 3rd at FloNationals. Should Chishko go 152, the spot should be sewn up with Galasso. But if Chishko drops, it will be settled in Hershey.
USA Nominees: #4-Jake Danishek, OH; #5-Micah Jordan, OH; #7-Daniel Lewis, MO; #8-Grant Leeth, MO; #3-Joey McKenna, NJ; #4-Alfred Bannister, MD
USA Picture: The spot for the USA is really up in the air right now. Danishek was a 145 last year. Jordan is rumored to be going all the way up to 152. And his brother Bo turned down the opportunity to compete at the DD last year. So I don’t think we’ll see Micah. Lewis is a fine talent and going for his 4th state title. He’ll be #2 or #3 when the rest of the guys officially move up.
Prediction: #3-Galasso vs. #7-Lewis, MO
152
PA Nominees: #1-Solomon Chishko, Canon-Mac; #8-TC Warner, Cumberland Valley
PA Picture: Neither Chishko or Warner are ranked at 152. Chishko has the top spot at 145 while Warner is 8th at 160. But both will likely end up here. Chishko has gone 3-3-1. Warner was a champ in ’12 and runner-up last year. Should be a barnburner in Hershey.
USA Nominees: #1-Bryce Brill, IL; #2-Ryan Blees, ND; #3-Dylan Milonas, NJ; #4-Jack Clark, MD
USA Picture: Brill was a Fargo Champ last year. Blees won a Fargo title this year. In my opinion, Brill is a no-brainer pick here, and that will be even more clear as Blees will likely be a 160 in-season.
Prediction: #1-Chishko vs. #1-Brill
160
PA Nominees: #2-Garrett Peppelman, Central Dauphin; #8-TC Warner, Cumberland Valley
PA Picture: Peppelman was a champ in ’12 and a runner-up to Marsteller last year. He also was a Beast Champ. Warner has repeatedly told me he’ll be at 152 for the postseason, making Peppelman one of the clearest favorites for the roster.
USA Nominees: #4-Josh Llopez, MD; #5-Javaughn Perkins, NE; #6-Dillon Artigliere, NJ; #7-John Schleifer, NJ; #2-Ryan Blees, ND
USA Picture: Llopez won Fargo and made S32 finals in 2012 but has struggled with injuries. We’ll see what kind of condition he’s in this year. At the top of his game, he’s as good as anyone. Perkins looked phenomenal in winning the FloNats title, and would be a worthy choice for a state not often represented. The Jersey boys will likely be up at 170. In the end, I think Blees wrestles 160 at his state tournament and becomes the highest ranked non-PA senior at the weight.
Prediction: #2-Peppelman vs. #2-Blees
170
PA Nominees: #1-Chance Marsteller, Kennard Dale; #4-Zack Zavatsky, Greater Latrobe
PA Picture: Doesn’t get any more clear than this. Chance will be going for his 4th state title in an undefeated career. He majored Zavatsky in last year’s state semi’s.
USA Nominees: #2-Bo Nickal, TX; #3-Chandler Rogers, WA; #6-Dillon Artigliere, NJ; #7-John Schleifer
USA Picture: Nickal is almost assuredly set to be the guy barring some sort of injury or weight shift. Neither is likely. Showdown city between two future Nittany Lions.
Prediction: #1-Marsteller vs. #2-Nickal
182
PA Nominees: #4-Zack Zavatsky, Greater Latrobe; #12-Tom Sleigh, Dubois
PA Picture: Both guys here are ranked at 170. With Chance looming at 170, look for Zavatsky a pretty big kid who won Powerade last year, to move up to 182. Sleigh is one of the best kids no one knows. He was 3rd last year at 170 with his only loss coming to Weircioch.
USA Nominees: #1-Johnny Sebastian, NJ; #2-Michael Pixely, MO; #3-Ryan Christensen, WA; #4-Will Schany, NE
USA Picture: The Sebastian-Pixely debate is this year’s most talked about conundrum. A FloNationals Champ vs. a Fargo Champ who will both be looking for their 3rd state titles. It will be one of these two, no doubt. And I will defer to how the season plays out.
Prediction: #4-Zavatsky vs. Sebastian, NJ or Pixely, MO
195
PA Nominees: #19-Nezar Haddad, Parkland; HM-Jovan Reyes, Dieruff
PA Picture: While Haddad and Reyes have had modest national success, they aren’t as credentialled as most Dapper Dan Team Members.
USA Nominees: #2-Chip Ness, GA; #3-Joel Dixon, OK; #4-Derek White, OK; #5-Nathan Rose, MN; #6-Jaden Davenport, OK; #7-Jeramy Sweany, CA
USA Picture: Team USA will be looking at a number of options without any jumping off the page at them. Ness has had the most prolonged and consistent national success. He’s a Fargo and FloNationals Runner-Up and I look for him to get the nod as a potential 4x State Champ.
Prediction: #19-Haddad vs. #2-Ness
220
PA Nominees: #2-Thomas Haines, Solanco; #7-Michael Boykins, Coatesville
PA Picture: If Haines can make 220 again, he’s clearly your choice. He’ll join the elite fraternity of PA 4xers and be the heaviest of them. He’s also won Powerade and Super 32. If he should go HWT, PA will still be in good hands here with Boykins, an emerging talent that has all the goods.
USA Nominees: #1-Kyle Snyder, MD; #3-Roy Nash, UT; #4-Derrick Jones, CA
USA Picture: The question for the DD Committee will be “Do we want to have Snyder participate when he didn’t compete in high school?” Snyder will forego his final year of HS eligibility in Maryland to develop at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. If they opt against Snyder, they’re still in good hands with 4x Fargo Champ Roy Nash or State and FloNational Champ Jones.
Prediction: #2-Haines vs. #3-Nash
HWT
PA Nominees: #16-Sam Breese, Lakeview; #18-Nazar Mironenko, Mifflinburg; HM-Shane Kuhn, Kiski; #2-Thomas Haines, Solanco
PA Picture: Mironenko won a state AA title as a Sophomore but had a bad state tournament and didn’t place last year. Breese took that AA title last year. Also watch out for Kuhn, who was 4th and 3rd the last two years in AAA. Of course, if Haines goes HWT, he gets the spot by winning out.
USA Nominees: #1-Nick Nevills, CA; #2-Sam Stoll, MN
USA Picture: Two clear leaders here with these guys. Stoll has been 2nd-3rd-1st in his state tournaments. Nevills will go down in history as the most decorated HWT in single class California history with placings of 1-2-1 to this point.
Prediction: #16-Breese vs. #1-Nevills
Willie’s Fearless August Predictions:
113: #1-Ethan Lizak, Parkland, Pa vs. #2-Brent Fleetwood, Smyrna, DE
120: #10-Jake Gromacki, Erie Prep, Pa vs. #3-Sean Russell, Collins Hill, GA
126: #8-Dalton Macri, Canon McMillan, Pa vs. Ryan Millhof, Collins Hill, GA
132: #11-Zeke Moisey, Bethlehem Catholic, Pa vs. Jered Cortez, Glenbard North, IL
138: #2-Jason Nolf, Kittaning, Pa vs. #3-Joey McKenna, Blair Academy, NJ
145: #3-Joey Galasso, Father Judge, Pa vs. #7-Daniel Lewis, Blue Springs, MO
152: #1-Solomon Chishko, Canon McMillan, Pa vs. #1-Bryce Brill, Mt. Carmel, IL
160: #2-Garrett Peppelman, Central Dauphin, Pa vs. #2-Ryan Blees, Bismark, ND
170: #1-Chance Marsteller, Kennard Dale, Pa vs. #2-Bo Nickal, Allen, TX
182: #4-Zack Zavatsky, Greater Latrobe, Pa vs. #1-Johnny Sebastian, Bergen Catholic, NJ or #2-Michael Pixely, Blue Springs, MO
195: #19-Nezar Haddad, Parkland, Pa vs. #2-Chip Ness, Buford, GA
220: #2-Thomas Haines, Solanco, Pa vs. #3-Roy Nash, West Valley, UT
HWT: #16-Sam Breese, Lakeview, Pa vs. #1-Nick Nevills, CA
Just eight more months till the 40th Dapper Dan!
Willie Saylor, Editor
One of the true crown jewels of wrestling is the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic which annually pits the nation’s top seniors against the top seniors from Pennsylvania.
The level of wrestling is always top notch, but beyond that, the class, experience, and history of the event of what makes it special. And entering it’s 40th year, the Dapper Dan is a truly enduring keystone event.
In this special edition of Insider, we’ll take a look at the Dapper Dan picture as it stands now in the preseason. Of course, in the coming months and throughout the course of the season, kids will win, kids will lose, kids will move up and down in weight.
The following breakdown inspects the current situation for the Dapper Dan, examining contenders for each of the 26 slots for Team USA and Team PA.
*Wrestlers ranked at the current weights will be listed first, followed by wrestlers ranked at other weights.
113
PA Nominees: #1-Ethan Lizak, Parkland; #5-Scotty Parker, Pennridge
PA Picture: Lizak is in the driver’s seat with two state titles and runner-up finish. He just recently made the Junior World Team. Parker was 4th in the state as a Sophomore and placed 3rd last year when his only loss was 4-2 to Lizak. Parker was also the Fargo Champ in 2012.
USA Nominees: #2-Brent Fleetwood, Smyrna, DE; #6-Brian Rossi, Lockport, IL
USA Picture: Fleetwood owns two wins over Lizak and was the #1 before losing to an unranked foe in Fargo last month. He beat Rossi in that tournament, but Rossi, a state champ in Illinois’ big class, went on to be runner-up.
Prediction: #1-Lizak vs. #2-Fleetwood
120
PA Nominees: #8-Dalton Macri, Canon-Mac; #10-Jake Gromacki, Erie Prep
PA Picture: Macri wrestled 120 last year, losing to Sam Krivus in state finals. He’s on the smaller side, and 126 will be much more loaded. So another year at 120 could be in the cards. However, I’m under the impression that he’ll be up at 126. That would make way for Gromacki, who is largely under-appreciated as a national talent. He was 4th at both the state tournament and FloNationals where he beat PA AA Champ Phillippi and Cali Champ Saavedra.
USA Nominees: #1-Stevan Micic, IN; #3-Sean Russell, GA; #5-Nathan Boston, KY; #7-Tommy Thorn, MN
USA Picture: Micic should be the guy here depending on what weight he wrestles his state tournament at. He’s the Cadet World Team Member at this weight by virtue of his win over #2-Kaid Brock in Akron. Russell, a Super32 Runner-Up last year, and Boston, a two-time FloNationals finalist and this year’s champ, would be next men up if Micic goes 126, which, I think he does. A potential curveball to this scenario would occur if Thorn, a two-time Fargo Champ, wrestles 120 at the state tournament.
Prediction: vs. #10-Gromacki vs. #3-Russell
126
PA Nominees: #11-Zeke Moisey, Bethlehem Catholic; HM-Chase Zemenak, Nazareth; #8-Dalton Macri, Canon-Mac; HM-Zach Valley, Northampton
PA Picture: As a two-time state runner-up (to Nicky Roberts and Ryan Diehl), Moisey is a heavy favorite. Zemenak has been 4th and 6th at the state tournament. But PA has a big question mark at this weight right now. Both these guys were 126 last year. If they both move up, and Macri stays at 120, it will have to be filled with whomever emerges in Hershey. While that’s a real possibility, I think Macri moves up and is the guy. There’s also a chance that Valley, who was 4th last year with losses to Krivus and Joseph, runs the table and gets the nod.
USA Nominees: #1-Jered Cortez, IL; #4-Brock Ervin, KY; #5-Ryan Millhof, GA; #6-Johnny Jimenez, IL; #7-Tommy Thorn, MN; #1-Stevan Micic, IN
USA Picture: As far as August predictions go, Cortez is one of the biggest ‘locks’ to make team USA. He’s won Fargo at both the Cadet and Junior level and is going for his 4th state title. The Dapper Dan Committee LOVES 4-timers. Cortez going 132 for his 4th title would really shake things up. In that case, I think the nod would go to Millhof. And it would be really cool (and deserved) to see two guys (Millhof/Russell) from the same team in Georgia, on the USA roster back-to-back.
Prediction: #8-Macri vs. #5-Millhof
132
PA Nominees: #12-Tyler Smith, Franklin Regional; HM-Ian Brown, Hanover; #11-Zeke Moisey, Bethlehem Catholic
PA Picture: Smith was your state champ at this weight last year. Brown has gone 4th-4th-3rd from FR to JR years. Smith wrestled Fargo at 138, and what weight he goes next year is likely dependent upon how they balance the deep line-up at Franklin Regional, with Mike Kemerer also in the vicinity. Brown wrestled 132 at Fargo. If he stays there, it should be him and Moisey for the AA title.
USA Nominees: #1-Seth Gross, MN; #2-Zac Hall, MI; #3-Hayden Tuma, ID; #1-Jered Cortez, IL; #4-Brock Ervin, KY;
USA Picture: If Cortez goes 132, this spot is almost assuredly his. Gross won Fargo with a loss and is a shaky #1. Tuma will never see this weight in high school action again.
Prediction: #11-Moisey vs. #1-Cortez
138
PA Nominees: #2-Jason Nolf, Kittaning; #12-Tyler Smith, Franklin Regional
PA Picture: Pretty clear here. Nolf is one of the premier wrestlers in the country, and will be looking for his 3rd state title. Smith, who is in AAA, could get the nod if he goes back-to-back and if something unforeseen happens to Nolf.
USA Nominees: #3-Joey McKenna, NJ; #4-Alfred Bannister, MD; #6-Tyler Berger, OR
USA Picture: It will be very interesting to see where the USA guys end up weight wise. Blair is currently pondering McKenna at 145. Bannister and Berger were both 138 last year. Another interesting side note: Berger beat Nolf for the title 2-0 on an escape and riding time point in FloNational finals. Whoever it is, this is going to be one of the best match-ups at the Dapper.
Prediction: #2-Nolf vs. #3-McKenna
145
PA Nominees: #3-Joey Galasso, Father Judge; #14-Brock Zacherl, Brookville; #1-Solomon Chishko, Canon-Mac
PA Picture: Galasso (138) and Chishko (145) are both returning state champs in AAA. Zacherl was 4th at the state tournament and 3rd at FloNationals. Should Chishko go 152, the spot should be sewn up with Galasso. But if Chishko drops, it will be settled in Hershey.
USA Nominees: #4-Jake Danishek, OH; #5-Micah Jordan, OH; #7-Daniel Lewis, MO; #8-Grant Leeth, MO; #3-Joey McKenna, NJ; #4-Alfred Bannister, MD
USA Picture: The spot for the USA is really up in the air right now. Danishek was a 145 last year. Jordan is rumored to be going all the way up to 152. And his brother Bo turned down the opportunity to compete at the DD last year. So I don’t think we’ll see Micah. Lewis is a fine talent and going for his 4th state title. He’ll be #2 or #3 when the rest of the guys officially move up.
Prediction: #3-Galasso vs. #7-Lewis, MO
152
PA Nominees: #1-Solomon Chishko, Canon-Mac; #8-TC Warner, Cumberland Valley
PA Picture: Neither Chishko or Warner are ranked at 152. Chishko has the top spot at 145 while Warner is 8th at 160. But both will likely end up here. Chishko has gone 3-3-1. Warner was a champ in ’12 and runner-up last year. Should be a barnburner in Hershey.
USA Nominees: #1-Bryce Brill, IL; #2-Ryan Blees, ND; #3-Dylan Milonas, NJ; #4-Jack Clark, MD
USA Picture: Brill was a Fargo Champ last year. Blees won a Fargo title this year. In my opinion, Brill is a no-brainer pick here, and that will be even more clear as Blees will likely be a 160 in-season.
Prediction: #1-Chishko vs. #1-Brill
160
PA Nominees: #2-Garrett Peppelman, Central Dauphin; #8-TC Warner, Cumberland Valley
PA Picture: Peppelman was a champ in ’12 and a runner-up to Marsteller last year. He also was a Beast Champ. Warner has repeatedly told me he’ll be at 152 for the postseason, making Peppelman one of the clearest favorites for the roster.
USA Nominees: #4-Josh Llopez, MD; #5-Javaughn Perkins, NE; #6-Dillon Artigliere, NJ; #7-John Schleifer, NJ; #2-Ryan Blees, ND
USA Picture: Llopez won Fargo and made S32 finals in 2012 but has struggled with injuries. We’ll see what kind of condition he’s in this year. At the top of his game, he’s as good as anyone. Perkins looked phenomenal in winning the FloNats title, and would be a worthy choice for a state not often represented. The Jersey boys will likely be up at 170. In the end, I think Blees wrestles 160 at his state tournament and becomes the highest ranked non-PA senior at the weight.
Prediction: #2-Peppelman vs. #2-Blees
170
PA Nominees: #1-Chance Marsteller, Kennard Dale; #4-Zack Zavatsky, Greater Latrobe
PA Picture: Doesn’t get any more clear than this. Chance will be going for his 4th state title in an undefeated career. He majored Zavatsky in last year’s state semi’s.
USA Nominees: #2-Bo Nickal, TX; #3-Chandler Rogers, WA; #6-Dillon Artigliere, NJ; #7-John Schleifer
USA Picture: Nickal is almost assuredly set to be the guy barring some sort of injury or weight shift. Neither is likely. Showdown city between two future Nittany Lions.
Prediction: #1-Marsteller vs. #2-Nickal
182
PA Nominees: #4-Zack Zavatsky, Greater Latrobe; #12-Tom Sleigh, Dubois
PA Picture: Both guys here are ranked at 170. With Chance looming at 170, look for Zavatsky a pretty big kid who won Powerade last year, to move up to 182. Sleigh is one of the best kids no one knows. He was 3rd last year at 170 with his only loss coming to Weircioch.
USA Nominees: #1-Johnny Sebastian, NJ; #2-Michael Pixely, MO; #3-Ryan Christensen, WA; #4-Will Schany, NE
USA Picture: The Sebastian-Pixely debate is this year’s most talked about conundrum. A FloNationals Champ vs. a Fargo Champ who will both be looking for their 3rd state titles. It will be one of these two, no doubt. And I will defer to how the season plays out.
Prediction: #4-Zavatsky vs. Sebastian, NJ or Pixely, MO
195
PA Nominees: #19-Nezar Haddad, Parkland; HM-Jovan Reyes, Dieruff
PA Picture: While Haddad and Reyes have had modest national success, they aren’t as credentialled as most Dapper Dan Team Members.
USA Nominees: #2-Chip Ness, GA; #3-Joel Dixon, OK; #4-Derek White, OK; #5-Nathan Rose, MN; #6-Jaden Davenport, OK; #7-Jeramy Sweany, CA
USA Picture: Team USA will be looking at a number of options without any jumping off the page at them. Ness has had the most prolonged and consistent national success. He’s a Fargo and FloNationals Runner-Up and I look for him to get the nod as a potential 4x State Champ.
Prediction: #19-Haddad vs. #2-Ness
220
PA Nominees: #2-Thomas Haines, Solanco; #7-Michael Boykins, Coatesville
PA Picture: If Haines can make 220 again, he’s clearly your choice. He’ll join the elite fraternity of PA 4xers and be the heaviest of them. He’s also won Powerade and Super 32. If he should go HWT, PA will still be in good hands here with Boykins, an emerging talent that has all the goods.
USA Nominees: #1-Kyle Snyder, MD; #3-Roy Nash, UT; #4-Derrick Jones, CA
USA Picture: The question for the DD Committee will be “Do we want to have Snyder participate when he didn’t compete in high school?” Snyder will forego his final year of HS eligibility in Maryland to develop at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. If they opt against Snyder, they’re still in good hands with 4x Fargo Champ Roy Nash or State and FloNational Champ Jones.
Prediction: #2-Haines vs. #3-Nash
HWT
PA Nominees: #16-Sam Breese, Lakeview; #18-Nazar Mironenko, Mifflinburg; HM-Shane Kuhn, Kiski; #2-Thomas Haines, Solanco
PA Picture: Mironenko won a state AA title as a Sophomore but had a bad state tournament and didn’t place last year. Breese took that AA title last year. Also watch out for Kuhn, who was 4th and 3rd the last two years in AAA. Of course, if Haines goes HWT, he gets the spot by winning out.
USA Nominees: #1-Nick Nevills, CA; #2-Sam Stoll, MN
USA Picture: Two clear leaders here with these guys. Stoll has been 2nd-3rd-1st in his state tournaments. Nevills will go down in history as the most decorated HWT in single class California history with placings of 1-2-1 to this point.
Prediction: #16-Breese vs. #1-Nevills
Willie’s Fearless August Predictions:
113: #1-Ethan Lizak, Parkland, Pa vs. #2-Brent Fleetwood, Smyrna, DE
120: #10-Jake Gromacki, Erie Prep, Pa vs. #3-Sean Russell, Collins Hill, GA
126: #8-Dalton Macri, Canon McMillan, Pa vs. Ryan Millhof, Collins Hill, GA
132: #11-Zeke Moisey, Bethlehem Catholic, Pa vs. Jered Cortez, Glenbard North, IL
138: #2-Jason Nolf, Kittaning, Pa vs. #3-Joey McKenna, Blair Academy, NJ
145: #3-Joey Galasso, Father Judge, Pa vs. #7-Daniel Lewis, Blue Springs, MO
152: #1-Solomon Chishko, Canon McMillan, Pa vs. #1-Bryce Brill, Mt. Carmel, IL
160: #2-Garrett Peppelman, Central Dauphin, Pa vs. #2-Ryan Blees, Bismark, ND
170: #1-Chance Marsteller, Kennard Dale, Pa vs. #2-Bo Nickal, Allen, TX
182: #4-Zack Zavatsky, Greater Latrobe, Pa vs. #1-Johnny Sebastian, Bergen Catholic, NJ or #2-Michael Pixely, Blue Springs, MO
195: #19-Nezar Haddad, Parkland, Pa vs. #2-Chip Ness, Buford, GA
220: #2-Thomas Haines, Solanco, Pa vs. #3-Roy Nash, West Valley, UT
HWT: #16-Sam Breese, Lakeview, Pa vs. #1-Nick Nevills, CA
Just eight more months till the 40th Dapper Dan!