WELLSVILLE TO HOST ANOTHER BUCK BAILEY MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

WELLSVILLE OH-  It’s the best time of year for wrestling fans in Wellsville as the Tigers get set to host another Buck Bailey Memorial Tournament.  The Tigers continue to honor Buck Bailey who poured out nothing but support for the Wellsville wrestling room.

The event will feature over 200 wrestlers representing 21 different schools in three different states. YSN schools that will be there include Wellsville, East Liverpool, Columbiana, Leetonia, United, South Range and Boardman.  Other notable schools that will be in attendance are Oak Glen, Steubenville, Toronto, Weirton, Indian Valley, Minerva, and more! The event is set to start Saturday at 9:00am.  Concessions will be available and the proceeds from them will benefit the Wellsville Takedown Club.

WARRIOR AND MUSTANGS GRAPPLE TO A TIE

 

Story by: Larry Jennings

 

Edgewood and Grand Valley Battle to a Tie on Senior Night Wrestling Dual

EDGEWOOD – The Grand Valley Mustangs rode into the Edgewood Warrior gymnasium on Tuesday evening for a dual meet that ended in dramatic fashion, with the two teams battling to a 33-33 tie. The evening was especially significant for Edgewood, as the Warriors celebrated senior night, honoring their graduating wrestlers in front of an energetic home crowd.

Recognized Seniors:

Grand Valley: Andrew Soltis and Ryan Waldo.
Edgewood: Daniel Browning, Aidan Burch, Payton Corrigan, Morgan Haywood, Nick Kister, Michael Ochoa, and Chris Skwera.

The meet kicked off with one of the closest and most exciting matches of the night. Edgewood’s Aidan Burch edged out Jesse DeLisle in a hard-fought 7-5 decision, setting the tone for a competitive evening. The team scores see-sawed throughout the event, with ties at 21 and 27 points before ultimately concluding in a 33-33 stalemate.

Key Performances:

  • Edgewood Highlights:
    • Chris Skwera earned the Warriors’ lone pin of the evening, electrifying the crowd with his dominant performance.
    • Aidan Burch and Malachi Nelson contributed to the team’s score with crucial decision victories.
    • Aidan Goodenow, Haiden Peterson, Michael Ochoa, and Nathan Cameron all added points for Edgewood by forfeit.
  • Grand Valley Highlights:
    • Ryan Waldo, Jeremiah Corll, and Chase Levandowski secured pins for the Mustangs, keeping them in contention throughout the meet.
    • Jesse DeLisle rebounded from his opening match loss to claim a decision victory later in the night.
    • Kohen Wilson and Max Thiron also contributed points for Grand Valley with forfeit wins.

FITCH GIRLS WIN THEIR OWN TOURNAMENT

AUSTINTOWN OH- Fitch girls wrestling made a statement on Saturday, dominating their first annual Fitch Girls Wrestling Tournament and snagging the top spot out of 34 teams. The Falcons brought the heat on their home mats, with plenty of standout performances leading the charge.

**Top Finishers for Fitch:**
– **1st Place:** Alex Willis (senior) and Reghan Koch (freshman)
– **2nd Place:** Yelieishka Perez Navedo (junior) and Nadirra’G Matlock (senior)
– **5th Place:** Mary Averelle (junior)
– **6th Place:** Danika Bucko (senior) and Catherine Pontius (junior)

 

WARRIORS CONTROL THE MAT IN BOYS AND GIRLS DUAL MEET

Story by: Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH- The Edgewood gymnasium was buzzing with energy as the Conneaut Spartans descended for a dual meet featuring both the girls’ and boys’ wrestling teams. The Warriors, playing host, delivered a night of electrifying performances, showcasing their depth and determination on the mat.

Lady Warriors Strong Showing

The evening kicked off with the girls’ match, where Edgewood capitalized on a strong start, fueled by two forfeit victories. The Warriors never relinquished their lead, earning to a decisive 30-6 victory over the Spartan ladies.

Edgewood secured forfeit wins from Ana PetroLilly Walker, and Morgan Haywood, while Maggie Allenbaugh impressed with a dominant first-period pin. Payton Corrigan added to the tally, claiming victory by disqualification. Conneaut’s lone bright spot came from Moly Robolski, who delivered a resilient pin to put her team on the board.

First-year coach Nicole Goodenow celebrated her debut victory with a mix of pride and perspective. “All the girls came out, showed up, used everything they were taught in the room,” she said. “We have a lot of improvements to make, but none of them gave up.”

Boys’ Team Holds Off Late Spartan Surge

The boys’ match brought a nail-biting finish as the Edgewood Warriors fended off a determined Conneaut comeback to secure a narrow 40-35 victory.

Edgewood started strong, with Malachi Nelson picking up a forfeit win, and key pins from Aidan GoodenowHaiden PetersonJayden RichterMichael Ochoa, and Nick KisterChris Skwera contributed with a hard-fought decision, helping the Warriors stay ahead.

Conneaut countered with forfeits by Walter Moore and Ben Griswald, decisions from Leo EnricoOwen Taylor, and Damon Bannaro, and crucial pins by Hunter Bilbrey and Wyant Dobran. Despite their rally, the Spartans fell just short.

Edgewood coach Scott Blank praised his team’s performance under pressure. “We knew that we had to give up some forfeits, so we had to match up perfectly and wrestle some smart matches. We got the pins where we needed them, and we wrestled smart,” Blank said.

Looking Ahead

The Edgewood boys’ team now turns its attention to a weekend of competition in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, while the girls will prepare for the Longhorn Tournament at Lutheran West on December 27-28. Both teams are riding high on their victories and will look to build on their success in the weeks to come.  The Spartan boys travel to Waterloo on Friday for a multiple team meet, while the Lady Spartans travel to Chippewa for a multiple team meet on January 5.
The dual meet was a showcase of grit and determination from both squads, as Edgewood’s Warriors defended their home turf with a series of standout performances, setting the tone for a promising season ahead.

FITCH COMES AWAY WITH HOPPEL TITLE

 

EAST LIVERPOOL OH- The Austintown Fitch Falcons came away with the 47th annual Hoppel Memorial Wrestling tournament  title as they edged out runner-up  Beaver Local 272.5 to 266.5. in Saturday mat action.

A total of 16 schools participated  with 16 YSN schools hitting the mats. Fitch finished 1st followed by Beaver Local at second, South Range 4th, Southern Local 9th , Poland at 13th with Crestview at 14th and Mineral Ridge at 15th place.  The Falcons had 3 1st place finishers with Chayce Kemble at 106lbs, Alessio Farrell at 126lbs and at 132lbs was Evean Protopapa. Runner-up was the Beavers of Beaver Local with 4 champions; 138lbs Christopher Warrick, 144lbs Robert Duchheit, 157lbs Jake Hughs and Evan Ours at 165lbs.  South Range had Johhny Bailey at 190obs and Polands Savva DiRieuze at 175lbs both grabbing top honors.

Photos Can and Found HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/Hoppel-wrestling-2024/Hopple-wrestling/USB-Drive/DCIM/100EOS1D

BARTELL FINISHES THE STORY AT MANIA

EAST PALESTINE, OH- Title: Ty Bartell, YSN talent and beloved wrestling aficionado, regaled viewers of the YSN Power Hour with his journey from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to the electrifying arenas of WrestleMania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The episode, aptly titled “Bartell Finishes the Story,” saw Bartell sharing his thrilling experience with the show’s loyal audience.

WrestleMania Weekend – A Wrestling Fan’s Dream
Host DJ Yokley kicked off the episode by highlighting Bartell’s dedication to covering local sports and his simultaneous pursuit of a lifelong wrestling fan’s dream. The listeners were swept up in Bartell’s vivid recollections of the bustling city of Philadelphia transformed into the capital of wrestling. From discussions about the event’s economic boom to the worldwide audience in attendance, Bartell’s storytelling brought the spectacle of WrestleMania to life for YSN listeners.

Cultures Collide, American Spirit Prevails
Ty’s narrative was colored with anecdotes about the cultural melting pot that wrestling events represent. Yet, despite the varying nationalities of fans, Bartell made a point to note the undeniably American essence of the event, an atmosphere further highlighted by DJ Yokley’s pride in the red, white, and blue.
WWE Superstars – Becoming Part of the Story

Ty Bartell’s passion shone through as he described WWE World – the fan experience zone. He painted a picture of interactive sessions and shared how fans had the opportunity to connect with their favorite wrestling superstars. It was a testament to the interactive and immersive nature of the sport, encouraging every fan to, at least once, witness the grandeur of WWE’s marquee event.

An Unforgettable Main Event
The chat crescendoed as the duo dissected the thrilling main event, with DJ Yokley expressing a mix of envy and excitement. Yokley and Bartell reflected on the emotional undertones of the event, marked by unprecedented moments and surprises that would leave an indelible mark on the fans.

Linking Wrestling to Sports Commentary
Reflecting on his professional aspirations, Bartell articulated his admiration for wrestling commentary legends, drawing parallels between their work and his own approach to narrating sports. This connection emphasizes Bartell’s own narrative arc, positioning him as a storyteller capable of bringing dimension and depth to high school sports on the YSN network.

Building Relationships Beyond the Announcer’s Booth
The episode also touched on Bartell’s off-air interactions with local sports teams, including a heartfelt dinner with Austin Town Fitch’s softball squad. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the community bonds forged through sport underpinned the narrative framework of YSN’s approach to coverage.
As the episode drew to a close, it was clear that Ty Bartell had, indeed, ‘finished the story,’ leaving listeners feeling as though they’d been ringside at WrestleMania and in the heart of Myrtle Beach beside him. It was storytelling at its finest, a testament to the powerful connection between sports and the human spirit, delivered through the lens of YSN’s dedicated hosts.

 

FINAL OBSERVATIONS FROM COLUMBUS

By Gary Althiser


COLUMBUS OH- To say things went well for the YSN family at the state tournament would be putting it mild
ly. In 2023, 19 wrestlers finished in the top eight, while this season the number increased to 22. Like last season, two wrestlers were crowned champions, but unlike last season one of them – East Liverpool’s Makyah Newlun – become YSN’s first female to win a gold medal. A lot of other interesting and exciting things happened over the weekend, here are a few.

Cardiac Kids

In what might have been the most exciting match of the tournament for YSN, East Liverpool freshman Paige Cowan pulled off an improbable win over Harrison’s Caiden Baird in the opening round. Down 4-2 with 12 seconds remaining, Baird was penalized with her second stalling call, giving Cowan a point, and cutting the lead to just one. With the clock ticking, Cowan took a shot near the edge of the circle, popping her head out to the side with control as time expired. The official raisedhis hand with two fingers pointing up, signaling Cowan was awarded a takedown, giving her a 5-4 win. The win proved to be an important one for Cowan as she finished 8th for the potters.

Following suit in his finals match, Cowan’s teammate on the boys side, Tristan Eckles, also pulled off a win with time expiring. Down 3-1 with 14 seconds remaining in the third period, Eckles worked from the bottom position to not only secure a reversal but also two near-fall points in the process. Those final four points gave Eckles a 5-3 win and a 7th place finish.

Heart

Louisville’s 126-pound wrestler Kolten Barker might have wrestled more minutes per match than anyone else in the tournament. Barker finished 3rd, and in his five matches, not only were there no pins, but three of the matches went to overtime, with the other two being decided by just two points each. In two of Barkers three overtime wins, the matches went to a tie breaker which means a full minute overtime period, followed by two 30 second periods after the full 6-minute match. The other overtime match went to an ultimate tie breaker, which means three 30 second periods were wrestled after the first full minute overtime. That is 36 minutes and 30 seconds of wrestling in just five matches. To put that into perspective, that’s 31 minutes and 10 seconds more than Newlun spent on the mat the entire tournament. Barker’s only defeat was a 5-3 semi-finals loss to Saint Mary’s Memorial’s Tate Hisey, the eventual state champion.

Heartbreaker

Four YSN wrestlers made it to the semi-finals, but only two came away with wins, Newlun and Garrettsville Garfield’s Keegan Sell. The other two wrestlers, United’s Dallas McCracken and Southern’s Gabriel Blissenbach, suffered defeats in overtime. Both McCracken and Blissenbach scored just before time expired in the third period to force overtime. McCracken secured a takedown that saw the 285-pounder leap over his opponent to score, while Blissenbach was awarded a stalling point with about five seconds left in the match. Unfortunately, both gave up takedowns in overtime to seal their fate. McCracken finished 5th to become a three-time state placer, while Blissenbach finished 3rd to become Southern’s first all-state wrestler.

Teammates

While they may not technically wrestle and score points for the same team, I do not think anyone will argue against using the word teammates when discussing boys and girls wrestlers from the same school. Most practice at the same time in the same wrestling room, and you can see success from one bleeding into the other. For United, McCracken was joined on the podium with two female wrestlers: Auston Brown who finished 3rd, and his sister, Dakota, who finished 7th. For Hubbard, Nick Bowser placed 4th, and Emily Flynn 6th. Howland had two wrestlers in the top eight: Adam Heckman 2nd, and Madison Burns 5th. Salem had multiple boys and girls wrestlers qualify for the state tournament, with one placer – Annika Murray who finished 6th.

68 Years

East Liverpool ended two long droughts while in Columbus, both of which have stood since the 1950’s. Newlun became the first wrestling state champion for the school since brothers Darryl and Jim Hoppel brought home titles in 1955. A year after that in 1956 was the last time three Potters placed at the state tournament in the same season until Cowan, Eckles, and Newlun accomplished the feat last weekend. The Potters girls finished 11th overall out of over 100 teams represented.

WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY ONE RECAP

Division 1

 

By Chris Colucci

COLUMBUS OH- It’s disappointing to learn that Marky Stankorb faced defeat in both of his matches at the state tournament. In his first match, he contended valiantly against Alex Taylor of Mount Vernon ranked 4th in the state, was edged out by a narrow margin with a 4-2 decision. Despite his best efforts, Marky couldn’t secure the win. His second match against Cliff Nicholson of Medina followed a similar pattern, with Cliff emerging victorious with a 6-2 decision.  Stankorbs season comes to an end and hope for the best as he goes to the collegiate level.

Division 2

Entering Division 2 with the largest contingent of wrestlers under our coverage is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the dedication and talent within our team. With 23 kids stepping onto the mats, anticipation was high, and our wrestlers did not disappoint. Out of this formidable group, an impressive 19 have secured their spots for tomorrow’s matches, showcasing their skill and determination. This dominance not only speaks volumes about the depth of our team but also sets a strong foundation for our performance in the upcoming rounds.

 

In the heat of competition, the first match often sets the tone for the day. For eight of our wrestlers – Tristan Eckles, Bobby Buchheit, Adam Heckman, Tyler Scharrer, Jonathan Bissell, Ryan Chafins, Aiden Stecker, and Isaac Griffith – victory in their opening bouts meant an early conclusion to their matches for the day. Their ability to secure swift wins underscores their readiness and preparation, setting a high standard for the team.

 

However, wrestling is a sport that demands resilience in the face of adversity. For those who stumbled in their initial matches, the journey wasn’t over. Nine wrestlers – Justice Fisher, Cody Carpenter, Kaiden Barker, Colton Rhoads, Joey Kana, Kyle Vencill, Gabe Morgan, Gabe Miller, Christopher Mijavec, and Nick Bowser – demonstrated remarkable grit, bouncing back to claim victories and secure their spots for tomorrow’s matches. Their ability to overcome setbacks speaks volumes about their determination and fighting spirit, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the competition.

Division 3

In Division 3 wrestling, our team faced both triumphs and challenges, with a total of 7 wrestlers competing. Despite the smaller size of our group, the majority displayed impressive skill and determination, with 5 out of the 7 wrestlers securing victories in their first matches. This remarkable achievement not only demonstrates the talent within our team but also highlights the strength of their preparation and execution on the mats. For Jermaine Watson, Tyson Seesholtz, Gabe Blissenbach, Keegan Sell, Scotty Edwards, and Dallas McCracken, their successful performances in their opening matches have earned them a well-deserved rest, as they eagerly await tomorrow’s matches.

 

However, wrestling is a sport where challenges are inevitable, and unfortunately, two of our wrestlers, Dominic Kemble and Johnny Bailey, faced setbacks in both of their matches, bringing their season to an end. While their journey may have concluded for this season, their efforts and dedication throughout the competition are commendable. Their resilience in facing tough opponents serves as a testament to their character and commitment to the sport. As they reflect on their experiences and look towards the future, they can take pride in their contributions to the team and use this as motivation for future endeavors.

Girls Division

In the Girls Division of wrestling, our teams showcased their prowess and determination with a total of 12 wrestlers competing. The majority of our wrestlers, 8 in total, displayed exceptional skill and tenacity, securing victories in their matches earning themselves a well-deserved spot to continue competing tomorrow. The triumphs not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the collective strength of our team, demonstrating our dedication to excellence on the mat. Additionally, 3 of our wrestlers faced initial setbacks but showed remarkable resilience, bouncing back to win their second matches and extend their tournament journey into tomorrow. Their ability to overcome adversity underscores the fighting spirit that defines our team and sets the stage for further success as we progress in the competition.

 

However, amidst the victories and comebacks, there was one wrestler, Sloane McNally, who faced a tougher day on the mats, losing both of her matches. While her journey in this tournament may have ended sooner than hoped, Sloane’s efforts and perseverance throughout the competition are commendable. Her determination to compete at the highest level serves as an inspiration to her teammates and a reminder of the challenges inherent in the sport. As we move forward, Sloane’s resilience will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s collective resolve, as we continue to strive for success in the Girls Division of wrestling.






WARRIORS TAKE DOWN EAGLES ON HOME MAT

Photo by MAVG Photography

Story Contributed by Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH- In a showdown that echoed with the weight of tradition and nostalgia, the Edgewood Warriors squared off against the Geneva Eagles in their final home match of the season. The atmosphere was electric as the Edgewood faithful filled the stands to honor the departing seniors and witness a clash of titans on the wrestling mat.

Before the first whistle blew, the spotlight shone on three remarkable seniors: Zeke Lukas, Kyle Vencill, and Ben Wolfe. These seasoned athletes have poured their hearts into the Edgewood wrestling program, and their contributions were duly celebrated. Lukas and Vencill, in particular, were lauded for reaching the impressive milestone of 100 career wins each, a testament to their dedication and skill.

As the action unfolded, spectators were treated to a gripping spectacle of athleticism and determination. The match swung like a pendulum, with momentum shifting between the two teams in a back-and-forth struggle for supremacy. It was a contest where every point mattered, and every move held the potential to sway the outcome.

In a decisive moment at the 215-pound weight class, Chris Skwera emerged as the hero for the Warriors, securing a crucial pin that propelled his team to victory. With the scoreboard reading 35-33 in favor of Edgewood, the home crowd erupted in jubilation, savoring the sweet taste of triumph.

Throughout the evening, the Warriors showcased their prowess with a display of pinning combinations and strategic maneuvers. Joining Skwera in the ranks of pinning victors were Gregory Helmbright, Vencill, and Lukas, whose stellar performances ignited cheers from the stands. Meanwhile, Haiden Peterson, Aiden Burch, and Michael Ochoa demonstrated their mettle with hard-fought decisions, contributing vital points to the team’s tally.

Amidst the thrilling exchanges, one match stood out as a testament to the grit and determination of the Warriors. Haiden Peterson’s gritty 8-5 decision victory underscored the team’s resilience in the face of formidable opposition, proving that every point earned is a step closer to victory.

While the Geneva Eagles fought valiantly, scoring pins through the efforts of Tanner Williams, Dominic Palmasano, Matthew Van Sickle, and Wyatt Habina, as well as a hard-earned decision by Liam Dittler and a forfeit victory by Nathan Miller, it was the Warriors who emerged triumphant on this memorable night.

With the home victory secured, the Edgewood Warriors now set their sights on the next challenge: the sectional matches looming on the horizon. Fueled by their indomitable spirit and hunger for success, they march forward with unwavering resolve, ready to seize their destiny on the path to the state championship. As the final whistle echoes through the arena, one thing is clear: the legacy of the Warriors endures, written in the sweat and sacrifice of champions.

TIGERS TAKE DOWN WARRIORS

Photo by MAVG Photography

Story by Larry Jennings:

1/18/24, East Ashtabula, OH- In a match held at Edgewood High School, the visiting Howland Tigers showed their prowess, defeating the Warriors by a score of 46 to 23.  Howland won 8 of the 11 matches, with both teams having a forfeit.

For Howland, Pins were recorded by Bryden Cortese, Patrick Neff, Adam Heckman, Joey Gajski, and Chris Mijavec, and decisions by Aiden O’Donnell, Deacon Mock, and in the last match of the night, Noah Swope got a takedown as time expired in the third period to win a hard fought match, 2 -0 over Ben Wolfe.
 
The Warriors got all their wins by pins: Gregory Helmbright III, Kyle Vencil, and Zeke Lucas, all recorded falls.
 
In an exhibition match, Madison Burns won over Peyton Corrigan.
 
The Warriors’ next event is January 26 and 27, when they travel to Beachwood for the CVC Championships, while Howland will be hosting their own 56th Howland Invitational Tournament, this coming Saturday, January 21