Tag Archive for: Wrestling Wednesdays

WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 8) FEATURING ELLA THOMAS

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POLAND OH- In an insightful interview on the “YSN Wrestling Wednesday”, Poland High School’s wrestling sensation, Ella Thomas, detailed her determined journey toward wrestling excellence. Speaking with hosts Anthony Hartwig and Gary Althiser, Thomas reflected on her successful state run last year and her elevated ambitions for the current season.

Ranked second in the state, Thomas expressed surprise at her substantial achievements last year, which have since laid the foundation for her newfound confidence. “I had a bunch of hard, tough tournaments,” Thomas shared, attributing her rigorous competition schedule to the enhancement of her skills and mental fortitude. With aspirations of defeating top-ranked McKenna Craft, Thomas emphasized a key focus on maintaining a robust mentality. Her experiences at high-profile competitions such as Iron Man and Finley taught her valuable lessons, particularly the importance of entering matches with the belief that anything is possible.

Thomas’s development is supported by a dedicated coaching team at Poland. “Jordan Beetle and John Arnett have really taught me over these years,” she noted, acknowledging their influence on her focused approach this season. Now drilling with promising eighth-grader Michael Miller, Thomas benefits from a competitive yet encouraging training environment that pushes her to continually improve. As she prepares for the upcoming sectionals, Thomas is committed to staying healthy and refining her technique. Her statement, “I’m gonna beat it this year,” highlights her unwavering determination to achieve her goal of reaching the top of the state podium. Ella Thomas’s journey is more than just personal ambition. Her role as an exemplar within Poland’s up-and-coming girls’ wrestling team underscores her influence as both a competitor and a leader, inspiring peers and younger wrestlers alike. With her eyes set firmly on championship success, Thomas embodies the resilience and drive of a true wrestling champion.

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 3) FEATURING KAYDEN WELKER

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In a significant achievement for South Range High School, senior wrestler Kayden Welker has secured his place in the 100 Wins Club, a coveted milestone in the world of high school wrestling. Welker clinched his 100th victory at the Beavers Local Hopple Tournament, where he demonstrated the skill and determination that have defined his wrestling career.

In the latest episode of YSN’s “Wrestling Wednesday,” Welker joined hosts Anthony Hartwig, Gary Althiser, and Scotty Mincher to discuss his journey to 100 wins and his future goals. A jubilant Welker expressed his excitement about the milestone, particularly noting the joy of having his father in his corner. “It was very exciting having my dad in the corner. It was pretty awesome to have that achievement now,” Welker said. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Welker emphasized the importance of the mental aspect of wrestling, acknowledging the nerves that often accompany matches and his methods of preparation. “I get really nervous before I wrestle. So once I have music and I start get going, I start to get going, I’m usually pretty good,” he explained.

Welker’s goals for his senior season are ambitious yet attainable, driven by personal aspirations and family legacy. Among his key targets are winning the Eastern Ohio Wrestling League (EOWL), securing sectional and district championships, and ultimately making a mark at the state tournament. With the support of a close-knit team and a strong personal drive, Welker looks forward to his remaining high school matches with specific bouts circled on his calendar, including a redemption match against Trevor Osborne from Southeast, who’s currently ranked third in the state. Welker’s success is also a testament to the strength of the South Range wrestling program, which has evolved significantly over the years under the guidance of Coaches Frank and Dave. From humble beginnings, the program has risen to win a state title during Welker’s freshman year and continues to nurture wrestling talent at all levels.

As Welker progresses, he is considering pursuing wrestling at the collegiate level, with family values and team camaraderie being essential in his decision-making process. The South Range community and wrestling supporters now eagerly anticipate Welker’s continued success in his senior season and future sporting endeavors.

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EPISODE 2)

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In the latest episode of “Running Point” on YSNLive.com, the highly-anticipated “Wrestling Wednesday” segment features hosts Anthony Hartwig and Gary Althiser, bringing in guest Scotty Mincher to delve into the throes of the winter wrestling season.

With snowflakes hinting at the wintery setting, Althiser kicks off the episode recapping a recent invitational at Malvern, highlighting new rule changes in wrestling that are poised to alter the sport’s dynamics. Key updates include the introduction of four-point back points, a three-point takedown, and revised out-of-bounds rules that ensure wrestling continues as long as one point of contact remains inbounds, barring safety risks. The West Branch wrestling teams shine in the spotlight, with both boys’ and girls’ teams putting on notable performances at the Beachwood, and Hickory invitationals.

This episode also explored the cementing of team dynamics, emphasizing that wrestling triumphs hinge on collective team effort rather than solitary heroics. Gary Althiser praises the rise of young talents like Jackson Benner, whose contributions boost team morale and motivate veteran teammates. Looking ahead, Anthony Hartwig previews Hoban’s intense competition schedule, which stretches from the Solon tournament through to mid-January, showcasing the relentless pace of the wrestling season. A special mention goes to senior Nick Bowser’s return, driven by the determination to reclaim lost postseason opportunities due to last season’s injuries.

A historic milestone was also noted for the West Branch women’s wrestling team, which debuted and finished eighth overall at their inaugural competition in Hickory, Pennsylvania. Jocelyn Brink’s decisive victory in her weight division, coupled with strong performances, marked an encouraging step forward for women’s wrestling—backed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s endorsement.

As the episode wraps, the hosts gear up for upcoming coverage of the Hopple Invitational at Beaver Local and a Division 3 classic event at Waterloo. The hosts emphasize the importance of focusing on technique and process over winning in the early part of the season, underscoring the essence of steady progress and resilient effort.

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 14) FEATURING KEEGAN SELL & MAKYAH NEWLUN

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The dust has cleared in Columbus, and it’s hard to imagine a better turn out for the YSN athletes.  So many wrestlers put their best foot forward on the biggest stage to show off what they’re all about.  When the final day was done YSN had 22 placers and a pair of state champions.  They ranged from seniors sending off their careers with a bang, to freshmen that let the world know they were there to stay.  It has been an exciting wrestling season that has seen nothing but greatness.

As we celebrate the great season with our final episode of Wrestling Wednesdays with Gary Althiser of the year, we can’t think of a better way than to welcome in both of the state champions that represented their community with pride.  Keegan Sell won his second straight state championship to finish his career, and Makyah Newlun brought East Liverpool their first state championship in a long time.  Check out the season finale, and celebrate our wrestlers with us!

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 13) FEATURING DALLAS MCCRACKEN

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It’s finally here! A whole season worth of wrestlers fighting and grinding has led to one weekend in Columbus.  As YSN prepares for more coverage of the state tournament than ever before, we must ask what to expect on the mats? Good thing we have a couple of wrestling gurus who can answer all questions.  YSN has 44 wrestlers competing at state, and our very own Gary Althiser, and Chris Colucci are on the ball with all the info you’ll need in this state preview episode of Wrestling Wednesdays with Gary Althiser.

This episode’s special guest is one of those 44 wrestlers getting ready for the biggest stage this sport has to offer in high school.  Dallas McCracken has brought the limelight to United wrestling with consistent success.  As he hears up for his final time as a United Eagle he reflects on his career, and what got him here with the boys on Running Point.

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 11) FEATURING ELLA THOMAS

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We are days away from the sectionals getting started for wrestling! Gary and the boys of Running Point could not be more excited for the postseason. As we get through the calm before the storm, we thought it’d be a good time to recognize one of the brightest young stars on the mats this season. From Poland freshman Ella Thomas has reigned nothing but dominance on the girl’s side of grappling.  With a record of 35-0 and 33 pins, all challengers have fallen by the wayside when standing across from Thomas.  So now the question is how can she continue that success all the way to the state podium? Hear it from the phenom herself as Thomas joins wrestling Wednesday, and the guys get ready for the journey to Columbus!

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAY WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 10) FEATURING CHRIS COLUCCI

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The wrestling season gets closer and closer to State.  With plenty of grapplers who have impressed this season, the excitement for the upcoming tournament is off the charts.  It’s the calm before the storm, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to talk about.  On this episode of Wrestling Wednesday the boys talk to the voice of wrestling on YSN, Chris Colucci on what he’s seen this season while on the mic.  Chris picks out what it’s been like seeing the sport from a new angle, what it’s like to run a wrestling centered social media platform to highlight all the local athletes, and so much more. Check out the latest episode of Wrestling Wednesday with Gary Althiser.

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 9) FEATURING ISAAC GRIFFITH

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The bulk of the wrestling season is starting to reach its climax.  With the EOWL now under wraps, the only thing between our wrestlers and going their ultimate goal in Columbus is the completion of duals and conference play.  After that is taken care of, eyes set to the team and individual tournaments.

On this episode of Wrestling Wednesdays with Gary Althiser the boys recap the week that was, including some big winners in Fitch for the EOWL. They also preview what’s coming up, and talk about how important getting through these next two weeks healthy can be.

This episode’s special guest is Girard’s Isaac Griffith.  Isaac is having one of the best seasons of his entire career. It culminated in him reaching his 100th career win. A dominant feat obtained by the best the sport has to offer. However Isaac is not resting on 100. He has other goals ahead that include a trip to the podium in Columbus. He’s got plenty of challenges standing in front of him, but with his passion and confidence he will be tough to take down come tournament time.

 

Check out Episode 9 of Wrestling Wednesdays with Gary Althiser, and keep an eye on YSN for your best place for wrestling coverage inside the YSN family. Wrestling Wednesdays air Wednesdays on Running Point at 1:00.

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 7) FEATURING MARKY STANKORB

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Wrestling season is really starting to heat up as teams get closer and closer to the ultimate goal in Columbus.  With huge tournaments popping up every weekend, YSN has Gary Althiser as your guide through the hectic last stretch of the season.  This week on Wrestling Wednesday it’s time to recap the Top Gun invitational hosted by Alliance. One of the bigger tournaments on the schedule, the Top Gun featured the area’s best teams.  Gary and the boys go over the results and who had the big weekends. The recap includes the inaugural girls division of the Top Gun where West Branch had three girls place. Many other YSN teams sent their girls wrestlers there for the experience on the mat.

In this episode the live guest comes from Austintown Fitch.  The Falcons have been talked about multiple times this season on the show, and it was about time we heard a voice from the nest. Marky Stankorb the pride of the wrestling room in Fitch joined the guys to talk about his career, his goals, and his drive to be the best in the sport.

Wrestling fans better buckle up because the season is downhill and fast paced from here. YSN will continue to have you covered every Wednesday at 1:00 on Running Point with the latest news from the sport with our very own guru, Gary Althiser.

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 5) FEATURING CYLE BURT

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As the calendar quickly turns towards the new year, the wrestling world is gearing up for a busy January month.  The sport really hits the ground running once the new year hits with conference duals during the week, and tournaments every weekend.  But first things first we have to close out the year of 2023. On this episode of Wrestling Wednesdays with Gary Althiser Gary and the boys recap the D3 meet at Waterloo, Hubbard winning at Pymatuning Valley, Canfield taking down Beaver Local and much more. They also preview the NE8 championships.

The special guest for the week is Salem’s own Cyle Burt.  Cyle is a hungry wrestler that is climbing his way to be in the state conversation.  Salem wrestking is not just known for its winning, but also its consistent sizable roster.  Wrestlers like Cyle keep holding that torch up high to bring more guys into the wrestling room to grow the team.

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