Perry closer to St. Edward
Panthers lose 29-28 in title match of Ohio Duals. Host Wadsworth is fourth
By Michael Beaven
Beacon Journal staff writer
The talent and consistency that Lakewood St. Edward put on display was too much for Perry to overcome in the championship match of the Division I Ohio Duals at Wadsworth. The Panthers came up one point short in their match against the Eagles, losing 29-28 and finishing second.
The Panthers had a fine day despite the loss, picking up victories over Lakota West (39-13) and Wadsworth (42-24). Perry had five wrestlers win all three of their matches against quality competition.
Senior Dustin Schlatter (145) led the way with two pins and a technical fall. Junior Chris Hartley (119), sophomores Thomas Straughn (140) and Dustin Schilling (189), and freshman Dan Genetin (103) also were undefeated.
“Inconsistency prevented us from beating St. Edward,” Perry coach Brian Dolph said. “We made a statement against them, but we need to have consistent practices and compete consistently.”
“We had them on their heels,” Schlatter said.
“As a team we could of won, but small mistakes prevented that,” Hartley said.
A pin by senior Adam Richards (275) brought the Panthers to within a point at the end.
Richards finished with two wins. Perry juniors Scott Rooney (112) and Zach Mizer (130) also won twice.
“I got in a rhythm in the last two matches,” Richards said.
Coach Dolph was also very pleased with Genetin, whom he describes as “a sponge, that’s hungry and determined to win.”
Wadsworth finished fourth in the eight-team field, defeating Shaker Heights 57-18, then losing to Perry and to Cincinnati Moeller (36-21). Senior standout Timmy Miller (171) posted three pins for the Grizzlies.
“I always want to improve. I’m not satisfied until I win a state title,” Miller said.
“It’s nice to get six points for your team,” Miller added in reference to the point total awarded to a team after each pin.
“We lost to two powerhouse programs (Perry and Moeller),” Wadsworth coach John Gramuglia said. “It’s good that they exposed our weaknesses. We’ll be on the mat working on that.”
In addition to Miller’s dominance on the mat, sophomore Derek Foore (135) and junior Dave Crowley (215) also won their three matches. Foore recorded two of the wins by pin.
“Some of our younger kids were a little overwhelmed and intimidated,” Gramuglia said. “(Crowley) saved the day for us at the end and showed the Grizzlies have heart. Some of our guys got out of their game plans and started going for points.”
Wadsworth seniors Josh Kallai (152) and Jeff Gasser (130) each recorded two wins.
St. Edward, which has won 20 team team state championships, defeated Mount Vernon and Moeller before knocking off Perry in the championship match.
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