Eight won’t be enough.
Ryle and Campbell County both bring an octet of wrestlers to the state tournament that begins Friday at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, and Walton-Verona has five. But at least one local coach – Ryle’s Tim Ruschell – thinks seven-time defending champion Union County (which brings 11), Johnson Central (11) and Paducah Tilghman (10) will compete for the top three team spots.
“Walton-Verona could have two or three guys in the finals,” Ruschell said. “Top five (for Ryle) is hopeful.”
Walton-Verona coach John Roth envies Union County’s culture and Johnson Central’s work ethic.
“That’s a culture down there (at Union County), that’s all they do is eat and breathe wrestling,” Roth said. “I wish more schools would embrace that type of environment…Johnson Central, a lot of great kids, well-mannered kids, hard-working boys.”
Campbell County and Walton-Verona tied for ninth place last year.
“We’ve got some favorable draws coming our way,” Camels coach Sam Steele said. “I don’t know about the team race, but we’re going to have individual performances. I expect us to have a pretty good showing.”
Walton-Verona coach John Roth said the Bearcats could finish in the top 10 and possibly as high as sixth.
“There’s a lot of good teams above us that have more kids into the tournament,” Roth said. “We’re bringing five, so for us even to take in the top 10 or go any higher with five kids, that’s going to be an accomplishment in itself.”
Walton-Verona sophomore TJ Meyer and senior teammate Hunter Isaacs won the 120 and 138-pound first-round titles, respectively. Roth wants Meyer to clear an opponent’s arms when going for a takedown (“He’s short and kind of stocky,” Roth said), force an opponent to his weaker side, and use moves with which he’s less familiar.
“Basically I’m trying to put TJ in more of an uncomfortable position so when we get into match time he makes his opponents uncomfortable,” Roth said.
Isaacs is ranked first in the state.
“He’s been battling injuries the last 3 years,” Roth said. “There isn’t really too much I would change on him, just kind of make sure he stays in his rhythm.”
Ryle sophomore Landon Evans won the state first round at 113 pounds last week on his home mats. His 46-3 record includes two first-round pins.
Evans’ two teammates, Rider Trumble at 132 pounds, and Travis Steiber at 190, finished third.
Highlands junior Rilen Pinkston remained undefeated at 150 pounds. His 41-0 record included two pins in four matches last week.
Simon Kenton has four in the field – Braden Blevins at 106, Joshua Brophy at 215, Jonah McCloskey at 120 and Gaven Pugh at 150. Conner brings three – Clayton Badida at 106, Aiden Marquis at 113 and Maalik Washington at 126.
Covington Catholic has two: Keegan Bishop at 138 and Willie Rodriguez at 285. Holmes senior Emauryon Arnold is ranked second at 285, and Dixie Heights’s Kaden Lamier is sixth at 165.
Arena favored
Ruschell, Roth and Steele would like to see future state wrestling tournaments moved out of high school gyms and into arenas.
“My personal opinion, by just getting feedback from coaches, I think in order to grow the sport, we have to get it out of the high schools, we have to get it back into an arena,” Roth said. “The parents want that, the kids want that. These kids, they work so hard.”
GRC has hosted the state tournament since 2021. Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park was the site from 2012-20, and the Frankfort Convention Center was the venue from 1998-2011.
Connor Link, KHSAA Media Relations and Public Relations Director, released a statement Tuesday on behalf of KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett.
“Many municipal facilities were shut down during the pandemic and not booking outside groups,” Tackett wrote. “Because of that, combined with some past problems on how our team representatives treated facilities that we were using, there were minimal options when setting up for post-pandemic events. We are extremely grateful that GRC made its multi-million dollar facility, likely one of the nicest facilities in the state, available for our regular use. The facilities are set for 2023 and we look forward to an outstanding event.”
Tackett also wrote that many facilities, particularly those on college campuses, were not built for the KHSAA’s use, but for their students. “Each facility we have used has had pros and cons, and we continue to be very appreciative of those willing to host. Given the way many of our hosts are treated by some of those attending, we are fortunate to have options.”
Wrestling is one of five sports contested at high school venues. The others: Volleyball at GRC; field hockey at Christian Academy-Louisville and boys and girls soccer at Frederick Douglass.