TOM’s SUPER32 Preview

Battle for the Belt Means Wrestling Season is Here

Willie Saylor, Editor

The Greensboro Coliseum is the event center headquartering the nation’s high school wrestling season kickoff party.

Many of the nation’s best will flock to North Carolina for an early test in tuning up for the ’10-’11 school year. Super32 has made some changes; the tournament will now be two days, the field has expanded, and period lengths have increased for final rounds.

At the end of the day, the field for the Mother-of-All Preseason Tournaments is, as difficult as it is to believe, better than ever. There will be state champions (past, present, and future) not placing.

Here we’ll breakdown each weight class, handicapping the headlining competitors, pointing out sneaky contenders, and offering various stats and statistics.

It’s going to be a brawl, and we’re pumped about it!

For a bit of historical interest, we list last year’s champs, and the champions of 5 years ago (2005).

(Author’s Note: Apologies if I might omit worthy wrestlers. There are certainly kids who don’t appear on this list who will throw their hat in the ring as contenders. Also, entries and weight changes are continually being updated. footnotes will be made indicating weight changes from their original entry.)

Top Story Lines at This Year’s Super32

1. Can Taylor Massa Finally Get His Belt?
2. The Volunteer State…How will the Tennessee Contingent Fare?
3. Who Will Emerge As New Faces on the National Scene?

103 -2010 Entrants- 115

• 2009 Finals: Joey Dance (Christiansburg, Virginia) dec. Freddie Rodriguez (Holt, Michigan) 6-4
• 2005 Finals: Eric Grajales (Brandon, FL) dec. Steve Mitcheff (Elyria, OH) 7-0

The Contenders:

• Sr. Richie Bliss, Springstead, FL: State Champ
• So. Darian Cruz, Bethlehem, PA: Fargo AA
• Fr. Zac Hall, St. Johns, MI: Fargo AA
• Fr. Micah Hight, Caesar Rodney, DE
• Jr. Colton Howell, Brandon, FL: Fargo Champ
• Fr. Coy Ozias, Southern Garrett, MD
• So. Nathan Tomasello, CVCA, OH: Fargo AA

Darkhorses:

• Fr. Reese Cokeley, St. James Academy, KS
• So. Ryan Diehl, Berkeley Springs, WV
• Jr. Conor Kirkegard, New Milford, CT
• Fr. Dalton Macri, Canon-MacMillan, PA
• 8th Logan Massa, St. Johns, MI
• So. Jonathan Pena, Selma, CA
• Jr. Billy Rappo, Council Rock, PA: Fargo AA

Notes: As you can see, there’s no shortage of contenders at 103, though many will have to be considered darkhorses behind a big three of Tomasello, Cruz, and Howell, who banged heads several times, including at Fargo this summer.
It’s in the lightweights where we most often see kids make a name for themselves early in their careers, and that could be the case here with several talented youngsters in the field. Hight, Hall, Macri, and Ozias make their high school debut as hyped newcomers.

There are also several ‘legacies’; younger brothers to kids who have been staples of the national rankings. We see that in Cokeley (brother of Ryne), Massa (of Taylor), Ozias (of Lex), and Pena (of Nik).

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Darian Cruz. He’s fun to watch.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Nathan Tomasello 2. Darian Cruz 3. Colton Howell 4. Zac Hall

112 -2010 Entrants-132

• 2009 Finals: Jerome Robinson (St. Ignatius, Ohio) dec. Brandon Jeske (St. Christopher’s, Virginia) 3-2
• 2005 Finals: Brandon Davis (Page, NC) dec. Matt Oliver (Toms River, NJ) 6-3

The Contenders:

• So. Anthony Ashnault, South Plainfield, NJ: State Champ
• Jr. Zach Bridson, Timberlane, NH: Beast of the East Finalist
• Jr. George DiCamillo, St. Ignatius, OH: Ironman Finalist
• Jr. Alec Dierna, Wayne, NY: State Champ
• Jr. Drew Furgeson, Collins Hill, GA: NHSCA Champ
• Jr. Cody Hummer, Savannah, MO: State Champ
• Jr. Kaleb Lemaire, Caesar Rodney, DE: State Champ
• Jr. Will Mason, Cape Henry, VA: National Prep Champ
• Sr. Austin Miller, Hempfield, PA: State Runner-Up
• Fr. Zeke Moisey, Bethlehem, PA: S32 Placer as 8th Grader
• Jr. Paul Petrov, Hanover, IN: State Runner-Up
• So. Judson Preskitt, Bishop Lynch, TX: Prep Placer
• So. Zain Retherford, Line Mountain, PA: State Champ
• Jr. Nick Roberts, North Star, PA: 4x Fargo Champ
• Jr. Freddie Rodriguez, Grand Ledge, MI: Fargo Champ
• So. Jacob Schmitt, St. Johns, MI: Fargo Placer
• So. Connor Schram, Canon, McMillan, PA: State Champ
• Jr. Jake Smith, Robinson, VA: State 3rd, S32 7th
• So. J.R. Wert, Morgan County, GA: NHSCA Champ
• Jr. Jordan Wigger, Summerville, SC: NHSCA Placer

Darkhorses:

• Jr. John Archangelo, St. Marks, DE
• Fr. Gary Wayne Harding, Collinsville, OK
• Sr, Evan Link, Penn-Cambria, PA
• Jr. Cody Stageberg, Cox, VA
• Jr. Cory Stainbrook, Walsh Jesuit, OH
• So. Chris Vasser, Cedar Cliff, PA

Notes: What is largely being considered the best, and deepest, weight class at this year’s tournament, the 112 lb. bracket features a staggering 17 individuals named in TOM’s high school rankings. There are Fargo National Champs (and a plethora of placers) NHSCA National Champs, and a National Prep Champ. There are several state champs, including all four state finalists from Pennsylvania’s AA and AAA tournaments.

With the depth and talent here, attempting to choose the winners is a crapshoot; especially with brackets not available as of post-time. Freddie Rodriguez, who has won Fargo and pretty much everything else this past year, has to be considered a favorite. But remember, his last lost came here last year.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Chris Vasser and Paul Petrov.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Freddie Rodriguez. 2. George DiCamillo 3. Nicky Roberts 4. Will Mason

119 -2010 Entrants-165

• 2009 Finals: Chris Mecate (Redlands East Valley, California) dec. Mike Rhone (Benton, Pennsylvania) 3-0
• 2005 Finals: Ryan Fields (Lakota West, OH) dec. Walter Peppelman (Harrisburg, PA) 4-1

The Contenders:

• Jr. Topher Carton, Davenport, IA: State Champ
• So. Russel Coleman, Park Hill, MO: Fargo AA
• So. Joey Dance, Christiansburg, VA: Super32 and Fargo Champ
• Jr. Eric Devos, Waverly, IA: Fargo AA
• Jr. Eric Friedman, St. Pauls, MD
• So. Dennis Gustafson, Forest Park, VA: NHSCA Champ
• Sr. Earl Hall, Dade, FL: NHSCA Champ
• So. Dean Heil, St. Edwards, OH: Ironman Finalist
• Jr. Nathan Kraisser, Centennial, MD
• Fr. Brock Zacherl, Brookville, PA

Darkhorses:

• 8th Gr. Fox Baldwin, Lake Highland Prep, FL
• Jr. Alex Calandrino, Howell, MI
• Sr. Chris Donaldson, Salesianum, DE: Beast Placer
• Sr. Derik Enders, Big Spring, PA
• Sr. Ray Farnsworth, St. Stephens, NC
• Sr. Brandon Fifield, Leslie, MI
• Sr. Mike Fleck, Easton, PA
• Sr. Matt Harkins, Hatboro, PA
• So. Troy Heilman, South Plainfield, NJ
• Jr. Devon Lotito, Bethlehem, PA
• Sr. Paul O’Neill, Gonzaga Prep, MD
• Sr. Bazell Partridge, Collins Hill, GA
• Jr. Zach Watson, Baylor, TN

Notes: 119 is a very balanced weight, comparatively. There’s a good number of both elite title contenders and darkhorses that could emerge as threats.

Even among the first group, there is no clear-cut favorite, although Hall and Dance are the most accomplished on paper.

Zach Watson is the first of the Tennessee studs. It will be interesting to see how he (and TN) stacks up.

There is a strong Maryland presence at 119. Kraisser had a win this summer over Evan Silver. And Friedman beat Kraisser.

Pennsylvania is represented by a long list of state qualifiers. The most intriguing PA guy, however, might be freshman phenom Zacherl, who won the Shippensburg qualifier for this tournament.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Brock Zacherl. Get to know him.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Earl Hall 2. Joey Dance 3. Nathan Kraisser 4. Eric Devos

125 -2010 Entrants-143

• 2009 Finals: Devin Carter (Christiansburg, Virginia) maj. dec. Brandon Wright (Warren Central, Indiana) 13-4
• 2005 Finals: Mike Robinson (Lewistown, PA) dec. Abbie Rush (Wheeling, WV) 2-1 TB

The Contenders:

• Jr. Rossi Bruno, Brandon, FL: Fargo AA
• Sr. Kyle Casalleto, Southern Regional, NJ: State Runner-Up
• Jr. John Fahy, Trinity, KY: NHSCA Champ
• Sr. Josh Keiffer, Roncalli, IN: NHSCA Placer
• Jr. Kevin Norstrem, Brandon, FL: Fila Finalist
• Sr. Joe Rendina, Dundee, MI: State Champ and S32 Placer

Darkhorses:

• Sr. Geoff Alexander, Shady Side Academy, PA
• Fr. Jack Bass, Robinson, VA
• So. Colt Cotton, Benton, PA
• Jr. Dylan D’Urso, Reynolds, PA
• So. Tyson Dippery, Central Dauphin, PA: Fargo and S32 Placer
• Jr. Tim Locksmith, Osceola, FL
• Jr. Mitch Newhouse, Massillon-Perry, OH: State Runner-Up
• Sr. Parke Overmiller, Colonel Magruder, MD
• Sr. Tyler Pendergast, St. Marks, DE
• So. Josh Pennell, St. Johns, MI
• Sr. Matt Sausman, Camden Catholic, NJ
• Sr. Cody Wheeler, Towanda, PA

Notes: This weight is top-heavy with two Brandon Eagles leading the charge. And the delineation between title contenders and darkhorse medal candidates is blurred. All of the darkhorses listed are very tough, with all of them winning either state or national medals, several of which who have reached state finals.

In the case of 125 this year. ‘darkhorses’ will comprise a great number of the medalist. The problem is, Norstrem and Bruno are such strong favorites, it’s difficult to list a lot of others as contenders. The odds of anyone knocking off the Brandon contingent are not good.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Cody Wheeler. Gritty kid.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Rossi Bruno 2. Kevin Norstrem 3. John Fahy 4. Joe Rendina

130 -2010 Entrants-138

• 2009 Finals: Frank Cagnina (Queen of Peace, New Jersey) dec. Jason Tsirtsis (Crown Point, Indiana) 3-1
• 2005 Finals: Collin Dozier (Cox, VA) md. Dak Adamson (Bishop Lynch, TX) 14-1

The Contenders:

• Sr. Kyle Bauer, Wheeling, WV: State Champ, Flo Placer
• Fr. Solomon Chishko, Canon-McMillan, PA
• Sr. Bobby Dierna, Wayne, NY, NHSCA Champ
• Sr. Colt Fought, Benton, PA: State Runner-Up
• Jr. Tyler Goodwin, Arundel, MD: State Runner-Up, Fargo AA
• So. Brandon Jeske, Cox, VA: Fargo Champ, Fila Champ, S32 Finalist
• Jr. Tyler Liberatore, Brandon, FL: Double Fargo National Champ
• Jr. Alec Mooradian, Detroit, MI: State Champ, Fila AA
• Sr. Ethan Raley, Indian Creek, IN: State Runner Up, NHSCA Placer
• Sr. Steven Rodriguez, Fox Lane, NY: State 3rd, FloNats Runner-Up
• Sr. Cam Throckmorton, Southwestern, PA: 3x State Placer
• So. Shayne Tucker, Bella Vista, CA: S32 Placer

Darkhorses:

• Jr. Steven Bradtmuller, Collins Hill, GA
• Jr. Shyheim Brown, Central Dauphin, PA
• Sr. Greg Flournoy, Faquier, VA: State Champ, S32 Placer
• Jr. Laike Gardner, Biglerville, PA
• Sr. Camryn Jackson, Lansing, MI
• Jr. Campbell Lewis, Soddy Daisy, TN: State Champ
• Sr. Adam Mathews, Reynolds, PA
• Sr. Joey Mazzi, LaSalle, PA
• Sr. Chris Rau, Dundee, MI: State Champ
• Sr. Nick Soto, Springstead, FL: State Champ
• Jr. Arty Walsh, Schuylkill Valley, PA: State Champ

Notes: Like the preceeding weight class, 130 features two clear leaders. And what leaders they are; perhaps the two most dominant 130lbers in the country and again an Eagle from Brandon, FL. Super Soph Brandon Jeske won a sick bracket in Ohio at Fila Cadets in the spring and backed it up with a Fargo Cadet run in which he didn’t surrender a single point in freestyle! Jeske also finished as runner-up in Greco. Not to be outdone, Brandon’s Tyler Liberatore won both styles in dominating fashion in the Junior portion at Fargo. All contenderes will have to fall in  line between these two.

Watch for freshman Chishko to put his name on the map. This kid’s legit. With such a phenomenal field, placing might be difficult, but I expect a solid performance from him.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Solomon Chishko, freshman phenom. Shayne Tucker, tough Cali youngster. Ethan Raley, a grinder. And most of all: Campell Lewis. Let’s see what one of Tennessee’s best looks like.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Brandon Jeske 2. Tyler Liberatore 3.Alec Mooradian 4. Bobby Dierna

135 -2010 Entrants-128

• 2009 Finals: Josh Dziewa (Council Rock South, PA) md. Jordan Beverly (Point Pleasant Boro, NJ) 9-0
• 2005 Finals: Luke Silver (Bishop Lynch, TX) dec. Adam Pittman (Great Bridge, VA) 3-2

The Contenders:

• Sr. Cody Bromall, Sussex Central, DE: State Champ
• Jr. Brent Fickel, Padua, OH: State Placer, Ironman Placer, S32Placer
• Jr. Pete Galli, St. Pauls, MD
• 8th Gr. Mark Hall, Davison, MI
• Sr. Justin Keiffer, Roncalli, IN: State Placer, NHSCA Placer
• Jr. Ty Lydic, Latrobe, PA: 2x Fargo AA
• So. Austin Mathews, Reynolds, PA: State Placer and NHSCA Champ
• Sr. Dan Neff, Solanco, PA
• Jr. Cody Ross, Springstead, FL: State Champ; S32 Placer
• Jr. Taylor Simaz, Allegan, MI: State Champ
• Jr. Nate Skonieczny, Walsh Jesuit, OH
• Jr. Steve Spearman, Erie, PA: State Champ, Fargo Finalist
• Sr. Bronson Steuber, Jackson County, MN: State Champ
• Jr. Will Switzer, Archbishop Spaulding, MD
• Sr. Zack Tanenbaum, Blue Valley North, KS: State Champ
• Sr. Taylor Whitt, Norfolk Academy, VA
• Sr. Terrel Wilborn, Howells, MO: 2x Fargo Finalist

Darkhorses:

• Jr. Wayne Armstrong, Interboro, PA: NHSCA Placer
• Sr. Brandon Choate, Blue Mountain, PA: State Placer
• Sr. Calvin Daly, Easton, PA; State GR Champ, FS 3rd
• Sr. Dalton Dennis, Northside Christian Academy, FL: State Champ
• Sr. Marvin Lopez, Cleveland, TN: State Champ
• Sr. Anthony Perrotti, West Essex, NJ
• Sr. Matt Rappo, Council Rock South, PA
• Jr. Tyler Zymroz, Pitt Central Catholic, PA

Notes: If 112 was the “Peoples’ Champion” of weight classes, I’ll go with 135. Although both Indiana state finalists Jason Tsirtsis and Devon Jackson were initially registered at this weight and have since moved up to 140, this field remains insanely deep.

You have a little of everything here; young phenoms (Mark Hall) Fargo Champs (Wilborn/Spearman) and a ton of very strong folkstylers like Steuber, Fickel, Skonieczny, Switzer, etc. Pay attention to Ty Lydic. He’s a guy I expect to really make a leap this year, and has the ability to win this whole thing.

Handicapping this weight is nearly impossible. Like 112, the life of this bracket will be played out by separation/draw.
If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Nate Skonieczny and Bronson Steuber.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Steve Spearman 2. Nate Skonieczny 3. Ty Lydic 4. Bronson Steuber

140 -2010 Entrants-137

• 2009 Finals: Josh Kindig (Blue Mountain, Pennsylvania) dec. Stephen Dutton (Rocky Point, New York) 9-3
• 2005 Finals: Luke Ashmore (Bishop Lynch, TX) dec. Mallie Shuster (Big Springs, PA) 2-1

The Contenders:

• Jr. Jacob Crawford, Millbrook, VA: State Champ, Manheim Champ, NHSCA Champ
• Jr. Tony DeAngelo, Southern Alamance, NC: NHSCA Champ
• Jr. Devon Jackson, Yorktown, IN: State Runner-Up
• Sr. Charlie Lynch, Archbishop Spaulding, MD: Prep Placer; NHSCA RU
• Sr. Lou Mascola, Seton Hall Prep: State Placer, Fargo AA
• Sr. Taylor Moeder, St. James Academy, KS: State Champ, Fargo AA
• Jr. Quinton Murphy, Holley, NY: State Champ, NHSCA Placer, Fila Finalist
• Sr. Elijah Sullivan, Lewis Central, IA: State Runner-Up, Fargo Greco Champ
• Jr. Jason Tsirtsis, Crown Pointe, IN: State Champ, Fargo Finalist, S32 Runner-Up

Darkhorses:

• Sr. Mike Bakukas, Hammonton, NJ: State Placer
• Jr. Zac Beitz, Juniata, PA: State Runner-Up
• Jr. Matt Cimato, LaSalle, PA: Fargo AA
• Sr. Stuart Doster, Baylor School, TN: State Champ
• Jr. Brady Epperly, Christiansburg, VA: State Runner-Up
• Jr. Devin Gobbo, Delbarton Prep, NJ: State Placer
• So. Payne Haden, St. Johns, MI
• Jr. Tyler Manion, Pitt CC, PA
• Sr. Andrew Romanchik, Padua, OH: State Placer
• Sr. Walker Slaughter, Ironwood Ridge, CA: State Placer

Notes: This weight was already absolutely loaded. With Tsirtsis and Jackson moving in, it’s nuts.
There’s over a dozen kids here with National medals.

Pay attention to Quinton Murphy who will be competing for the first time since returning from his Pan-Am tour. I think he’s about to break out.

This weight may be the clearest yet we’ve seen thus far regarding “Contenders and Darkhorses”. The guys at the top have serious national creds, and have proven themselves. Not that the others can’t break through. But they’ll certainly have to earn it.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Charlie Lynch (very tough) and Quinton Murphy’s go-for-broke style.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Jason Tsirtsis 2. Elijah Sullivan 3. Jacob Crawford 4. Quinton Murphy

145 -2010 Entrants-133

• 2009 Finals: Colin Shober (Schuylkill Valley, Pennsylvania) dec. Greg Amos (Holt, Michigan) 4-3
• 2005 Finals: Nick Nelson (Shaler, PA) wbf. Ashtin Primus (Connellsville, PA) 3:48

The Contenders:

• Sr. Pete Baldwin, Osceola, FL: State Champ, FloNats Runner-Up
• Sr. Josh Clark, Matoaca, VA: State RU, Beast Placer
• Sr. James Green, Willingboro, NJ: State Runner-Up, FloNats Champ
• Sr. Nick Hodgkins, Wyomissing, PA: State Champ, NHSCA Champ
• Sr. Brady Massaro, Mt. St. Joes, MD: Preps 3rd
• Jr. Mitch Minotti, Easton, PA; 2x State Placer, 2x NHSCA 4th
• Jr. Andrew Morse, Lowell, MI: State Runner-Up
• Sr. Lex Ozias, Southern Garrett, MD: 2x State Champ
• Sr. Eric Roach, Crown Pointe, IN: 2x State Champ, FloNats Champ, NHSCA Champ
• Sr. Roger Wildmo, Durand, MI: State Champ, FloNats 3rd
• Sr. Austin Wilson, Hastings, NE: 2x State Champ
• Sr. Jayshon Wilson, Carlisle, PA: 3x State Placer, Super32 Placer

Darkhorses:

• Jr. RJ Brydon, Forest Hills, PA: NHSCA Soph, National Champ
• Sr. Damen Capper, Berkeley Springs, WV: FloNats and NHSCA Placer
• Sr. Jonathan Clemente, LaSalle Institute, NY
• Sr. CJ Cobb, Williamstown, NJ: State Placer
• So. Zach Epperly, Christiansburg, VA: State Champ
• Sr. Travis Erdman, Line Mountain, PA: Multiple State Medalist
• Sr. Brody Grothus, Davenport, IA: State 3rd
• Sr. Matt Martoccio, Council Rock South, PA: State Placer

Notes: No shortage of hardware here. There’s at least 5 seniors who have already agreed to DI offers, and that many again that will shortly. Five of the guys in this bracket were featured in our Top Prospect Report as the nation’s best recruits!

Both FloNationals finalists (Green and Baldwin) are here, as are the NHSCA Champ (Hodgkins) and 3rd place finisher (Ozias).

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Eric Roach, who is very solid and dominates positioning on his feet. And Matt Martoccio. I think he hits the next level this year.

TOM’s Picks: 1. James Green 2. Eric Roach 3. Mitch Minotti 4. Nick Hodgkins

152 -2010 Entrants-113

• 2009 Finals: Jackson Morse (Lowell, Michigan) dec. Taylor Massa (St. John’s, Michigan) 3-2
• 2005 Finals: Andrew Bradley (St. Marks, DE) dec. William Gilleland (Bandys, NC) 3-0

The Contenders:

• Jr. Cody Allala, Hopewell, VA: State Champ
• So. Tyler Askey, Northgate, GA: State Champ NHSCA Fr. National Champ
• Jr. Brian Brill, Central Mountain, PA: Fargo Finalist
• Sr. Henry Carlson, Cox, VA: 3x State Champ, NHSCA Champ, Fargo AA
• Sr. Ryne Cokeley, St. James Academy, KS: State Champ, NHSCA and Fargo AA
• Sr. Codey Combs, Sussex Central, DE: State Champ, Beast 3rd
• Jr. Clark Glass, Brandon, FL: State Champ
• Jr. Felipe Martinez, Clay, OH: State Champ, Ironman Champ
• Sr. Duke Pickett, Woodberry Forest, VA: National Prep Runner-Up, Fargo AA
• Jr. Max Schneider, Lane Tech, IL: State Champ
• Sr. Lorenzo Thomas, Pitt Central Catholic, PA: State Runner-Up
• Jr. Jordan Wohlfert, St. Johns, MI: Fargo Finalist

Darkhorses:

• Sr. Christian Barber, Westfield, NJ
• Jr. James Linkous, Christiansburg, VA
• Sr. Jonathan Rivera, Kennesaw Mt., GA

Notes: An interesting situation here at 152, where most of the entrants have enough national-level credentials to be considered a contender to place highly. Sure, there are favorites, but with this kind of talent meeting up, one slip up spells disaster. There will be quality kids not placing at 52.

You have to like Felipe Martinez, who is an absolute spark plug. I like him to meet up with Max Schneider in a bout I’d pay to watch.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Schneider, a judo specialist. And Tyler Askey, who at some point in his career, will be ranked in the top 3 in the country. Watch.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Max Schneider 2. Felipe Martinez 3. Cody Combs 4. Henry Carlson

160 -2010 Entrants-92

• 2009 Finals: Marshall Peppelman (Central Dauphin, PA) dec. John Guzzo (High Point, NJ) 6-2
• 2005 Finals: Jon Reader (Davison, MI) dec. Matt Epperly (Christiansburg, VA) 4-1

The Contenders:

• Sr. Rich Eva, Christiansburg, VA: State Champ
• Sr. Doug Hamann, Jackson Memorial, NJ: 2x NHSCA Placer
• Jr. Kyle Koziel, Brandon, FL: State Runner-Up
• Jr. Taylor Massa, St. Johns, MI: 6x Fargo Champ, 2x S32 Runner-Up
• Jr. Jay Matheus, Sussex Central, DE: State Champ, Beast Placer
• Sr. Issah Meade, Caesar Rodney, DE: State Champ, Fargo AA
• Jr. Nikko Reyes, Clovis West, CA: State 3rd, NHSCA So. National Champ
• Sr. David Wesley, St. Christophers, VA: National Prep 3rd
• So. Cody Wiercioch, Charleroi, PA: State Champ, Powerade Champ

Darkhorses:

• Sr. Adam Bonner, Greenville, MI: State Runner-Up
• Sr. Patrick Budd, Forest Park , VA: State Champ
• Sr. T.J. Duncan, McCallie School, TN: State Champ
• Sr. Christian Funder, Forsyth Country Day, NC: State Champ
• Sr. Travis McKillop, Burrell, PA
• Jr. McCoy Newberg, Independence, TN: NHSCA Champ
• Fr. Burke Paddock, Warsaw, NY

Notes: Some top flight guys here staring with the unparalleled Taylor Massa. He’ll be looking to make his third trip to the Super32 finals. He’s gone 3-2-2 in three trips to Greensboro, losing his previous two finals to studs Andrew Alton and Jackson Morse.

Behind him there are a whole host of contenders. We’ll have the chance to see how Cody Wiercioch, who became the heaviest freshman to ever win a PA state title last year, fares against national competition.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Wiercioch and Tennessee’s McCoy Newberg.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Taylor Massa 2. David Wesley 3. Nikko Reyes 4. Issah Meade

171 -2010 Entrants-81

• 2009 Finals: Tristan Warner (Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania) dec. Levi Clemons (Osceola, Florida) 5-1
• 2005 Finals: Tommy Spellman (Kittatinny, NJ) dec. Lawrence Beckman (Reynolds, PA) 7-3

The Contenders:

• Sr. Scotty Bacon, Republic, WA: State Champ, 2x NHSCA AA
• Sr. Pat Downey, North County, MD: 2x State Champ, NHSCA Placer
• Sr. Wally Figaro, Brandon, FL: Fargo National Champ
• Jr. Brandon Griffin, Sprague, OR: State Champ, Fila Champ
• Jr. Jason Luster, Pitt Central Catholic, PA: National Prep Champ
• So. Tsvetomir Petrushev, Peachtree, GA: State Champ

Darkhorses:

• Sr. Hunter Adams, Franklin County, VA: State Runner-Up
• Sr. Matt Cusack, Davie County, NC: State Runner-Up
• Sr. Tyler Everton, West Foryth, GA: State Champ, 3x State Placer, SE Regional FS Champ
• Jr. Chaz Gresham, Goshen, OH: State Placer
• Sr. Colin Hedash, Northern Lehigh, PA: State Placer
• Sr. Josh Snook, St. Marks, DE: State Runner-Up
• Sr. Stout Watson, Forsyth Country Day, NC: State Champ

Notes: An interesting group, made more interesting with Jason Luster being all the way up at 171. He’s an athletic, powerful wrestler, but 171 might be a little large for him. We’ll see.

Another interesting guy is Petrushev, one of the few kids in Georgia to ever win a state title as a freshman. I like him on tape, and he has a win over a tough Jon Rivera in state semi’s. Now let’s see how he does against the crème de la crème.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Petrushev. And Brandon Griffin. The kid is just a bear and great in all positions.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Brandon Griffin 2. Jason Luster 3. Wally Figaro 4. Pat Downey

189 -2010 Entrants-56

• 2009 Finals: Antonio Giorgio (Warwick, Pennsylvania) dec. Stephen McPeek (Texas) 12-6
• 2005 Finals: Jonathan Velasquez (Jupiter, FL) dec. JC Oddo (Eastside, SC) 5-2

The Contenders:

• Sr. Mac Bennett, Collins Hill, GA: State Champ
• Sr. Stephen Ceremuga, Commodore-Perry, PA: State Champ
• Sr. Kenny Courts, Central Dauphin, PA: State Champ, 2x Beast Champ
• Sr. Josh DaSilveira, Cardinal Gibbons, FL: State Runner-Up, NHSCA Champ
• Sr. Nick Kidd, Northfield, MA: National Prep 3rd, Super32 Placer
• Sr. Mike Mauk, St. Marks, DE: State Runner-Up, Mount Mat Madness Champ

Darkhorses:

• So. Jesse Doyle, Wheatmore, NC: State 3rd, NHSCA 3rd
• Sr. Cody Johnston, Warrensburg, MO: State 3rd

Notes: As we see numbers shrink due to football, there is still an outstanding field here, including both PA state champs.

All of these kids have significant resumes and are good talents. In fact, each of the seniors listed as contenders were in our Top Prospect Report!

Courts leads the way and is a heavy favorite. But the rest of the guys are capable of knocking each other off without much separation evident throughout their careers.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Kenny Courts. He’s special.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Kenny Courts 2. Josh DaSilveira 3. Nick Kidd 4. Stephen Ceremuga

215 -2010 Entrants-42

• 2009 Finals: Jamie Callender (Council Rock, PA) dec. Harrison Honeycutt (Lake Norman, NC) 9-2
• 2005 Finals: Cody Gardner (Christiansburg, VA) dec. Chip Reed (Glenn, NC) 11-5

The Contenders:

• Sr. Pat Gillen, Shelton, CT
• Sr. Matt Idelson, Garnet Valley, PA: Beast of the East Champ
• Sr. Mike Kennedy, Blackman, TN: State Champ, NHSCA Champ
• Sr. Zach Nye, East Pennsboro, PA: State Runner-Up
• Jr. James Suvak, St. Edwards, OH: NHSCA So. National Champ

Darkhorses:

• Sr. Ian Kirkman, Morehead, NC: State Runner-Up
• Jr. Matt Mongera, Seneca, PA: State Runner-Up
• Jr. Dawson Peck, Chambersburg, PA
• Sr. Dave Quackenbos, Red Lion, PA
• Sr. Scott Syrek, Owen J. Roberts, PA

Notes: Led by a slew of PA competitors, including two state runners-up, 215 is small but solid.

Kennedy is a beast, and the one Tennessean we know a little about. He placed he last year as well, but we recently talked to him, and he wasn’t happy about taking 5th.

Gillen is an interesting guy as well, and every bit of 215lbs.

We didn’t have the pleasure of seeing Idelson at the state tournament last year. He won the Beast of the East and was then injured. He’s another guy to keep an eye out for.

If you’ve never seen him before, check out: Dawson Peck. He’s about 6’ 7’’ and if he wrestles a little more physically, he can be dangerous.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Mike Kennedy 2. Pat Gillen 3. Zach Nye 4. Scott Syrek

HWT -2010 Entrants-35

• 2009 Finals: Henry Chrino (Brandon, Florida) dec. Donovan Green (Timber Creek, Florida) 2-1
• 2005 Finals: Justin Allen (Millbrook, NC) dec. Sam Brownlee (Mt. Lebanon, PA) 3-0

The Contenders:

• Sr. Jacob Aiken-Phillips, Gwinnett, GA: State Champ, NHSCA 3rd
• Sr. Caleb Baker, General McLane, PA: NHSCA So. National Champ
• Sr. Ross Burbank, Cox, VA: State Champ
• Sr. Collin Campbell, Person, NC: State Champ, S32 Placer

Darkhorses:

• Sr. Chandler Ford, James Martin, TX: State Champ
• Jr. Wayne Purnell, Salesianum, DE: State Champ
• Sr. David Simmons, Vestavia Hills, AL: State Runner-Up
• Sr. Ben Tammany, Timberlane, NH: State Champ
• Sr. Will Robinson, Academy of the Arts, NC: State Champ

Notes: Not a ton of contenders here, unless you’re speaking literally, in sheer weight.

The Top four guys have all proven their ability to perform well in major national tournaments.

TOM’s Picks: 1. Jacob Aiken-Phillips 2. Caleb Baker 3. Collin Campbell 4. Wayne Purnell

TOM’s 2010 Top 5 Toughest Weights

1. 112
2. 135
3. 152
4. 145
5. 140

Super32 History and Numbers

• Total Entrants at Press Time: 1510
• Returning Champs: 1-Joey Dance (119)
• Returning Runners-Up: 4- Freddie Rodriguez (112) Brandon Jeske (130), Jason Tsirtsis (140), Taylor Massa 2x (160)

Returning Placers: 31
(note: wt. in parentheses is this year’s weight)

103:

• Joey Dance (119)
• Freddie Rodriguez (112)
• George DiCamillo (112)
• Ty Dippery (125)
• Shayne Tucker (130)
• Austin Miller (112)
• Zeke Moisey (112)
• Zain Retherford (112)

112

• Brandon Jeske (130)
• Kyle Casalleto (125)
• Jake Smith (112)
• Solomon Chishko (130)

119

• Rossi Bruno (125)
• Kevin Norstrem (125)
• Greg Flournoy (130)

125

• Joe Rendina (125)

130

• Jason Tsirtsis (140)
• Quinton Murphy (135)
• Devon Gobbo (140)

135

• Cody Ross (135)
• Matt Cimato (140)
• Brent Fickel (135)

140

• Ryne Cokeley (152)
• Roger Wildmo (145)

145

• Codey Combs (152)
• Jayshon Wilson (145)

152

• Taylor Massa (160)

189

• Michael Kennedy (215)
• Nick Kidd (189)

HWT

• Collin Campbell (HWT)
• Caleb Baker (HWT)

History of Multiple Belts (College)

3x Champs:

• Jordan Fishkorn, Great Bridge, VA: 01, 02, 04 (Oklahoma St.)
• Patrick Bond, Great Bridge, VA: 02, 03, 04 (Illinois)
• Chris Brown, Great Bridge, VA: 02, 03, 04 (Old Dominion)
• Sam Brownlee, Canon-Mac, PA: 06, 07, 08

2x Champs:

• Dom DeNunzio, Countryside, FL: 02, 03 (Harvard)
• Kenny Lester, Oviedo, FL: 03, 04 (Arizona St)
• Ashtin Primus, Connellsville, PA: 03, 04 (Missouri, Notre Dame)
• Cody Gardner, Great Bridge, CA: 04, 05 (Virginia Tech, Ohio St.)
• Nick Murray, Bound Brook, NJ: 04, 06 (Virginia Tech)
• Nick Nelson, Shaler, PA: 05, 06 (Virginia)
• Collin Dozier, Great Bridge, VA: 05, 06 (Michigan State)
• Eric Grajales, Brandon, FL: 05, 07 (Michigan)
• Luke Silver, Bishop Lynch, TX: 05, 06 (OKST)
• Josh Dziewa, Pennsbury and Council Rock South, PA: 07, 09 (Iowa)
• Devin Carter, Christiansburg, VA: 08, 09 (Virginia Tech)
• Jackson Morse, Lowell, MI: 08, 09 (Illinois)
• Marshall Peppelman, Central Dauphin, PA: 08, 09 (Cornell)
• Antonio Gorgio, Warwick, PA: 08, 09 (North Carolina)

*A Special Thanks to bracketing guru, Gimp, at gimpsoftware and Escape Sports, and to the Super32 Staff.