Ringgold ‘rams’ Laurel Highlands in section opener
First-year Laurel Highlands wrestling coach Mike Zavada is looking forward for the Christmas break, but not because he’s already grown weary of the young season.
No, that’s when the weight allowance is adjusted and Zavada can then place his wrestlers in their proper weight slot.
The Mustangs had a rough go in their Section 2-AAA (2A) opener against visiting Ringgold, losing 60-0.
The 160-pound bout was hotly contested between Ringgold’s Brandon Heinzelman and the Mustangs’ Jimmy Pierce. Pierce trailed 5-3 after two periods, but secured an escape late in the third period to draw within a point.
But, Heinzelman evaded Pierce for the final few seconds, using the entire mat to secure the victory.
LH’s Zeke Beatty and the Rams’ Zach Berger also had a tight match at 120 pounds. After neither wrestler was able to score in the first four minutes, Berger managed a takedown for the slim victory.
The Rams’ Henry Cauffield (152), Devan Fallenstein (182), Bobby Englert (195), Taylor Bass (285), Tyler Bundy (106), and Doug Dugenburr (113) all won by fall.
The 152-pound bout was nearly over in the second period, but the buzzer sounded before the Mustangs’ Lucas Boyle could secure the pin against Cauffield.
Cauffield made the most of the second life, getting Pierce on his back for the fall at 5:32.
The Rams’ Eric Higgs (220) won by forfeit. Ken Tarpley won by technical fall (16-1) at 138, and Aaron McConville closed the match with a 12-4 major decision at 132. Zach Berger (120) and Jacob Gerard won by decision.
Zavada said he is looking forward to getting his wrestlers wrestling at the proper weights.
“They are definitely wrestling heavier than they should,” said Zavada of his 1-1 squad.
“We have to get our weight to a position where we can wrestle.
“This is a young team, and they are beginning to believe in themselves. The score doesn’t indicate to me a bunch of guys who quit. Ringgold has a lot of experience. We can’t hang our heads over this. This was not an embarrassment.”
The Mustangs entertain Elizabeth-Forward on Wednesday, Dec. 18.