Blair Wrestling Home Blair Wrestling Network
About the Program Schedule & Results Latest Information Wrestling Archives Blair Wrestling Network

Sign-On to the BWN Log-In to the BWN

BWN News and Events
Inside Trip Newsletters
Articles contributed by Wayne Catan
December 2003

Blair Academy Wins Prestigious Walsh Ironman Wrestling Tournament by 90 Points; Bucs Keep No. 1 Ranking in the USA

Adam Frey Leads the Way for Blair with an Individual Title at 130 Pounds; All 14 Blair Athletes Contribute to the “Total Team” Victory

Blair Academy entered the 2003 Walsh Ironman Tournament as returning champions, a #1 ranking in the USA, and with several wrestling pundits doubting Blair’s capabilities in 2003-2004. Blair Academy quickly silenced its critics by placing all fourteen of its wrestlers in the top six, and by running away with the team title at the 2003 Walsh Ironman Tournament, which is, arguably, the toughest high school wrestling tournament in the USA. The final team standings looked like this (national ranking precedes school name): #1 Blair Academy (273); # 8 Brandon, Florida (183.00); #11 St. Edward’s, Ohio (182); #7 St. Paris Graham, Ohio (166.50); and #6 Great Bridge of Virginia (158.50). The tournament was held December 12 and 13 at Walsh Jesuit High School (Ohio).

“This was a total team effort, from top to bottom. The competition at this year’s Ironman was the toughest I have ever seen; and that didn’t deter our guys. Everyone faced their competition straight on,” said Jeff Buxton, Blair Academy Head Coach.

THE INDIVIDUALS: Adam Frey led the way for the Bucs with a title in the 130-pound weight division. Frey won by scores of 20-5, 12-3, 21-6, and 15-0. Alex Maciag (189 lbs.), Kellen Russell (103 lbs.), Mike Galante (152 lbs), and Travis Blasco (119 lbs.) all finished in second place. Hudson Taylor, a nationally ranked 171-pounder, placed third in the toughest weight class of the tournament. Coming in fourth were Greg Romano (145 lbs.), Eric Medina (135 lbs.), John Kane (275 lbs), and Ben Kinerson (215 lbs.). Ross Gitomer (112 lbs.) and Charlie Clark (160 lbs.) each finished in the fifth place slot. Also gaining important team points were Chris Frederick (125 lbs.) And Chris Stout (140 lbs.) who both placed sixth.

Blair travels to Wilmington, Delaware next weekend for the 11th Annual “Beast of the East” wrestling tournament. Blair will face St. Edwards again, along with a host of nationally-ranked prep teams. “We are going to take the momentum from the Ironman into the practice room this week. We are going to work really hard, then head to Delaware, where I am hoping we can win the Beast,” Buxton said in closing. Blair is the returning “Beast of the East” team champion.