Five Blair Wrestlers Win Individual Titles as Blair Wins 28th National Prep Title in a Row

CHRIS VILLALONGA STEALS THE SHOW AT LEHIGH UNIVERSITY

Bethlehem, Penn. (February 22-23): Chris Villalonga looked like a panther going after its prey in the 125 pound finals of the 2008 National Prep Tournament where he annihilated Brock Livorio of The Kiski School 11-2. He took Livorio down with several slick low shots and scored some off-balance back points to steal the show at the 2008 National Prep Tournament.

Four more Blair athletes were crowned individual champions and seven made the finals in Bethlehem. They are: Evan Silver (103 lbs.), Sean Boyle (112 lbs.), Austin Ormsbee (135 lbs.), and Mario Mason at 145 lbs. Runner-ups were: Garrett Frey who dropped a 4-3 decision to Josh Fitch of McDonogh at 140 lbs. and Cory Peltier who lost a heartbreaking 6-4 overtime decision to Bagna Tovuujav of St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.) at 171 lbs.

Finals highlights for Blair athletes are as follows: Silver defeated Chris Mears of Bishop Lynch (Texas) 5-0, Sean Boyle shut-out Frank Goodwin of Mt. St. Joseph (Md.) 7-0, Austin Ormsbee defeated Cullen Isenberg of Wyoming Seminary (Penn.) 8-3, and Mario Mason defeated Tanner Eitel of Bishop Lynch 7-1.

“Chris Villalonga, in my mind, was the outstanding wrestler in the event as he dominated a very tough wrestler in Brock Livorio 11-2 …Adam Hogue demonstrated a great deal of mental toughness as he injured his shoulder early then came back all the way to place third for us at 160 lbs. Furthermore, Tony (Buxton) wrestled with more confidence and defeated Nick Schenk of McDonogh, the defending champion, for 5th place in a very deep weight class (119 lbs.),” said Jeff Buxton, Blair Head Coach.

Buxton continues: “In all, I was pleased how our guys competed especially in the wrestle-back as it is very difficult to control their emotions as they had high expectations going into the tournament. Mario joins a group of talented wrestlers by becoming a 3x National Prep champion. Finally, the talent level was certainly better as Bishop Lynch, McDonogh, Germantown, and the Wyoming Seminary programs continue to grow and develop.”

Kyle Hanson scored a stunning pin over Greg Vaughn of Phillips Exeter (N.H.) for third place at HWT closing out his fine career at Blair. Anthony Valles pinned Joey Mazzi of LaSalle (Penn.) for third place at 130 lbs., and Steve Hanzlik finished fourth at 215 lbs. Steve had a nice tournament and is, by far, the most improved wrester on the Blair team as he made an astronomical jump between his junior and senior year. Tony Buxton (119 lbs.) and Jesse Shanaman (152 lbs.) both placed 5th, and Ben Krakower (Blair’s 189 pounder) gutted out the tournament despite nursing a high ankle sprain.

Final Team Scores: Blair 341 points, Bishop Lynch (Texas) 233 points, Wyoming Seminary (Penn.) 228 points, McDonogh School (Md.) 177.5 points.

Please direct all questions and comments to buxtoj@blair.edu.