Peltier, Russel, Shanaman Shine at Junior National Freestyle Duals

PLATT, MASON, VALLES, BUXTON KEEP WINNING WAYS

Cory Peltier, a National Prep Tournament runner-up and Asics/Vaughn Cadet runner-up opened the eyes of college coaches when he defeated #1 ranked Mike Benefiel of Illinois at the National Freestyle Duals which were held in Oklahoma City from June 26 to July 1.

“Peltier had several big wins, but by beating Benefiel he proved that he is progressing at a nice pace and is ready for the Jr. Nationals later this month,” said Jeff Buxton, Blair Head Coach.

(Peltier will compete at 171 lbs. at the Asics/Vaughn Jr. Nationals, which are slated for late July in Fargo, N.D.)

His teammate Kellen Russell moved up two weight classes to 145 lbs. and defeated the #1 recruit in the USA at that weight, Albert White of Illinois. Russell is projected to wrestled 141 lbs. at the University of Michigan, so he’s getting adjusted to the higher weight class. To me, it seems he needs no adjustment.

Missouri-bound Max Shanaman beat six opponents and is also primed for Fargo later this month. Max will go at either 140 lbs. or 135 lbs.

Jared Platt is showing the nation why is turning into the “man” at light heavyweight as he went up to heavyweight and won seven matches helping Team New Jersey to a third place finish in Oklahoma. Platt will wrestle 215 in Fargo.

Anthony Valles (130 lbs.) and Tony Buxton (119 lbs.) competed and won most of their matches missing the all-tournament team by just inches. Buxton had a tally of 3-1; Valles went 5-2. (Valles is coming off a six-month injury and this was his first outing.)

COACH BUXTON ON SUMMER PROGRESS:
“I feel good about Fargo. Things are progressing well. We are making changes were we need to and working on the little things. I can’t wait until the Cadets and Juniors start; I am eager to see our kids compete,” Buxton said.

Finally, 145 lbs. dynamo Mario Mason showed his hardihood by moving up to 152 lbs. to face challenges from Dallas Bailey of Oklahoma and Conrad Polz of Illinois-two of the nation’s top recruits at 152 lbs. Mason came out on the winning end on both matches. For his accomplishment, Mason was named to the 2007 Junior Freestyle Duals All-Tournament Team.

Joining Mario on the 2007 Junior Freestyle Duals All-Tournament Team was:

Max Shanaman (6-0)
Mario Mason (10-0)
Cory Peltier (6-0)
Jared Platt (7-0)
***There was no all-tournament team member at 145 lbs, the weight in which Kellen Russell competed.

Team New Jersey defeated Team Iowa 33-29 for third place. Team Illinois finished in first place, Team Missouri came in second place.

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