COVINGTON – Covington put in a great performance at the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association (GMVWA) Holiday wrestling tournament, finishing in 11th place out of 65 teams overall, and in 8th place out 38 teams in the small school division (Division 2 and smaller). The Buccs finished just below Wapakoneta and just above Miamisburg, and had four individual wrestlers place in the top-6 at the prestigious tournament – one short of the school record.
Carson Taylor (106 lbs.) and Chase Vanderhorst (132 lbs.) both advanced to the championship match and finished in second place. Taylor lost his bout to Ren Birk of Great Crossing, KY, after defeating Vandalia-Butler’s Layton Combs, Alter’s Rocco Mauro, Legacy Christian’s Taven Norris and Graham’s Jake Landis. Vanderhorst lost in the finals to Graham’s state champion Brogan Tucker, after defeating River Valley’s Evan Wilbur, Northmont’s Brennan Wilson, Tippecanoe’s Oliver Murray, Franklin’s Adam Stephens, and Vandalia-Butler state placer Parker Lee.
Michael Hagan (120 lbs.) placed fifth, after earning five wins and defeating wrestlers from Tecumseh, West-Liberty Salem, Big Walnut, Eaton and Springboro, while Jericho Quinter (126 lbs.) took sixth place, advancing to the semifinals with wins over wrestlers from Springfield, Troy and Waynesville. Caleb Ryman (138 lbs.) also competed well for Covington, gaining wins over wrestlers from Tri-County North, Catholic Central and Brookville, before losing a close decision in the fourth consolation round.
Covington competes next at the Troy Invitational on Saturday, January 7.
