Season Recap
In 2007/2008 the Norwood Indians Wrestling team
returned to its top 10 ways by compiling a dual meet record of 15-6 and ended 6th in the city of Cincinnati Division
II/III poll. The team filled 12/13 of the 14 weight classes
most of the season and that allowed the team to be competitive night in and night out in head to head competition. The successes far outweighed the defeats this year as this team exemplified the definition of the word
sportsmanship, while competing at the highest levels in the state. The coaches
could not ask for a better group of kids.
The seniors this year showed leadership both in
the locker room as well as on the mat. Captain Matt Cox was an anchor for the
team and served as the most vocal leader all season. His practice room work ethic
and leadership will be missed next season. Matt tied the single season win record
for the 152lbs weight class with 32. Robert James came to Norwood as a sophomore and compiled an amazing 96 wins on his way to breaking the single
season win total of the 125lb class with 44 victories as a senior. Robert ends
his high school career as a 3x FAVC Champ, 1x Sectional Champ, 3x District Placer and a State Qualifier. This pinning machine will be missed.
Junior Tyler Alsip had a tremendous season both
on the mat competing as well as leading as Team Captain. He shattered the single
season win total for any weight class, earning 50 victories on his way to winning 6 tournaments including his 2nd
FAVC crown and a Sectional Title. Tyler
also won back-to-back FAVC Most Outstanding Wrestler Awards. This all led to
the first State Placer since 1986 when Tyler made it to the podium in Columbus, taking 8th Place in the 119lb class. Eric Wiles will be back for his senior year looking to finish his career strong. If nothing else we know that he will keep the team mood light and jovial.
The underclassmen were tremendous individuals
as well as great teammates. Sophomore Steven Cox shows promise and will be a
returning FAVC Champ and District Qualifier, as well as Addis who was the District alternate at 112lbs this year. Sophomore Victor Dornette won a key match at Little Miami this year helping the team win the dual. Sophomore Ryan Baker looks to take the step up to the next level after winning 20
matches this year as well as Freshman Conner Maglecic who got 24. The team hopes to return its kids at the upper weights next
year as both of their seasons were cut short due to injury. Sophomore Andy Wilmes
showed a great deal of promise as the year progressed winning every JV tournament he competed in as well as finishing 2nd
at the Finneytown Inv.
The kids on JV this year did a great job, as most
were inexperienced and competing for the first time. King, Rhodes,
Ragle, Cormer, Snider, and Cobb wrestled hard and positioned themselves to compete for Varsity Spots next year. Not all members of the team ended the season with winning records, but each and every team member shared
in the success of those who did. Every successful wrestler needs a partner to
push them daily in practice. The accomplishments of any team member should be
a testament to teamwork. Norwood had its first State Qualifier since 1996, and qualified two in the same year for the
first time in over 40 years. The year was capped off with its first State Placer since 1986, congrats to all on a successful
season. Work hard in the off-season!
