They don?t have the star wrestlers or the great tradition of some of the other area high schools, but Severna Park may have the most momentum going into this weekend?s state wrestling tournament at the University of Maryland.
The Anne Arundel County school is coming off its first region title win in 27 years and will have eight wrestlers competing in the 4A/3A tournament. Severna Park won its last five dual meets after losing to Mount St. Joseph. The Falcons then finished second to Old Mill in the county tournament before beating the Patriots in the regionals.
“The team is wrestling so well right now and to have so many wrestlers in the states is awesome,” Severna Park 145-pounder Trey Gebhart said.
Severna Park coach Paul Joyce said the top contenders for the overall team title besides his team include Old Mill, North Carroll, Damascus, and defending state champion LaPlata.
North Carroll, like Severna Park, enters the state tournament on a high note, having won the 4A/3A North title over the weekend. The Panthers advanced 10 wrestlers to the state tournament that includes regional champions Kyle Lemmon (112 pounds), Jeremy Seipp (119), Tom Goretsas and Jason Thomen (215).
Old Mill coach Jim Grim said he likes his team?s chances to win his school?s eighth state title and first since 2003.
“We didn?t do as well as I hoped in the regions, but the six wrestlers we advanced to states can all go far and keep us in contention,” Grim said.
In the 2A/1A tournament, Glenelg has a shot of winning the Howard County school?s first state title after advancing six wrestlers in its 2A/1A South region win Saturday. Owings Mills should also be in contention as the Eagles from Baltimore County send six regional champions to College Park.
Individually, there are a number of story lines to pay attention to this weekend, including whether Arundel?s Nicole Woody (103) can become the first female to win a state title. Also, Hammond?s Vince Taweel (135) is trying to become just the third Maryland public school wrestler to win four state titles.
STATE WRESTLING TOURNEYS
» What: 4A/3A and 2A/1A state wrestling tournaments
» Where: University of Maryland?s Cole Field House
» When: Friday 1 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.
» How much: $25 for two-day pass, $15 for one-day pass
