Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 21, 1991 TAG: 9102220369
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB McLELLAND CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Senior Adam Williams (130) of Cave Spring will be out to win the Group AAA Northwest Regional title at Manassas.
The other three unbeatens - Glenvar senior Jamie Soltis (112) and sophomore Jason Porter (140) and James River senior David Perry (145) - will be at Washington and Lee University, competing in the state Group A event.
The fifth unbeaten - North Cross junior Steve Harman (152) - will be resting at home, enjoying his most recent triumph last Saturday in the Virginia Independent Conference tournament.
Williams, who has rolled to 26 victories this season, is looking forward to the regionals.
"I am stronger, smarter and have more moves. But this region is probably the toughest in the state, and it will be something if I can win," said Williams, who is rated by some as the top Metro wrestler. He was 26-2 last season and unbeaten going into the regionals.
Soltis won the state last year at 103 with a 20-0 record. He was 19-3 and second in the state at 105 as a sophomore. He said he is much better this year because he has given only four points during the season.
Soltis, who is almost 6 feet tall, also thinks his build has much to do with his success. And, he said, "I am wrestling 112. I can stand up to most of my opponents. I don't go for fast pins because you might get careless. I just try to wear them down and take them in the third period."
Porter gained state experience last season when he had an overall record of 15-4 and made the state semifinals. He is 22-0-1 this year. His only tie was to Group AAA Albemarle.
"I hope I learn something from last year at the state," Porter said. "I feel I am stronger and smarter. I have worked a lot of weights and I think playing football [as a guard] has helped."
James River's Perry has a special desire to win the state. "That has been my goal since I lost out in the regions as a freshman," he said. "I have been close but still haven't won. Maybe this will be my year."
Perry helped James River win the Region C title last week. Coach Otis Timberlake will send nine entries to the state, including two other regional champions - junior Chris Conner (125) and sophomore Jimmy Adams (135).
Two other Glenvar regional champions will join Soltis and Porter for the state - senior Marvin Loyd (135) and sophomore Brandon Semones (160). Glenvar has two other state entries.
The Metro Group AA teams will have 16 entries at Liberty, but only three of them are regional champions - Salem junior Luqman Wade (112), William Byrd senior Brian Proctor (135), and Northside senior Tony Garland (130).
Proctor's region victory ended an unbeaten string of 18 wins by Lord Botetourt junior Bryan Anderson.
"I guess I just got too complacent," Anderson said. "Anyway he got my number and beat me. I just hope it all makes me tough and smarter for the state."
Roanoke Valley District champion Franklin County will lead the Metro AAA entries at Manassas. Coach Kris Kahila will have 12 entries, including four RVD champions - seniors Scott Southall (112) and Jeff Tatum (119), junior Charles Ellis (125) and sophomore heavyweight Ricky Young.
Cave Spring will send 11 wrestlers, including RVD champions seniors Noah Tempkin (135) and Ray Kaczmarek (145), and juniors Todd Doughty (160) and Ryan Taylor (189).
William Fleming has sophomore RVD champion Keno Shepherd (103) to lead its eight-member delegation. Patrick Henry had no RVD winners, but did qualify nine for the regionals.
While the public-school athletes are busy with tourney action, Coach Ed Dickenson and his North Cross team will be reflecting on a most improved and exciting season. The Raiders were third in the VIC and came home with two champions, a second place and three thirds.
The other VIC champion besides Harman is sophomore Aaron Lange (160). Sophomore Dieter Oelschlager (171) placed second while freshman Ron Moore (103), senior Ian McDade (119) and senior Corney Kinsey (145) were third.
"I was real proud of the way the team did this season," Dickenson said. "We have come a long way. Last year we were winless and had only one VIC medal winner. I am excited about the future of wrestling at North Cross."
by CNB