
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, January 13, 1995                   TAG: 9501130085
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BIG ORANGE LOOMS AS BIG SHOWDOWN

Franklin County hopes to re-establish its credentials as Timesland's top wrestling team, while Northside attempts to hold on to its lofty perch today when the Big Orange tournament begins a two-day run at William Byrd High School.

The Eagles had won six consecutive titles before Northside derailed them in last year's Big Orange, becoming the first Blue Ridge District school to win the crown since Byrd in 1979.

Brookville never has won the Big Orange, but the Campbell County school has one of Region III's top programs and could play the spoiler role. Lord Botetourt, Byrd and William Fleming are three other teams that also could factor into the fight for the team title.

First-round matches are at 2 p.m. today. Semifinals start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, and championship and consolation finals begin at 7 p.m.

``I think Franklin County has a very good chance of winning,'' said Kris Kahila, the Eagles' coach. ``But Northside also has a good chance, and Lord Botetourt and Byrd are the other ones I notice.''

Franklin County finished third behind Northside and William Fleming last year. Fleming's Herbie Kasey (135 pounds) is one of four returning champions in the Big Orange. He beat Pat Henderson of Byrd, but the Terriers wrestler has moved up to 152, where he likely will battle Franklin County's John Muse for the title.

Other returning champions are the Eagles' Bryan Jones (140), E.C. Glass' Brion Crennel (160) and Northside's Chip Nininger (189).

``I think Franklin County is pretty much the better team if they can get their best team out there,'' said Northside coach Mark Agner, who was at Lord Botetourt a year ago. ``They have a lot of guys who lose weight. Sometimes they make it, and sometimes they don't.''

As an example, if Brian Saul gets down to 103 for the Eagles, he'll be the overwhelming favorite. If he doesn't, he'll have a harder time at 112.

Franklin County has been on a roll, with Jones and Muse leading the way. Both won at the Grundy Invitational, and between them they have but one loss. The Eagles' Trung Nguyen (119) was a runner-up in Grundy.

This tournament might be a preview of Region III, where Northside has won back-to-back titles. Brookville figures to challenge behind Matt Carwile (125), Jeff Woody (135), transfer Steve Hawthorne (140) and Chris Lukanich (145).

Northside has nine senior starters, headed by Nininger. The Vikings also have Brad Hungate (119), Leland Keeling (130), David Higgins (145) and Robbie Trent (160) as strong title candidates.

Other outstanding wrestlers are All-Timesland Scott Sallis (119), Robert Kaczmarek (140) and Tim Carter (171) for Cave Spring which was fourth in last year's Big Orange; Lord Botetourt's Noel Michalski (130); Byrd's Randall Sell (112) and David Anderson (119); and Salem's Drew Givens (112) and Matt Stephens (160).

For the first time, a Bob McLelland Award will be presented to the outstanding wrestler. Nominations must be made before the Big Orange, and the winner must have a 3.0 grade-point average or better and make the semifinal round of the tournament. The award, which will be made by a panel of judges, is named for the late sports editor of the Roanoke World-News.

by CNB