THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 25, 1994 TAG: 9412230242
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAN COOLEY, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
MUCH LIKE THEIR cousins at the high school level, the Great Bridge Middle School wrestling program is the team to beat.
The Wildcats have won the last three regular-season and tournament titles in the Chesapeake Middle School League and are a legitimate contender to take home a fourth. Only head coach Doug Smith isn't so sure his team should be considered the favorite this year.
``This is the youngest and most inexperienced team I've had,'' said Smith, in his third year as coach of the Wildcats. ``They'll take some lumps in the beginning, but we hope to have a shot at the title.''
CRESTWOOD
With five returning starters, three of whom finished either second or third in last year's city tournament, rookie head coach Keith Goff expects his Falcons to finish among the top three teams.
Crestwood will be paced by three wrestlers: Steven Bryant (98), who notched a second-place finish in the tournament last year, Brandon Long (third at 136) and James Benn (second at 150). The Falcons also return Justin Daviau (115) and Harold Ledford (122).
DEEP CREEK
With 20 returning from last year's 4-1 team, the Hornets will be a handful for Great Bridge and the rest of the CMSL. Although Deep Creek lost three city champions, there is a solid trio waiting to move into the spotlight.
The Hornets return three first-string wrestlers, two with excellent lineage. Fabian Mitchell, who placed second in the league last season and has moved up to the 92-pound weight class, is the son of former Deep Creek High School state champion Fabian Harper. Also 74-pounder Wesley Farley's father was a state champ.
Big man Rashad Cuffee (175) is also a returning starter.
Look for Mark Mahan (143 or 150), who wrestled behind city champion Jason Temple last season, to come into his own this year.
GREAT BRIDGE
On the surface, 1995 might look like a down year, but no matter what the circumstances, the Wildcats always find a way to be competitive.
Great Bridge returns just five experienced wrestlers in the 16 weight classes - Jason Honaker (86), Brad Davenport (92), Chris Daughtry (98), Chase Wilson (103) and Jupiter Wilson (unlimited).
INDIAN RIVER
Things can't get much worse for first-year coach Mike Dodd-O. The Braves were winless last season and return only two lettermen - Mike Baja (130) and Jimmy Squires (150 or 157).
Starting from scratch, Dodd-O's goal is simple - to create interest in the program. The rookie coach has reason to be optimistic.
``For the first time in four years, we have enough wrestlers to fill the weight classes,'' said Dodd-O. ``I'm very proud of this group because they've got strong enthusiasm. Practices go for two hours, and I literally have to kick them out of the room at that time.''
OSCAR SMITH
Although the Tigers limped to a 1-4 record last season, head coach Tom McMillam returns an experienced nucleus of wrestlers.
Back for a second year are Troy Meyers (74), Justin Sanagustin (108), Tommy Altman (129) and Douglas Yates (136).
``We're very young and inexperienced,'' said McMillan. ``We hope to continue to improve so we can have a decent showing at the tournament.''
WESTERN BRANCH
The Bruins compiled a 4-1 record last year and will pose a challenge to both Deep Creek and Great Bridge.
Although which weight class they'll wrestle in hasn't been determined yet, Western Branch returns five lettermen - Patrick Zydron (74 or 80), Joey Hanel (92 or 98), Jason Antonucci (98 or 103), Matt Zydron (115 or 122) and Daniel Moore (136 or 143).
Before the season's over, the Bruins might have a few letterwomen, too. Jessica Wood (108) and Natalie Shoemaker (136 or 143) each have a good shot at starting. They are the first female wrestlers in the league. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by STEVE EARLEY
Chris Daughtry has control of Chase Wilson during practice drills
for Great Bridge Middle School.
Jason Honaker, left, goes against Brad Davenport in practice. Both
are returning wrestlers for Great Bridge.
by CNB