Flomajor #5 - 2012 Walsh IronmanDec 4, 2012 by Willie Saylor
Eight #1's Among Many Storylines for 2012 Ironman
Eight #1's Among Many Storylines for 2012 Ironman
Field Features Eight #1-Ranked Wrestlers
Willie Saylor, Editor
Flowrestling is gearing up for the 19th Annual Walsh Ironman, a tournament where talent abounds. The top teams and individuals are bountiful, producing major unfoldings seemingly on every mat.
Flowrestling is gearing up for the 19th Annual Walsh Ironman, a tournament where talent abounds. The top teams and individuals are bountiful, producing major unfoldings seemingly on every mat.
This year we’re getting amped up to bring you unprecedented coverage of Ironman, which, in edition to the interviews, matches, and features we’ve done in the past, will include in-depth written analysis and bracket breakdowns and, best of all, 8 mats that will be live streamed starting with the first whistle.
If you’re a Tech Wave Member you’re all set for the live stream. If you’re not, sign up here today.
Below are the biggest stories and questions leading up to Friday's action. Tomorrow morning, our FloInsider Preview will break down the brackets, complete with seeds, and offer commentary and insight before we make our picks.
- Over Half the Nation’s #1’s
Top talent is what drives interest and Ironman is always the most star-studded in-season event. It’s a pretty safe bet that you won’t see 8 of the country’s 14 #1-ranked wrestlers in the same building at any other regular season tournament.
Additionally, there are seven #2’s and three #3’s, giving us well over a third of the country’s Top 3 wrestlers.
- Four of the Top 5 Teams
With teams like Blair, St. Edward, Wyoming Seminary, and St. Paris-Graham as Ironman staples, the tournament is always chock full of the country’s top teams. But this year is pretty special as #’s 1, 2, 4, and 5 (Canon-McMillan) will all be in Akron.
- Will Blair Beat The All Time Point Record
With ten ranked individuals, many fans are wondering if Blair can top the Ironman record of 297 team points set by St. Edward in 1999. My thoughts are, no. Perhaps with McKenna they could have made a run. It’s possible they do it with out him, but I just don’t see it happening.
The '99 St. Ed's squad had 5 champs on 8 finalists. I'm currently projecting Blair to finish with 3 champs and 6 finalists. So it's certainly within reach, but everything would have to go right. They'd have to have a lot of bonus points and the rest of their line-up place in the 5-8 range.
The '99 St. Ed's squad had 5 champs on 8 finalists. I'm currently projecting Blair to finish with 3 champs and 6 finalists. So it's certainly within reach, but everything would have to go right. They'd have to have a lot of bonus points and the rest of their line-up place in the 5-8 range.
- PA Showdown
Among the top five teams at Ironman is an interesting dynamic between the two best squads in PA - Canon Mac, the public school big dogs, and Wyoming Seminary, the Prep giants. The Ironman will be their only meeting this year.
- Cali Influx, Cali Redemption
California has always had a presence at the Ironman. From the first year it was held when talented squads such as Calvary Chapel finished highly. In recent years, and bolstering the brackets and individual talent pool, Cali has sent individual entries at an increased rate.
Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco) will be looking for his second title. And watch out for Live Oak’s Isaiah Locsin and Oakmont’s under appreciated Peter Santos.
But the main attraction will be two Golden State boys looking for redemption: Aaron Pico (138) for his loss in Super32 finals to Dean Heil, and Isaiah Martinez (160) to get revenge for his loss to Bo Jordan in last year’s Ironman finals.
- The Return of Zain
Last year Zain Retherford sat out the entire season after the PA state athletic association ruled him ineligible because of his transfer to Benton to train under Russ Hughes.
All that PIAA decision did was tick Zain off. He went on a tear this off-season, sweeping every event on the docket: NHSCA’s, Fila’s, Fargo, Cadet World’s, and Super32.
Welcome back, Zain.
- Three Go For Trifecta
In 18 year history of the Ironman, there has only been one 4x Champion (David Taylor), and nine 3x Champions. This year, we’ll have a trio going for their 3rd, as Nathan Tomasello (120), Bo Jordan (160), and Brooks Black (HWT) attempt to move in to Ironman immortality.
Tomasello and Black each took 4th as Freshmen. Bo Jordan didn’t enter the tournament his Freshman year.
- Can Morris Get His Title
Morris didn’t wrestle at Ironman as a Freshmen. As a Soph., he took 4th. Last year he was oh so close, leading Ed’s Mark Martin in the finals with just seconds remaining before giving up the go-ahead takedown.
Can Morris get the title in a loaded 182lb bracket this year?
- Danhof Debut
This will be the first time Blair Academy wrestles in the Walsh Jesuit dome without the services of long-time Head Coach, Jeff Buxton, who stepped down from the position this Fall. Charles Danhof was named as his successor and inherits the nation’s #1 team. Of course, his first charge is to win the nation’s toughest tournament.