Auroraadvocate.com - Mitch eyes another mat title; AHS not just one-man team

by Michael Leonard

Sports Editor

Aurora -- Greenmen wrestling coach Dick Bliss is one of the longest tenured coaches in the state, but he might see something happen this year that's never occurred in Portage County in his Hall of Fame career.

Senior Ty Mitch has a chance to become the first three-time state champion in the history of Portage County wrestling.

However, anyone who thinks the Greenmen are a one-man team this year is in for a rude awakening.

Aurora didn't graduate a single starter from last year's team which won the Chagrin Valley Conference and sent 11 wrestlers to the district tournament.

Bliss said he expects 10 of those 11 back on the squad and starting this season.

"We got better week after week last year," Bliss said. "I'm very impressed with the work ethic of these kids."

Though Bliss said he was the top fan of the Greenmen's state title run in football last year, he noted having his entire team in the room at the start of practice this year has made "an amazing difference."

He's looking for a much quicker start this year, noting his team wasn't near top form until late December in 2008.

"Everything good in this sport happens in February and March," Bliss said. "We expect to go deeper in the tournament this year with more kids going to Columbus."

"OUR FRONT line kids are very, very good," Bliss said. "Our second team is a little bit thin."

The situation at 103 pounds remains fluid as freshmen Sean Armstrong, Justin Frankmann, Matt Laick and Anthony Vella all are in the mix to start.

Things are much more concrete at 112 ponds, where junior Ryan Cash returns after two straight district appearances.

"We expect him to have a big year," Bliss said. "He's going to be much, much more powerful than he was before."

After winning the 103-pound state title in 2008 and the 112-pound state title last year, Mitch moves up to 119 pounds.

Bliss made it clear his superstar is not resting on his laurels.

"We're not defending the last two titles; we're only concentrating on getting this tile this year," Bliss said.

"Ty ends up as the focus point for a lot of kids in our room. If the champion in slacking off, it's easier for them to slack off.

"But Ty consistently, everyday, is one of the hardest working guys in our room."

Sophomore district qualifier Devin Levan moves up to 125 pounds, while junior district qualifier Kyle Brezovec moves down to 130.

Bliss said junior 135-pounder Tommy Gallagher is due for some good luck after broken collarbones ended his first two season at Aurora.

"If he would have been healthy last year, there's no doubt he would have made it to districts," Bliss said.

Bliss has solid returning starters all the way through the middle of his lineup.

Senior Mark Korosec is back at 140 pounds and is "looking very, very strong" in the preseason, according to Bliss.

JUNIOR BRIAN Wells jumps from 130 to 145 pounds this year. "He going to be a very good wrestlers for the next two years," Bliss said.

At 152 pounds, senior Mike Ganoe moves up after reaching districts last year. "He's one of the best athletes on the team," Bliss said. "He's really coming into his own."

Last year, junior Danny McNamara missed a chance to get to Columbus at 152 pounds by a single point. Bliss has no doubt he will make another run at 160.

Junior Andrew Weaver will get the starting nod at 171 pounds after seeing spot starts last year.

Senior Matt Korosec moves to 189 pounds and should be ready for a run to the state tourney, according to Bliss.

The same can be said of two-time district qualifier Mikael Fadoul, who returns to his starting spot at 215 pounds.

Bliss said the Greenmen have no starting heavyweight, though some younger kids at 215 pounds could see time in that slot.

Regarding the Chagrin Valley Athletic Conference, Bliss said many of the top programs should be back in form.

He expects Cuyahoga Heights, Kenston, West Geauga and Perry to be among the top challengers to the Greenmen for the title.

Aurora begins its season by hosting an invitational Dec. 4-5. First match Dec. 4 is at 5 p.m.

E-mail:

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Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113