Year in and year out, Howard County wrestling proves to be one of the best in the state. This winter was no different as the county crowned another state champion in Oakland Mills and then had five individuals win state titles.
Senior-laden Oakland Mills had a breakout season and won its first state title since 1986 and its first ever dual championship. After two early losses, the Scorpions ran the table in the county matches then swept the postseason duals.
Oakland Mills seniors Sidique Furet (170 pounds) and Jaron Smith (182) led the way winning county, region and state titles, while freshman Kyle Farace (106) found himself in the state championship match in his first trip.
River Hill fell short of winning its fifth straight county dual title, but found itself peaking at the right time and won its fourth straight 3A/4A East regional tournament championship.
The Hawks also finished well at the state tournament, finishing third while crowining two state champions -- junior Matt Shealy (106) and sophomore Brady Daniel (182).
Glenelg started the county dual season 10-0 before falling to Oakland Mills, but the Gladiators qualified for the 3A/4A East regional duals. Although they fell to Old Mill in the first round, they went on to finish third at the county tournament and had two county champions in Parker Griffie (138) and Mike Budock (145).
Glenelg Country School set a school record with 14 dual meet wins and finished second in the MIAA B Conference.
Centennial was led by junior Austin Kraisser (152), who won his second straight state championship, while Marriotts Ridge, Mt. Hebron and Reservoir also had solid seasons.
Howard, Atholton, Long Reach and Wilde Lake finished toward the bottom of the county, but all have young talent that will help in years to come.Wrestling beat reporter Tim Schwartz talks about the top wrestlers and teams and much more in his recap of the 2014-15 season. To check it out, watch the video above.