Top-ranked McDonogh is in a good position to make a run at a third straight Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association wrestling tournament title on the final day of competition today at Mount St. Joseph.
The Eagles showed their talent and depth by getting wrestlers into today's semifinals in 13 of the 14 weight classes. McDonogh was in first place after last night's quarterfinals with 125 points, ahead of No. 5 Mount St. Joseph (108.5) and No. 4 Archbishop Curley.
"They're easily the class of the tournament," John Carroll coach Keith Watson said. "Everyone else is just fighting for second."
The semifinals are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m, with the finals coming after the consolation rounds at 1 p.m.
Five McDonogh wrestlers will try to repeat as individual champions. Nick Schenk (119 this year, 103 last year), Josh Fitch (140 this year, 125 last year), Curtis Holmes (145 this year, 140 last year), Shane Milam (152 this year, 145 last year) and Alex Pagnotta (189 this year, 171 last year) all are in the semifinals
Fitch is trying to join elite company by becoming one of the few wrestlers ever to win four consecutive MIAA titles.
Mount St. Joseph also fared well, placing eight in the semifinals, but the Gaels might not have enough to catch McDonogh, because the Eagles can score points in the consolation matches if their wrestlers don't make the championship round.