John Carroll placed six wrestlers eighth or better at last weekend's Maryland Independent Athletic Association State Tournament, but just five qualified for the Prep Nationals this weekend at Lehigh University.
At states, juniors Scott Strappelli, 132, and George Weber, 145, made the finals, but neither claimed state titles. Chris Almony (152) and Hunter Ritter (170), both freshmen, each lost in the quarterfinals, but were able to wrestle back to fifth place. Fellow freshman, Zach Dwyer (106) finished in seventh place and will compete at Nationals as the first alternate.
Junior Dan Kelble placed eighth at 195 and finished with a solid 26-24 record.
In addition, Almony earned the Most Falls in Least Time trophy.
John Carroll placed a disappointing ninth as a team, but graduate just two seniors and had nine freshman see varsity action on a 21-4 dual meet team.
Region tourneys
Harford County Public Schools wrestlers will be in region action this weekend. Wrestlers from Aberdeen, Bel Air, C. Milton Wright and North Harford will compete in the Class 3A-4A east region tournament at Wilde Lake High School in Howard County.
Wrestlers from Edgewood, Fallston, Harford Tech, Havre de Grace, Joppatowne and Patterson Mill will compete in the 1A -2A east tourney at Easton High School on the Eastern Shore.
The tournaments start today (Friday) and resume Saturday. All wrestlers who place fourth or better qualify for next weekend's state tournament in College Park.