Wrestling: Western Tech, Perry Hall wrestlers grab state titles

Baltimore County crowned three champions in the Maryland State Wrestling Tournament in College Park Saturday night: Westerm Tech sophomore Tejon Anthony (120 pounds), Perry Hall junior Matt Green (220) and sophomore teammate Zeke Salvo (106).

Of the three, Anthony was the most unlikely winner.

In the Class 1A/2A semifinal, he edged three-time defending state champion Tony Farace, of Oakland Mills, 5-4.

Anthony jumped out to a 5-0 lead, scoring in the first period on a takedown and in the second on back points.

"He (Farace) was on his back for a good 15, 20 seconds," Western Tech coach Juan Solera said of Anthony's near pin.

Farace, however, recovered and stormed back in the final period. He cut to the lead to 5-4 on a escape and stalling call, but Anthony (35-4) managed to hang for the win.

Then in the final, Anthony had an easy time with Wicomico senior Eddie Miller (41-6), prevailing 7-0.

That victory made Anthony the first state champion in school history. Not a bad season for a wrestler who competed last year in the Woodlawn Wolfpack junior league program.

"I guess I had the tournament of my life," Anthony said.

Perry Hall coach Jake Roche would have been been happy with one champion. He was thrilled with two 3A/4A title winners.

"It's a once in a lifetime thing," said Roche, whose team finished second overall behind River Hill. "And they both return next year."

Salvo (37-2) scored an 8-0 decision over Thomas Stone sophomore Wallace Smith (31-6). Salvo, a region and county champion, placed third in the state last year.

"He is the total package," Roche said of Salvo "It's really nice to have guys like that on your team."

Green had to work harder for his crown. He beat Eleanor Roosevelt senior Tommie Boozer, 5-1.

Green (11-0) trailed 1-0 entering the third period. He tied it 1-1 on an escape 27 seconds into and scored four points in the final 15 seconds on a takedown and back points.

"He is a blue chipper who comes from a wrestling family," Roche said of the St. Paul's tranfer.

For Owings Mills defending 1A/2A state champions Demetrius Johnson (152, 34-7) and Taran Carr (160, 40-2), things didn't go as they had hoped.

Johnson finished fifth and Carr placed second for sixth-place Owings Mills.

Willamsport's Zach Shoemaker (40-0) topped Carr, 5-1.

Owings Mills coach Guy Pritzker said his two grapplers — Johnson (high ankle sprain) and Carr (knee) — have been slowed down by injuries.

Three other Owings Mills wrestlers placed: Adriene Hazel (5th, 38-10) and Brandon Becker (6th, 36-12).

Other area competitors to place included Perry Hall's Patrick Clemons (5th, 170) and Shaun Murphy (3rd, 126) and Towson's Jesse Garrett (4th, 152) and Hassan James (145, 5th).