The West Holmes wrestling team was short on competitors with only five wrestlers involved in the Liberty Classic at Olentangy Liberty High School, but they were able to take 12th place out of 33 teams led by sophomore Louden Dixon’s win in the 144 pound class.
“We only ended up taking five to the Olentangy Liberty Classic this weekend,” Coach Scott Vaughn said through the weekly Knights wrestling newsletter. “I knew this tournament was going to be a great test for all five wrestlers. I was excited to see new teams heading into central Ohio. Coming off of Cambridge (Dec. 9) and straight to the Liberty Classic, we have some great film to review. Everyone was challenged and now has things to work on heading into our dual with Waynedale, which will be a great team and great dual.”
Dixon was the champion in the 144 pound class going 4-0 and winning by fall. Vaughn was dubbed the “Wrestler of the Week” for the Knights, and Vaughn had high praise for the sophomore grappler. He said he has continued to amaze this season, and is always looking to improve even when coming off a win.
“Some of the things he does on the mat is very impressive,” Vaughn said. “His opponent in the finals was very funky. He knew he was going to have to stay solid and not put himself in bad positions. Some of the scrambles Louden made to avoid getting taken down are things you expect out of a Junior or Senior, not a Sophomore. I am always impressed with how hard he works in practice, then stays after to work on his conditioning or little things with his technique.”
Junior Hunter McCluggage took fourth in the 150 pound class, going 4-2 with one fall. Coach Vaughn said it was a great meet for McCluggage, who got down to weight for the first time this year. Coming off the football season, he is still getting the rust off, but Vaughn sees big things for him.
“I see him getting more confident and comfortable every match,” Vaughn said. “He was asking questions after every match and I know he's eager to get back in the room and improve.”
Senior Grant Miller took fourth in the 215 pound class, going 3-2 with two falls. He has had a solid season thus far, as he also won the title at the Dec. 9 meet in Cambridge. Vaughn said he is growing as a wrestler and he sees him getting more confident each time.
“He is getting better offense and is not afraid of using it,” Vaughn said.
Coming in sixth in the 175 pound class was junior Cole Porter, who was 3-3. Vaughn said he has shown improvement each time out and there have been “glimpses of greatness.” The key will be to continue his conditioning as he is just coming out of the football season.
“There was a couple times this weekend that he hit moves that we didn't even know he had in his bag of tricks,” Vaughn said.
Senior Grady Toye did not place in the 126 pound class, but Vaughn was happy with the effort he put forth and the lessons he learned. Toye lost in the quarters and then took a fall in the consolation round. However, Vaughn liked his determination to bounce back from a loss.
“He was aggressive and looked to score,” Vaughn said. “Grady has a great work ethic and attitude. I am certain this will help him learn what he needs to do to get better.”
