Friday at the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association Holiday Tournament at the Nutter Center, both took the first big step by staying in the winners' bracket.
“I expected not to be seeded,” Cress said after pinning fourth-seeded Drew Stebelton of Sheridan in the first round before moving into the 145 quarterfinals with a win over Jacob Bostic of Green. “I probably deserved it, but I came in here to start making a name for myself.”
For Kelly, dealing with the title and moving up a weight has caused some frustration.
“It is a lot different and a lot harder,” Kelly said after cruising into the 113 quarters with a pin and a major decision. “Kids are trying to clam up when they wrestle me this year, doing anything to keep it close, and it is really frustrating, but I’ve got to get used to it.”
There were no surprises through the first day. Graham tops the team standings with 113.5 points and Campbell County (Ky.) is second with 101. Eaton (ninth, 67.5) and Sidney (10th, 66) are the next local teams.
“I was hoping to get nine to the quarters and we got 10, so I’m happy with that,” Graham coach Jeff Jordan said. “There are some tough weight classes here, which is why we come to the tournament, but tomorrow is the big day with the quarters and semis; there are big matches out there and it is going to be fun.”
Middletown’s Jacob Globke continued to build on the momentum from winning the Coaches Classic title a week ago. The third seed at 160 opened with a pin in 40 seconds before claiming a major decision to move into the quarters.
“That was really big,” Globke said of winning the Coaches Classic. “It made me confident in my ability. I know I am up with the top level kids now.”
Last season, the Holiday was the sign for Franklin’s Chase Henderson that he was able to compete with the top dogs. This year, he looks to take another step to being mentioned with them.
“This tournament last year helped me turn the corner from being an average wrestler to a state qualifier,” Henderson said after cruising into the quarters at 285. “It was the first big tournament I placed in and it helped me realize where I was and where I could be. This year, I want to cement myself in that upper group. If I can place high with all the high talent here (five returning state qualifiers), that will be big.”
Springfield’s Devin Nye just wanted to get the first night over quick. The defending champ at 220 spent less than two minutes on the mat in his first two matches combined.
“I was out there long enough to get some work in,” Nye said with a smile. “I wanted to get the quick pin, get some rest and get the nerves out of my system.”
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