Damascus edges South Carroll at Parkside

Damascus crowned senior Jacob Ehret (215), freshman Cooper Spoales (106) and juniors Gabe Hernandez (144) and Porter Gruner (150) among nine wrestlers who placed in the top four of their weight classes to overcome runner-up South Carroll, 332 to 329.5 for the championship at the 15-team Parkside Invitational last weekend.

Finishing second were junior Tanner Harman (165) and senior Bryan Silva (285), with junior Owen Jaramillo (190) placing third, and both Logan Romero (120) and Damir Kumukov (157), fourth. Top-ranked sophomore Class 2A-1A state champion JoJo Gigliotti (138), junior state runner-up Evan Owen (132), sophomores Landon Hamper (165) and Anthony Rodrigues (175) and freshman Brody Henry (126) won for the Cavaliers, who also placed nine wrestlers within the top four of their weight divisions.

Finishing second for the Cavaliers were freshman Davy Snyder (144) and senior Kaden Cyrus (157), with a third-place effort from junior Angelo Marchany (150) and a fourth-place finish from senior Janero Marchany (215).

"This was an incredible team win," said coach John Furgeson, whose Swarmin' Hornets are nine-time Montgomery County Tournament champions and eight-time state dual meet title winners. "Everyone had to contribute to pull it out in a very interesting tournament style where every point matters. We learned a lot about our team and what it is going to take to keep striving for excellence."

Spoales, Hernandez, Gruner and Ehret improved to 10-0. Ehret went 8-0 in the tournament with 7 pins, Gruner went 8-0 with six pins and a technical fall, and Hernandez and Spoales went 8-0 with six pins each. "Cooper comes with a tremendous amount of experience and loves wrestling,” Furgeson said. “He is a great boost in the arm and should have a strong season.”

Ehret was third at counties, second at regions and third at states. Silva was second at counties and third at regions. Hernandez was second at counties and fourth at regions. Gruner was third at counties and fourth at regions. “I'm proud of Gabe and his leadership. Gabe had a great tournament, having to dig out some tough wins in the semis and finals,” Furgeson said. “Jake is a tough wrestler and brings excitement to our room. Porter has come a long way since last year. He is wrestling at a high level with lots of energy and he's a great leader in the practice room.”

Harman went 7-1 with seven pins, rising to 9-1 for the season. Silva is 8-3 overall and went 7-2 with six pins. Jaramillo went 6-2 with five pins in the tournament and is 8-2 on the season. Kumukov went 4-3 with two each in pins and major decisions, and Romero, 4-4 with three pins.

"This group is a fun group to coach. We have a good mix in the room with youth and experience. This tournament brings a team together where we get away and spend a lot of time together. I am excited for the team for the success, but we have to stay focused on what is ahead. Back to the practice room to improve. The coaches are very proud of them and are eager to get back at it." Laurel crowned senior Xavier Linehouse (157) and sophomore Joseph Baynard (285). The final champ was Walt Whitman, sophomore Soloman Randall (120).