News & Events 2002-2003

Blair Wrestlers Win Top Two National Tournaments

Blair wrestlers accepting their 1st place awards at the Ironman Tournament. From top to bottom: Travis Blasco, Rob Preston, Ryan Davis and Mark Perry.

The Blair wrestlers had a successful December, winning both the prestigious Ironman and Beast of the East Tournaments, considered by many to be two of the most competitive high school tournaments in the country.

Blair finished ahead of an impressive contingent of teams that included nationally-ranked powerhouses St. Paris Graham, Great Bridge and St. Edward to capture the Ironman team title in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Individual champions Travis Blasco, Robert Preston, Ryan Davis and Mark Perry led the way for the Bucs. Adam Frey, Gregg Romano and Matt Maciag all earned bronze medals while other placewinners were Greg Hagel (4th), Mark Bogart (5th), Alex Maciag (5th), and Tyler Thurgood (6th). Freshman Travis Blasco earned several falls en route to his title and earned the most team points of any individual on the squad.

The very next weekend, Blair again rose to the challenge of a much larger field of competition by winning the Beast of the East tournament in Newark, Delaware. Ryan Davis and Mark Perry were the lone champions for the Buccaneers. Other individual placewinners were: Travis Blasco (2nd), Matt Maciag (2nd), Gregg Romano (3rd), Rob Preston (4th), Greg Hagel (4th) and Adam Frey (8th). Mark Perry was also named the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler. Mark pinned his first two opponents and then went on to defeat his next three foes by a combined score of 60-5. Two of his opponents were nationally-ranked seniors. Gregg Romano turned-in an especially courageous performance. Gregg lost his first match of the tournament and went on to win eight consecutive bouts through the consolation rounds to earn third place. Included among his wins was an 8-7 decision in the consolation finals over Donny Ooten from Great Bridge High School who had beaten Gregg the previous week in Ohio.

For individual bout results, go to www.blairwrestling.com.

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