News & Events 2003-2004

Wrestlers Win the Beast of the East Tournament

After winning the 2003 Walsh Ironman Tournament last weekend (December 13-14), Blair Academy outscored St. Edwards of Ohio 248.5 to 199.0 to win the team title at the 11th annual “Beast of the East” wrestling tournament, arguably the toughest prep wrestling tournament in the country.

Adam Frey came through again for Blair by winning an individual title at 130 pounds, becoming Blair’s only champion for the second week in a row. Kellen Russell (103), made it to the finals but lost to a tough Aaron Hart of St. Paris Graham (Ohio) by a score of 7-3. The final team standings for the 11th Annual Beast of the East Wrestling Tournament were: Blair Academy (248.5); St. Edwards of Ohio (199.0); Northampton, Penn. (186.5); St. Paris Graham of Ohio (184). The competition took place December 20 and 21 at the Bob Carpenter Center on the campus of the University of Delaware.

“The competition was fantastic. In both tournaments {the Beast and Ironman} nobody thought we were going to have a champion; Adam proved the pundits wrong there,” said Jeff Buxton, Blair Academy head wrestling coach. “Adam won it {the 130-pound title} at both tournaments.”

“Overall, it was a strong team effort. We are coming off two big tournament victories, which is great. However, we need to work on a lot of tactics such as closing out a match and numerous counters. We will be working on these tactics during the next few weeks as there is some stiff competition ahead for us,” Buxton continued.

Blair’s individual place-winners were: 103 lbs: Kellen Russell, 2nd place; 112 lbs: Ross Gitomer, 5th place; 119 lbs: Travis Blasco, 4th place; 130 lbs: Adam Frey, Champion; 140 lbs: Greg Romano, 3rd place; 152 lbs: Mike Galante, 6th place; 171 lbs: Hudson Taylor, 3rd place; 189 lbs: Alex Maciag, 7th place; and 215 lbs: Ben Kinerson, 4th place.

In other wrestling news, five Blair athletes competed in the Robin Leff Tournament at Southern Regional High School this past weekend. Gaining individual titles were Tyler Thurgood and Ed Allegra. Chris Stout placed second; Jay Giuricich came in third place, while Kyle Manley exited the Leff Tournament with a sixth-place finish.

Come and watch the Blair wrestlers at home as they go head-to-head with nationally ranked St. Edwards on January 9th at 7:30 pm.

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