Kostis, Earp win weight classes
By Andy Kruse

Special to the Democrat

When the leaves have fallen and the cold winds blow, you know its wrestling time again in the High Country. The Watauga Pioneers unrolled their mats Saturday to start things off by hosting the fifth annual Old Appalachian Invitational at Lentz-Eggers Gym.

Nineteen teams came from all over the state to show what they’re made of for the season. Winston-Salem Parkland High left team winners with 298.5 points, while Watauga finished in seventh with 83 points.

The Pioneers took two first-place finishes, one from Savva Kostis in the 145 weight class and one from Jacob Earp at 135. Justin Hyatt finished third at 152.

Kostis, who was awarded Most Outstanding Wrestler for the tournament, displayed his smooth relaxed style and kept control of his opponents.

Kostis pinned his first two opponents in the first period and his third in the second period.

His final match against Lanard Oglesby of Parkland was more heated. Kostis came out with a big pick up slam that caused the official to call a time out as Oglesby regained his composure.

Then Oglesby came back with a slam of his own. Kostis got fired up, but stayed calm and racked up the points closing out the first period with a 15-1 lead.

“You gotta stay relaxed in a tough situation,” Kostis said. “Then you can capitalize when the other guy gets over excited and turn it around on him.”

Oglesby put up a fight in the second period, but couldn’t gain back much ground. Kostis won by technical fall 18-3.

Earp, who was out all last year with shoulder nerve damage, was explosive as ever. He wasted no time pinning his first opponent in the second period and his next two opponents in the first.

He then ran the show in his final match against Michael Williams from West Henderson, winning by technical fall in the second period, 16-1.

“I feel great this year,” Earp said. “I want to dominate everybody.”

Hyatt, on the other hand, lost his first match early, so he had to fight his way all day through the consolation matches. However, because of the rule against fighting more than five matches in a day, he had to share his third place finish.

“I don’t like getting an award without wrestling for it,” Hyatt said.

Freshman Ethan Henson, who weighs in at 100 pounds in the 103 varsity weight class, made a strong showing for his first high school tournament. He had three wins on the day.

There were also jayvee matches with no official results.

Watauga coach James Eichmiller was pleased with the turnout and thankful for all the helped he received to pull it off. “It was a lot of work, but worth it,” he said. “This supports our program for the entire season.”

Winston-Salem Parkland dominated the meet by capturing individual championships in eight differnt weight classes.

Old Appalachian Invitational
Team Scores
1. Winston-Salem Parkland – 298.5
2. Enka – 126
3-Tie Freedom – 113
Tie 3. West Forsyth - 113
4.South Rowan - 92,
5. RS Central – 83.5
6. Watauga – 83
7. Mooresville – 80
8. Alleghany – 72
9. West Henderson - 70
10. North Henderson- 68.5
11. East Mecklenburg – 59.5
12. Avery – 57.5
13. North Iredell – 53.5
14. Hunter Huss – 49
15. Hibriten – 31
16. Charlotte Country Day – 30.5
17. AC Reynolds – 21.5
18. McDowell - 14
Winners by Weight Class
103 – Bobby Baldwin (Parkland)
112 – Juan Stimpson (Parkland)
119 – Brett Boston (Freedom)
125 – Daniel Ownbey (Enka)
130 – Luis Ramos (Parkland)
135 – Jacob Earp (Watauga)
140 – Lane Wilmoth (Parkland)
145 – Savva Kostis (Watauga)
152 – Justin Guthrie (Enka)
160 – Greg Gainey (Parkland)
171 – Teague Little (Parkland)
189 – Larry Baron (Parkland)
215 – Eric Sims (Parkland)
285 – Daniel Jarvis (Enka)