Kostis, Earp

differ in style
By Andy Kruse
Special to the Democrat

Watauga wrestlers Savva Kostis and Jacob Earp are two of the most dominant wrestlers in North Carolina.

Both looking to win state titles in this, their senior seasons, it is rare to see them lose, or for that matter to let a match go the entire three periods. Each though, brings a very different style to the mat.

The two will bring that style to the state 4-A Western Regional Feb. 15-16 at Weddington.

For Kostis, who also was the place kicker on the Watauga football team, wrestling is like an art, appearing effortless as he manipulates his opponents. His scouting reports state that he is an “accomplished and polished wrestler.”

“I visualize my moves before hand and make them look pretty,” Kostis said.

When given the choice of whether to start up, down, or neutral; he picks down, so he can earn points for an escape and then turn that into a takedown.

During the first period of his matches, Kostis often takes down his opponents and lets them up several times. Repeating this to build up points, Kostis calls this a “takedown clinic.”

“I like to make them look bad cause that makes me look good,” Kostis said. “I’m a crowd pleaser.”

It’s this kind of confidence that has gotten him where he is, sporting a 136-25 high school record.

In some rare moments, however, he does lose the upper hand. But he remains calm, takes his time to work out of a position, and then explodes on his opponent so they don’t know what hit them.

“Kostis has power and waits for the perfect opportunity,” said Pioneer coach James Eichmiller, who has been coaching them both since the eighth grade. “He does creative things and never looses his composure.”

Earp, on the other hand, is all about explosion, going for the pin as fast as he can.

“I like to embarrass people,” Earp said.

Here, like his teammate, he shows the confidence that makes for a winner and has earned him a 120-9 high school record.

When given the choice for starting position, Earp chooses neutral because he likes to be on his feet.

“Sometimes it takes me a while to shoot,” Earp said. His scouting reports say that he is a “phenomenal wrestler.”

“Earp stays low and in your face,” Eichmiller said. “He’s a team player that gets the pin for the team.”