by Sam Smith

Out of fourteen weight classes, Loveland leads ten

Loveland, Ohio – On Saturday, January 20 Loveland hosted the Tom Mihalik Duals, an annual five-school wrestling competition in the Loveland High School gymnasium. The wrestlers won all matches, earning a 5-0 win-loss. Loveland took down Ross 40-25, St. Xavier 56-15, New Richmond 57-12, Dayton Stebbins 58-19, and Winton Woods 58-22.  The team is 19-1 on the year for duals. Loveland has won fifteen out of the past twenty-eight Tom Mihalik Duals. 

Senior, Ian Knabe received the award for most pins and was named the most valuable wrestler at the meet. Knabe received the John Herdtner Memorial Award in memory of 1971 Loveland graduate and volunteer for his performance. He holds second in the 160-pound weight class in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference.

The Tom Mihalik Duals are held in memory of the Loveland educator and coach who began Loveland’s wrestling program in 1963 and served as Loveland’s football, basketball, golf, baseball, and athletic director during his 22 years in the district.

Coach Fred Switzer reacts to a referee’s call against Loveland

The Mihalik Duals also took time to honor Loveland senior wrestlers with posters, photographs and recognition speeches during Senior Day ceremonies. Wrestlers stood with family, peers and friends as they received praise for their time in the Loveland school district.

In the 106 pound weight category of the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC), Jacob Cotsonas holds first with 22 wins and 5 losses. In 113, Richard Mendoza also holds first with 23 wins and 9 losses. In 132, Kobi Milam is first with 20 wins and 11 losses. Jacob Heyob leads the 138 category with 12 wins and 14 loses. Blake Poteet in 145, Kian Palmer in 152, Drew Vanderhorst in 160, Cade Smeller in 170, Blake Machesky in 182, Jeremy Beamer in 195, and Brock Erdman in 220 all hold first. Out of fourteen weight classes, Loveland leads ten.

A Saint Xavier player is reprimanded in their match against Dayton Stebbins

Senior Cade Smeller pins a wrestler
A New Richmond wrestler reacts to Cade Smeller’s swift reversal and win

Loveland will wrestle at the Loveland High School gymnasium again on Wednesday, January 24 at 5 PM. Loveland will host the first round of the State Team Duals. This dual action will take place in the auxiliary gymnasium. 



Jarvis Global Investments, LLC

Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.



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