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11-28-2007, 05:57 PM
High School Winter Sports Previews: PD Wrestling
By CHRIS LANCIA/Correspondent
Peninsula District
Last year, Menchville went undefeated in the district on its way to a district title.
The Monarchs expect to run the table again, but will be challenged by a Hampton team that pushed them in last year’s district tournament. Menchville will rely heavily on Odis Westby at 140 pounds and Tony Pizzo at 145.
Hampton counters with heavyweight Anthony Battle and Sal Leonardi at 135.
The district title might come down to what the lesser-known grapplers for each team are able to do in the district tournament. Gloucester, Woodside and Denbigh will keep things interesting, but it appears this is a two-horse race between Menchville and Hampton.
TOP THREE TEAMS
® Menchville: The Monarchs return most of last year’s district champion squad, including two who are among the best in the state in their class: Odis Wesby at 140 pounds and Tony Pizzo at 145.
® Hampton: The Crabbers will push Menchville for the district’s top spot, and will be led by heavyweight Anthony Battle and 135-pounder Sal Leonardi.
® Gloucester: The Dukes, coming off an 8-2 district record, will be without state champion Greg Todd, who graduated, but have several wrestlers expected to step in and keep them in contention.
TOP THREE INDIVIDUALS
® Odis Wesby, Menchville: Ranked by virginiawrestling.com at 140 pounds, Wesby will be relied on to carry the load for the Monarchs.
® Colin Lenhardt, Gloucester: Ranked in the 171-pound weight class, Lenhardt’s biggest challenge may be trying to help fill Todd’s shoes.
® Anthony Battle, Hampton: In a weight class that’s often overlooked, a big season by Battle will go a long way toward the Crabbers challenging for a district title.
By CHRIS LANCIA/Correspondent
Peninsula District
Last year, Menchville went undefeated in the district on its way to a district title.
The Monarchs expect to run the table again, but will be challenged by a Hampton team that pushed them in last year’s district tournament. Menchville will rely heavily on Odis Westby at 140 pounds and Tony Pizzo at 145.
Hampton counters with heavyweight Anthony Battle and Sal Leonardi at 135.
The district title might come down to what the lesser-known grapplers for each team are able to do in the district tournament. Gloucester, Woodside and Denbigh will keep things interesting, but it appears this is a two-horse race between Menchville and Hampton.
TOP THREE TEAMS
® Menchville: The Monarchs return most of last year’s district champion squad, including two who are among the best in the state in their class: Odis Wesby at 140 pounds and Tony Pizzo at 145.
® Hampton: The Crabbers will push Menchville for the district’s top spot, and will be led by heavyweight Anthony Battle and 135-pounder Sal Leonardi.
® Gloucester: The Dukes, coming off an 8-2 district record, will be without state champion Greg Todd, who graduated, but have several wrestlers expected to step in and keep them in contention.
TOP THREE INDIVIDUALS
® Odis Wesby, Menchville: Ranked by virginiawrestling.com at 140 pounds, Wesby will be relied on to carry the load for the Monarchs.
® Colin Lenhardt, Gloucester: Ranked in the 171-pound weight class, Lenhardt’s biggest challenge may be trying to help fill Todd’s shoes.
® Anthony Battle, Hampton: In a weight class that’s often overlooked, a big season by Battle will go a long way toward the Crabbers challenging for a district title.