Metro event growing
By Kevin Foote; 11:07 p.m. CST February 7, 2014
Northside coach John Simmons isn’t entirely sure what all the reasons are, but he’s glad nonetheless. No matter what the reasons are, it sure appears that this year’s Lafayette Metro Wrestling Tournament is more of a priority for the teams around the area.
“I think a lot of teams are trying to get that final tuneup before state,” Simmons said. “I think everybody’s trying to get some extra wrestling in. This is the last opportunity to wrestle (before state).
“Comeaux is bringing its ‘A’ team and Teurlings is bringing its ‘A’ game as well. That should make for some good matchups.”
The seven programs in Lafayette Parish will be joined by five schools from around the area to make up a 12-team tournament to be held this weekend at Northside High. The weigh-in is scheduled for 7:30 this morning, followed by wrestling at 9 a.m., and the anticipated time for the finals at approximately 4 p.m.
The tournament will feature the three local wrestlers who reached the finals at Ken Cole in Teurlings Catholic’s Brock Bonin at 120, Comeaux’s Connor Stampley at 126 and Northside’s O’Shea Dugas at 285.
Simmons, however, isn’t so sure that the most exciting and most balanced battle isn’t going to be at 152 where there are dangerous wrestlers down to No. 4-seeded Cozenski Alfred of Northside. No. 1 Colin Laird of North Vermilion, as well as Jacque Girouard of Comeaux and Jacob Courts of Teurlings have all experienced success this season.
“I think the competition is going to be real good at 152,” Simmons said. “This is a big tournament for Cozenski. It was rough for him at Ken Cole and he’s kind of down from that tournament, so he’s looking to get back on track for state this weekend.”
There was one bit of bad news with Acadiana’s Eric Duhon, originally the No. 1 seed at 160, not expected to wrestle this weekend.
Surging sophomore Rodrigo Diaz returns after high finishes at both Louisiana Classics and Ken Cole at 220.
Dugas returns from his controversial and emotional loss to Robert Kennedy of Belle Chasse in the Ken Cole finals. He figures to get the most competition from Teurlings Catholic’s Travis Santiago and Carencro’s Blake Villard.
Lafayette Metro seeds
(Today at Northside High)
106 – 1. Seth Oubre, Comeaux; 2. Dane Langley, Teurlings; 3. Blake Menard, Comeaux-B; 4. Brennan Langley, Basile.
113 – 1. Gavin Becker, North Vermilion; 2. Malik Boutte, Comeaux; 3. Daniel Trappey, Carencro; 4. Luke Kilchrist, Teurlings.
120 – 1. Brock Bonin, Teurlings; 2. Jake Verret, Comeaux; 3. Rhett Maturin, North Vermilion; 4. Pierce Richard, Comeaux-B.
126 – 1. Connor Stampley, Comeaux; 2. Tristan Lee, Teurlings; 3. Brennen Landry, North Vermilion; 4. Anthony Seaux, Rayne.
132 – 1. Devin Bazinet, Basile; 2. Dylan Romero, Comeaux; 3. Dante’ Hebert, Teurlings; 4. Tyrone Broussard, Kaplan.
138 – 1. Gage Landry, Acadiana; 2. Ian Carper, Comeaux; 3. Gavin Cortez, Basile; 4. Daniel Lotief, Kaplan.
145 – 1. Dakota Hebert, Teurlings; 2. Kole Miller, Comeaux; 3. Thaquan Priestley, Lafayette High; 4. Ben Rogers, Acadiana.
152 – 1. Colin Laird, North Vermilion; 2. Jacque Girouard, Comeaux; 3. Jacob Courts, Teurlings; 4. Cozenski Alfred, Northside.
160 – 1. Cabot Bellard, Comeaux; 2. Jalen Dixon, Carencro.
170 – 1. Brody Lemaire, North Vermilion; 2. Nicholas Malveaux, Comeaux; 3. Peyton Cortez, Teurlings; 4. Mason Deshotel, Basile.
182 – 1. Colin Vaughn, North Vermilion; 2. Austin Gary, Carencro; 3. Dylan Vaughan, Comeaux; 4. Andrew Arceneaux, Rayne.
195 – 1. David Quiring, St. Thomas More; 2. Aaron Langlinais, Comeaux; 3. Jonathan Thompson, North Vermilion; 4. Blaze Owens, Teurlings.
220 – Rodrigo Diaz, Lafayette High; 2. Adam Garza, Teurlings; 3. Willie Washington, Northside; 4. Jacob Fontenot, Church Point.
285 – 1. O’Shea Dugas, Northside; 2. Travis Santiago, Teurlings; 3. Blake Villard, Carencro; 4. Jamal Campbell, Comeaux.