So far, not good for wrestlers in the county tournament

FEB 24, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM-

With a third place finish only a year behind them, the Blair wrestlers find themselves in a bad spot at the county tournament. After two rounds, only a pair of Blazers remains in the competition.

The county tournament, held annually at Blair, began against the favor of the wrestling team. Of the fourteen weightclass slots, Blazers competed in only nine. Five Blazers were eliminated in the first round. In fact, until junior Hansel Cedeno, in the 171 weightclass, pinned his opponent, Blair had a five-match losing streak.

In the second round, junior Muamba Muanankese (189) and Cedeno advanced to the semifinals but Blair's 103-pound and heavyweight wrestlers fell. The Blair wrestlers will continue and wrestle in the regional tournament to be held on Friday, Feb 28.

Both Muanankese and Cedeno placed first at the Springbrook Tournament held a few weeks ago. Due to their success, Cedeno received the second seed in his weightclass and Muanankese received the first.

Considering the team score and Blair's poor performance thus far in the tournament, the chances of meeting last year's third place finish are slim. Although the results of the tournament will be determined after the final rounds, Sherwood High School appears to be holding a commanding lead, with eight wrestlers in the semifinals.

The final day of the tournament, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 26 at Blair, were delayed due to the inclement weather conditions. The tournament will resume on Tuesday, March 4.