BJ Miller works his way off the bottom

Kern goes for the throw

Took in the Defiance/Liberty Center/Lima Bath triangular last night and I’m officially pumped for the meat of the season. The 119-pound showdown between DHS’ B.J. Miller and Liberty’s Luke Kern was the

best match that I’ve seen all season and the sophomore from LC gave Miller, a two-time state placer, all that he could handle. In fact, I’d say Kern was a little more aggressive than the DHS senior. But BJ isn’t one of Defiance’s most decorated matmen for no reason. Everything Kern threw at him, Miller had an answer for and kept his cool.

If this match is any indication, both of these guys will be grappling on a Saturday in Columbus. Also looking good was Josh Beemer from Bath. You know how some guys walk through a gym with that look on their face and people get out of their way? Beemer is one of those guys and he’s looking tough-as-nails so far this season.

Back to Liberty Center, the Tigers lost against Bath and beat Defiance, but not by much causing head coach Mitch Aring to be a little frustrated after the tri. His Tigers head to Swanton on Thursday where they’ll see Archbold. There were plenty of Streaks in attendance at DHS and Aring knows his club has to do better. He questioned the heart of some of his guys and said they’ll need to get it going quickly with big-time NWOAL bouts coming up.

Elsewhere this week, the Montpelier Locos return to the mats. After claiming two team titles in December the Ironhorses will go for three at Monroeville. Hicksville also had a good end to 2009 and started out 2010 with a pair of dual wins in Delphos (Jefferson). Now, the Aces head to Coldwater for a little MAC mat action. They’ll be joined by Paulding.

Last, but not least, the little teams that could, the PH Pariots and Stryker Panthers head to Woodmore for the “A Classic.” This tourney isn’t what it once was, but it will help get these two teams going. But my guess is that Xavier Dye and Alex Lopez should cruise to title here, would have liked to see them make an appearance at some place like Medina over the holiday to get in some top-notch competition. But if I know these guys, they’ll still be going strong in March.

- Chuck