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Cape sends eight wrestlers to March 3 semifinals

Milford snaps on Day 1 of state tournament
Cape’s Lucas Ruppert escapes Stephan Goodman of St. Elizabeth.
Dave Frederick
March 1, 2021

The Milford Buccaneers made big noise in the first of two days of the state wrestling tournament Feb. 27, with Emily Thode at 106 pounds becoming the first girl to win a match at the DIAA Individual State Tournament. The Bucs also saw Corey Messick (120) record his 100th career win with a 13-second pin. Milford placed four straight grapplers from a powerhouse lineup of lightweights, including Trevor Copes (113), Messick (120), Jack Thode (126) and Trent Grant (132). 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DIAA split the early rounds of the tournament into two days, each with seven weight classes. Those who are still alive will return to Cape Henlopen High School Wednesday, March 3, to complete the tournament.

Also in Day 1 action, Cape’s “Basement Boys” Mikey Frederick (138) and Luke Bender (145) each recorded three pins to advance to the semifinal round.

Cape shined in the second day of the tournament, sending six of seven wrestlers through to Wednesday’s semifinals and championship rounds. Joining Frederick and Bender in the semifinals are: C.J. Fritchman (152), Carson Kammerer (160), Dalton Deevey (182), Jackson Handlin (195), Alex Taylor (220) and Lucas Ruppert (285). Reaching the Wednesday round of eight are Josh Wright (120), Bryan Garcia (132) and Mike Elphick (170). 

Team scores after the first two days are Caravel 164, Salesianum 145, Caesar Rodney 137.5, Cape Henlopen 132.5, Smyrna 119 and Sussex Central 111. 

Team champions will be crowned on Wednesday for Division I and Division II. Semifinal action will begin at 11 a.m.  

 

Milford’s Emily Thode gets a fall over Avori Alexander of FSMA.
Milford’s Corey Messick takes down Maxwell Bell of FSMA.
Milford’s Corey Messick celebrates with wrestling coaches Keegan Worley and Don Parsley after recording his 100th career win.
Mikey Frederick controls Xavier Limehouse of Laurel.
Luke Bender pins Andrew Kedash of Sanford.
Milford’s Trevor Copes takes down Julian Campanelli of Tatnall.
Bryan Garcia of Cape goes for a backward pin.
Mikey Frederick gets a deep shot on Zayd Narvel of Tower Hill.
Sussex Central’s Mason Ankom versus Willie Crespo of A.I. duPont.
Trent Kemp of Delmar controls Caden Cope of Sussex Central.
Sussex Central coaches Shane Miller and Justin Illian.
Shane Jensen and Chris Mattioni of Cape.
Josh Wright of Cape pins Densel Alternor of Seaford in a wrestle back match.
William Penn coaches Joe Archangelo and Dennis Fromal.
Cape’s Luke Bender pins Trent Kemp of Delmar.
Mikey Frederick of Cape pins Jack Ciafardo of Middletown.
Cape’s Bryan Garcia pins Caleb McCann of Mount Pleasant.
Cape’s Alex Taylor lifts Beau Vin Minner of Salesianum.
Jackson Handlin of Cape locks up Conor France of Archmere.
Cape’s Carson Kammerer throws Takoda Beam of Appoquinimink.
Cape’s C.J. Fritchman remains undefeated.
Dalton Deevey gets a takedown in the final seconds to win 3-1 over Joey Jones of Newark Charter and advance to the semifinals.

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