Colon, Lavallee win featured AWL bouts, alongside great high school action at Missouri Border Brawl
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by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
Top photo: Joe Colon locks up Alan Waters as part of the AWL card in Kansas City.
Bottom photo: High school action at the Missouri Border Brawl.
Photos by Mark Lundy, LutteLens
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The American Wrestling League (AWL) hosted a pair of matches between top freestyle wrestlers.
The AWL matches were held at the conclusion of the respected Missouri Border Brawl, an annual event that features top wrestlers from Missouri and the surrounding region. The event featured numerous state champions, including a number of athletes nationally ranked by Trackwrestling.
The first AWL match featured a pair of former stars and teammates at the University of Missouri, as Joey Lavallee scored a 10-0 technical fall over Lavion Mayes at 70 kg.
Lavallee looked sharp on his feet in the first period, scoring three takedowns and forcing a step out to lead 7-0. In the second period, Lavallee added another takedown and forced a final step out to win 10-0.
In the second match, 2018 World bronze medalist Joe Colon edged former Missouri star Alan Waters, 7-6 at 61 kg.
Hometown hero Waters opened the scoring with a four-point takedown to lead 4-0. Colon quickly hit a single leg takedown and added a gut wrench to tie it at 4-4, then added a tilt to make it 6-4. Colon forced a step ourt prior to the end of the first period to lead 7-4.
Waters scored a low single late in the second period to close it to 7-6 and had Colon is an awkward position, but was unable to turn him before time ran out.
A multi-style exhibition was held between Greco-Roman star Kamal Bey and freestyle standout Aaron Brooks, both who train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Brooks is currently with the EAP program.
The first period, which was in Greco-Roman went to Bey, 7-0, which included a big four-point back arch. Brooks won the second period, which was freestyle, getting three different takedowns to win it 6-1. In the third period, only four- and five-point moves counted. Bey got the first four-pointer on a lift and throw from the mat. Brooks scored a four-pointer on a double leg takedown. The period ended 4-4, with criteria going to Brooks. It was a fun exhibition of the international styles.
A reported match for heavyweight Dom Bradley was not held when an opponent was not secured. Bradley made an appearance at the event and met with fans.
The Missouri Border Brawl, with the AWL promotion, raised funds for Randy Couture’s charity, the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation. Couture was at the event. 2018 World champion, 2017 World bronze medalist and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist J’den Cox, a Missouri native, was also there as part of the activities.
AMERICAN WRESTLING LEAGUE BOUTS
At Kansas City, Mo.
70 kg - Joey Lavallee tech. fall Lavion Mayes, 10-0
61 kg - Joe Colon dec. Alan Waters, 7-6
Exhibition in Greco-Roman, freestyle
79 kg - Aaron Brooks vs. Kamal Bey
1st period Greco-Roman – Bey dec. Brooks, 7-0
2nd period freestyle – Brooks dec. Bey, 6-1
3rd period only 4 and 5 point moves – Brooks dec. Bey, 4-4 criteria (last points)
MISSOURI BORDER BRAWL HIGH SCHOOL BOUT SUMMARY
The meet started with a high school bout at 145 pounds. Kyle Prewitt from Christian Brothers College High School came out strong early against Dillon Nichols of Mexico High School, and had a big lead by the end of the first period, scoring takedowns and turns. In the second period, leading 12-4, he turned Nichols and secured the fall.
Eli Ashcroft of Kearney High School won a tight battle at 106 pounds, scoring a late takedown to break a 2-2 tie to defeat Evan Binder of Whitfield High School, 4-2. Binder had the only takedown early, but Ashcroft’s winning takedown proved to be the difference.
In another 106 pound battle, Easton Hilton of Liberty High School was in control throughout, defeating Owen Uhls, Fulton High School, 11-0. Hilton scored a first period takedown and after a second-period escape, got another takedown to lead 5-0. In the third period, he hit a nice inside trip takedown to a cradle. It took a long while before he was able to turn with the cradle, but added a four-point turn for the major decision.
In a battle of three-time state champions at 152 pounds, Sam Frankowski of Rockwood Summit High School was tough on top and secured a 3-1 win over Aidan Johnson of Staley High School. There was no takedown in the first period. Frankowski escaped in the second and scored a double leg takedown to lead 3-0. Johnson escaped before the end of the period. In the third, Frankowski was on top and rode Johnson out for the period.
Next up was a high-scoring overtime bout, as Jayden Carson of Lafayette High School scored a double leg takedown in the sudden victory period to defeat Korbin Shepherd, Blue Springs High School, 10-8 at 120 pounds. Shepard jumped to a 6-1 lead, but Carson battled back to tie it at 6-6. After Shepard scored a reversal to make it 8-6, Carson was able to secure a third-period takedown to tie it and force overtime.
At 132, Vincent Zerban of Christian Brothers College High School dominated on his feet to beat Nathan Pulliam of Rolla High School, 10-5. Basically, Zerban scored all the takedowns, with two in the first period, two in the second period and one in third period. Pulliam had five escapes.
The 140 pound bout featured Peyton Westphal of Victory High School beating Rylan Kuhn of Greater Heights High School, 12-4. Westphal scored a takedown and turn in the first period to lead 4-0, then added a pair of second period takedown to make 8-2. Although Kuhn had a third-period takedown, Westphal kept his offense going and ended up with a major decision.
In a battle of respected girls at 103 pounds, Faith Cole of Lafayette High School, ranked No. 12 nationally, defeated Emalie Olsen of Kearney High School, 8-4. Cole took charge immediately, getting a takedown and turn to lead 4-0 after the first period. She stretched her lead to 7-0 in the second period. Olsen scored the final two takedowns of the match, but could not close the large lead.
After a slow first period, Teague Travis of Father Tolton High School dominated the second and third period to beat Ethen Miller of Park Hill High School, 13-6 at 126. Teague is ranked No. 17 nationally at 132 pounds by Trackwrestling. Miller scored two first-period takedowns to lead 4-1. In the second period, Teague had a takedown to a four-point turn to take over the lead at 7-4. In the third, Travis had another takedown and added four more backpoints to extend his margin of victory.
Nationally ranked No. 6 by Track Wrestling, Joshua Saunders of Christian Brothers College High School looked strong on his feet, on the way to a 15-7 major decision over Braxton Barnes of Neosho High School at 138 pounds. Saunders had three first-period takedowns to lead 6-2. After two more Saunders takedowns in the second period, Barnes scored his only takedown to close it to 11-6. Saunders had a takedown and two-point tilt in the third to earn the major decision.
The 160 pound match ended with an injury default. Cory Peterson of Desmet High School was leading 13-3 when
Tyler Ross of Lawson High School was unable to finish the match late in the second period.
Dominating all positions throughout the match, Rocky Elam of Staley High School earned an 8-0 major decision over Steve Elwell of Knob Noster High School. Elam is ranked No. 10 in the nation by Trackwrestling at 170 pounds. Elam had one takedown in each period and added a pair of escapes, not allowing Elwell to get any offense going.
National ranked No. 6 by Trackwrestling, Greyden Penner of Liberty High School put on an offensive show before pinning Jacob Boumans of Nequa Valley High School of Illinois in 4:09. Penner had six takedowns in the match, and was able to power Boumans to his back to secure the third-period fall.
Illinois star Noah Surtin of Edwardsville High School also put on a show in his 16-0 technical fall over Jeremiah Reno of Liberty High School at 113 pounds. Reno is ranked No. 3 nationally by TrackWrestling at 113, while Surtin is ranked No. 6 at 120 pounds. Surtin led 6-0 in the first period, and 10-0 after the second, and closed out the technical fall with a four-point turn with 15 seconds left in the period.
MISSOURI BORDER BRAWL
At Kansas City, Mo.
HS 145 - Kyle Prewitt, Christian Brothers College High School pin Dillon Nichols, Mexico High School, 3:25
HS 106 - Eli Ashcroft, Kearney High School dec. Evan Binder, Whitfield High School, 4-2
HS 106 - Easton Hilton, Liberty High School maj. dec. Owen Uhls, Fulton High School, 11-0
Youth 90 –Jackson Tucker, Thoroughbred W.A. maj. dec. David Gleason, Grindhouse, 15-7
HS 152 - Sam Frankowski, Rockwood Summit High School dec. Aidan Johnson, Staley High School, 3-1
HS 120 - Jayden Carson, Lafayette High School vs. Korbin Shepherd, Blue Springs High School, 10-8, SV
HS 132 - Vincent Zerban, Christian Brothers College High School dec. Nathan Pulliam Rolla High School, 10-5
Youth 140 - Peyton Westphal, Victory WC dec. Rylan Kuhn, Greater Heights WC, 12-4
HS Girls 103 - Faith Cole, Lafayette High School dec. Emalie Olsen, Kearney High School, 8-4
HS 126 - Teague Travis, Father Tolton High School dec. Ethen Miller, Park Hill High School, 13-6
HS 138 - Joshua Saunders, Christian Brothers College High School maj. dec. Braxton Barnes, Neosho High School, 15-7
HS 160 - Cory Peterson, Desmet High School inj dft. Tyler Ross, Lawson High School, 3:56
HS 195 – Rocky Elam, Staley High School maj. dec. Steve Elwell, Knob Noster High School, 8-0
Youth 110 – Carter McAllister, Greater Heights WC dec. Kyshen Isringhausen, Terminator WC, 12-6
HS 170 - Greyden Penner, Liberty High School pin Jacob Boumans, Nequa Valley High School IL, 4:09
HS 113 –Noah Surtin, Edwardsville High School IL tech. fall Jeremiah Reno, Liberty High School, 16-0
Bottom photo: High school action at the Missouri Border Brawl.
Photos by Mark Lundy, LutteLens
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The American Wrestling League (AWL) hosted a pair of matches between top freestyle wrestlers.
The AWL matches were held at the conclusion of the respected Missouri Border Brawl, an annual event that features top wrestlers from Missouri and the surrounding region. The event featured numerous state champions, including a number of athletes nationally ranked by Trackwrestling.
The first AWL match featured a pair of former stars and teammates at the University of Missouri, as Joey Lavallee scored a 10-0 technical fall over Lavion Mayes at 70 kg.
Lavallee looked sharp on his feet in the first period, scoring three takedowns and forcing a step out to lead 7-0. In the second period, Lavallee added another takedown and forced a final step out to win 10-0.
In the second match, 2018 World bronze medalist Joe Colon edged former Missouri star Alan Waters, 7-6 at 61 kg.
Hometown hero Waters opened the scoring with a four-point takedown to lead 4-0. Colon quickly hit a single leg takedown and added a gut wrench to tie it at 4-4, then added a tilt to make it 6-4. Colon forced a step ourt prior to the end of the first period to lead 7-4.
Waters scored a low single late in the second period to close it to 7-6 and had Colon is an awkward position, but was unable to turn him before time ran out.
A multi-style exhibition was held between Greco-Roman star Kamal Bey and freestyle standout Aaron Brooks, both who train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Brooks is currently with the EAP program.
The first period, which was in Greco-Roman went to Bey, 7-0, which included a big four-point back arch. Brooks won the second period, which was freestyle, getting three different takedowns to win it 6-1. In the third period, only four- and five-point moves counted. Bey got the first four-pointer on a lift and throw from the mat. Brooks scored a four-pointer on a double leg takedown. The period ended 4-4, with criteria going to Brooks. It was a fun exhibition of the international styles.
A reported match for heavyweight Dom Bradley was not held when an opponent was not secured. Bradley made an appearance at the event and met with fans.
The Missouri Border Brawl, with the AWL promotion, raised funds for Randy Couture’s charity, the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation. Couture was at the event. 2018 World champion, 2017 World bronze medalist and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist J’den Cox, a Missouri native, was also there as part of the activities.
AMERICAN WRESTLING LEAGUE BOUTS
At Kansas City, Mo.
70 kg - Joey Lavallee tech. fall Lavion Mayes, 10-0
61 kg - Joe Colon dec. Alan Waters, 7-6
Exhibition in Greco-Roman, freestyle
79 kg - Aaron Brooks vs. Kamal Bey
1st period Greco-Roman – Bey dec. Brooks, 7-0
2nd period freestyle – Brooks dec. Bey, 6-1
3rd period only 4 and 5 point moves – Brooks dec. Bey, 4-4 criteria (last points)
MISSOURI BORDER BRAWL HIGH SCHOOL BOUT SUMMARY
The meet started with a high school bout at 145 pounds. Kyle Prewitt from Christian Brothers College High School came out strong early against Dillon Nichols of Mexico High School, and had a big lead by the end of the first period, scoring takedowns and turns. In the second period, leading 12-4, he turned Nichols and secured the fall.
Eli Ashcroft of Kearney High School won a tight battle at 106 pounds, scoring a late takedown to break a 2-2 tie to defeat Evan Binder of Whitfield High School, 4-2. Binder had the only takedown early, but Ashcroft’s winning takedown proved to be the difference.
In another 106 pound battle, Easton Hilton of Liberty High School was in control throughout, defeating Owen Uhls, Fulton High School, 11-0. Hilton scored a first period takedown and after a second-period escape, got another takedown to lead 5-0. In the third period, he hit a nice inside trip takedown to a cradle. It took a long while before he was able to turn with the cradle, but added a four-point turn for the major decision.
In a battle of three-time state champions at 152 pounds, Sam Frankowski of Rockwood Summit High School was tough on top and secured a 3-1 win over Aidan Johnson of Staley High School. There was no takedown in the first period. Frankowski escaped in the second and scored a double leg takedown to lead 3-0. Johnson escaped before the end of the period. In the third, Frankowski was on top and rode Johnson out for the period.
Next up was a high-scoring overtime bout, as Jayden Carson of Lafayette High School scored a double leg takedown in the sudden victory period to defeat Korbin Shepherd, Blue Springs High School, 10-8 at 120 pounds. Shepard jumped to a 6-1 lead, but Carson battled back to tie it at 6-6. After Shepard scored a reversal to make it 8-6, Carson was able to secure a third-period takedown to tie it and force overtime.
At 132, Vincent Zerban of Christian Brothers College High School dominated on his feet to beat Nathan Pulliam of Rolla High School, 10-5. Basically, Zerban scored all the takedowns, with two in the first period, two in the second period and one in third period. Pulliam had five escapes.
The 140 pound bout featured Peyton Westphal of Victory High School beating Rylan Kuhn of Greater Heights High School, 12-4. Westphal scored a takedown and turn in the first period to lead 4-0, then added a pair of second period takedown to make 8-2. Although Kuhn had a third-period takedown, Westphal kept his offense going and ended up with a major decision.
In a battle of respected girls at 103 pounds, Faith Cole of Lafayette High School, ranked No. 12 nationally, defeated Emalie Olsen of Kearney High School, 8-4. Cole took charge immediately, getting a takedown and turn to lead 4-0 after the first period. She stretched her lead to 7-0 in the second period. Olsen scored the final two takedowns of the match, but could not close the large lead.
After a slow first period, Teague Travis of Father Tolton High School dominated the second and third period to beat Ethen Miller of Park Hill High School, 13-6 at 126. Teague is ranked No. 17 nationally at 132 pounds by Trackwrestling. Miller scored two first-period takedowns to lead 4-1. In the second period, Teague had a takedown to a four-point turn to take over the lead at 7-4. In the third, Travis had another takedown and added four more backpoints to extend his margin of victory.
Nationally ranked No. 6 by Track Wrestling, Joshua Saunders of Christian Brothers College High School looked strong on his feet, on the way to a 15-7 major decision over Braxton Barnes of Neosho High School at 138 pounds. Saunders had three first-period takedowns to lead 6-2. After two more Saunders takedowns in the second period, Barnes scored his only takedown to close it to 11-6. Saunders had a takedown and two-point tilt in the third to earn the major decision.
The 160 pound match ended with an injury default. Cory Peterson of Desmet High School was leading 13-3 when
Tyler Ross of Lawson High School was unable to finish the match late in the second period.
Dominating all positions throughout the match, Rocky Elam of Staley High School earned an 8-0 major decision over Steve Elwell of Knob Noster High School. Elam is ranked No. 10 in the nation by Trackwrestling at 170 pounds. Elam had one takedown in each period and added a pair of escapes, not allowing Elwell to get any offense going.
National ranked No. 6 by Trackwrestling, Greyden Penner of Liberty High School put on an offensive show before pinning Jacob Boumans of Nequa Valley High School of Illinois in 4:09. Penner had six takedowns in the match, and was able to power Boumans to his back to secure the third-period fall.
Illinois star Noah Surtin of Edwardsville High School also put on a show in his 16-0 technical fall over Jeremiah Reno of Liberty High School at 113 pounds. Reno is ranked No. 3 nationally by TrackWrestling at 113, while Surtin is ranked No. 6 at 120 pounds. Surtin led 6-0 in the first period, and 10-0 after the second, and closed out the technical fall with a four-point turn with 15 seconds left in the period.
MISSOURI BORDER BRAWL
At Kansas City, Mo.
HS 145 - Kyle Prewitt, Christian Brothers College High School pin Dillon Nichols, Mexico High School, 3:25
HS 106 - Eli Ashcroft, Kearney High School dec. Evan Binder, Whitfield High School, 4-2
HS 106 - Easton Hilton, Liberty High School maj. dec. Owen Uhls, Fulton High School, 11-0
Youth 90 –Jackson Tucker, Thoroughbred W.A. maj. dec. David Gleason, Grindhouse, 15-7
HS 152 - Sam Frankowski, Rockwood Summit High School dec. Aidan Johnson, Staley High School, 3-1
HS 120 - Jayden Carson, Lafayette High School vs. Korbin Shepherd, Blue Springs High School, 10-8, SV
HS 132 - Vincent Zerban, Christian Brothers College High School dec. Nathan Pulliam Rolla High School, 10-5
Youth 140 - Peyton Westphal, Victory WC dec. Rylan Kuhn, Greater Heights WC, 12-4
HS Girls 103 - Faith Cole, Lafayette High School dec. Emalie Olsen, Kearney High School, 8-4
HS 126 - Teague Travis, Father Tolton High School dec. Ethen Miller, Park Hill High School, 13-6
HS 138 - Joshua Saunders, Christian Brothers College High School maj. dec. Braxton Barnes, Neosho High School, 15-7
HS 160 - Cory Peterson, Desmet High School inj dft. Tyler Ross, Lawson High School, 3:56
HS 195 – Rocky Elam, Staley High School maj. dec. Steve Elwell, Knob Noster High School, 8-0
Youth 110 – Carter McAllister, Greater Heights WC dec. Kyshen Isringhausen, Terminator WC, 12-6
HS 170 - Greyden Penner, Liberty High School pin Jacob Boumans, Nequa Valley High School IL, 4:09
HS 113 –Noah Surtin, Edwardsville High School IL tech. fall Jeremiah Reno, Liberty High School, 16-0
