Norwalk, St. Paul split four matches

NORWALK — The special effects were different. But Aldynn Metzger couldn't help but smile at the extent his head coach and father, Erich Metzger, once again went. The Norwalk High School wrestling team hosted crosstown St. Paul in the second "Dual at the School" between the two programs on Wednesday at NHS. Last year, the Flyers hosted the event. On Wednesday, Coach Metzger pulled out all the stops he could. The competing wrestlers for both teams entered through a blow-up tunnel with the lights out under a spotlight with pyrotechnics. There was also a confetti gun before the match, and famous ring announcer Michael Buffer recorded a message that was played for those in attendance, capped by his famous "Let's get ready to rumble" phrase. "I think my coach likes to do too much," said Aldynn, a senior who wrestled at 126 pounds. "But that's just his personality. He's … a really outgoing guy." Coach Metzger didn't disagree with his son's description of his role in the proceedings. "We didn't have flames, but it was awesome having all the machines and some of the stuff we've been able to do over the years," he said. "I've started a massive collection of special effects stuff. I think I buy something new every year. "Whatever I can get away with buying that fits within the school's rules and regulations, I'll do it again next year," Coach Metzger added. "But it was a lot of fun because as we were setting this up today, everyone involved was really getting into it. It was good to see, not only for wrestling but for those who don't see it all the time. They were able to join in and make it special for everyone." Between roster depth and sickness, the two teams contested eight matches in front of the Norwalk High School student body, along with the junior and senior classes from St. Paul. Both teams each won four matches, including Aldynn with a pin in the third period against Vinny Caizzo. "Vinny is very good on his feet, and it was a good match with a lot of back and forth before it ended," Aldynn said. "It was really cool having both student sections here to support, and I'm hoping they enjoyed it." The younger Metzger is closing in on 100 career wins, as he sits at 95 following Wednesday. He knows his high school career is nearing the end in about two months. "Hoping to make a state run, hopefully with some of my teammates like Nico (Helton) and Gavin (Lepley)," he said. "I want to have a successful season, and I'm looking at some schools to maybe wrestle in college. I'm excited about this last home stretch." Also for Norwalk, Hector Benavides controlled Brady Coetzee and led throughout a 19-8 major decision win at 215 pounds. Cooper Gee did the same against Cam Coetzee before scoring a pin at the 3:52 mark of the second period. Norwalk's fourth win came at 150, where Victor Negrete scored several takedowns with back points for a 10-1 lead before eventually pinning Krosby Hartman at the 4:18 mark. "We won four, they won four, and our boys wrestled hard," Coach Metzger said. "St. Paul doesn't have a full roster, and we didn't have Gavin or Nico, and I know everyone wanted to see Nico and Rafael (Gross) face each other, but he's been sick, and it is what it is there. "But overall, I thought it was good to get some kids this opportunity who normally wouldn't have," he added. "All in all, we're happy with the product that came out today. We have a lot of work to do as a team, but today was about fun and presenting and promoting what both programs are about." Gross and Helton both eclipsed the 100-win mark this season. A junior and returning state placer, Gross needed just 10 seconds of the second period to score a 15-0 technical fall win over Adam Goebel at 175. "I just wanted to make the most of the match and get whatever I could out of it, work on some things and whatnot," Gross said. "Some guys are tough to pin, that's just how it is, but then you just have to focus on finishing the match anyway you can. "I feel like I am definitely developing more so I can peak at the right time. I like this event a lot. It's a nice way to let people know about our wrestling teams and bring the community together." Also for St. Paul, Abel Couch beat Sam Pearce by major decision, 10-2. Landon Kennebeck pinned Ben Marett at 190 in 3:33. At 157, Zeke Dvorak also won by major decision against Ayden Hudson Brown, 20-9, in an entertaining match from both wrestlers. Dvorak led 6-3 early in the second period before three more points gave him a 9-3 lead. But in the final minute, Hudson Brown was able to hit a flurry of moves, and twice the two jostled for position as Dvorak looked to avoid being flipped onto his back. But Hudson Brown still managed a takedown and back points for a 9-7 deficit after two periods. However, once Dvorak escaped to start the third, he regained control. He also countered with a four-point move to make it 14-7 and later added another takedown and a reversal to rack up enough moves to hit the 20-point mark. "Zeke has had a very good season so far," St. Paul head coach Sam Springer said. "He's trying a new weight loss program and is strong and healthy. He's looked really solid so far this year. "With Rafael, it doesn't matter who it is; sometimes you just don't get the pin," he added. "But he drove right through his opponent, and that's what you expect to see from him. And Landon is a kid who made the second day of districts last year. He's a tough kid who doesn't quit." Springer enjoyed Wednesday's proceedings, which also raised money for the Norwalk Area United Fund through concessions, along with donations for blessing bags. Several hundred shirts promoting the event and the United Fund were also given out to NHS students to wear during the event. "I think it was pretty neat, and it's good to bring awareness to the sport of wrestling to all these students," Springer said. "It was fun, and Coach Metzger always does a great job. "I think we should have wrestled better in some of our matches because we didn't finish some things. But the kids all scrapped and didn't quit." Norwalk heads to the Northwestern Husky Invitational on Saturday in West Salem. Also on Saturday, the Flyers will have most of their lineup at the large Woodmore Classic, while Gross and Dvorak will compete at the rugged Perrysburg Invitational Tournament.