Perry high school wrestling team set to step into national spotlight early in the season

Cliff Hickman, Canton Repository

There will be no easing into the season for the Perry boys wrestling team.

The Panthers would have it no other way. Perry didn't become ranked 26th in the entire country by taking the easy path. A difficult schedule kicks off this weekend with the Ironman Tournament at Walsh Jesuit. The Ironman is one of the most prestigious and competitive tournaments in the entire country.

"It might be the toughest tournament in the country," Perry coach Brent McBurney said. "The depth of competition is pretty unbelievable. We are going to be hoping to win some matches and have some guys place and see where we are at. We are really excited for the opportunity."

Perry's Aidan Fockler, left, is the projected state champion in a loaded Hoover Division I District.
Perry's Aidan Fockler, left, is the projected state champion in a loaded Hoover Division I District.

Things won't get any easier after this weekend. Perry will be taking to the road to compete in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dual Classic Program in Stillwater Oklahoma on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

"Only 16 teams get invited to the event," McBurney said. "We were really excited when we got the invite. Seven of the top 10 teams in the country are going to be at the event. The nice part is with it being a dual tournament you are guaranteed matches. The kids are going to get to wrestle seven to eight matches against top competition."

It was an exciting day for the Panthers wrestlers when they heard the news they would be competing at the event.

Perry's Emeric McBurney wrestles Brett Stanley of Brecksville in the 106 pound weight class during Sundays consolation finals class at the OHSAA State Wrestling tournament.
Perry's Emeric McBurney wrestles Brett Stanley of Brecksville in the 106 pound weight class during Sundays consolation finals class at the OHSAA State Wrestling tournament.

"We broke the news to the kids in the fall," McBurney said. "It's going to get the kids a lot of great exposure. They were really excited. A trip like this is also great for pulling the team together. It's a really good way to start out the season."

Perry should have the talent to compete with anybody at high-end events. Central Michigan recruit and 2023 OHSAA state champion Aidan Fockler returns at heavyweight. State placers Emeric McBurney, Marshall Geckler and Charles Curtis are also back. Landen Johnson and Nate Dulcie return after missing the entire 2023 season due to injuries.

The Panthers also have an incredible core of young prospects, including sophomores Brennan Warwick and Cameron Plotts and freshmen Lincoln Rohr and Caige Horak.

"We have a lot of overall quality guys on the team," McBurney said. "They all do a great job of pushing each other and holding each other accountable."

Marshall Geckler, right, of Perry reacts after defeating Thomas Cassetty, right, of Lake in a 132-pound bout at Perry on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022.
Marshall Geckler, right, of Perry reacts after defeating Thomas Cassetty, right, of Lake in a 132-pound bout at Perry on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022.

With a group this talented, McBurney has been keeping his message to the team simple early in the year.

"I've been telling them to focus on the little things," McBurney said. "Everybody knows how to wrestle. Everybody has great technique. It's the attention to the little details that can make a big difference."

Perry's Charles Curtis takes down Lake's Anthony Green in their 150 pound match at Lake ,Thursday, Jan.19, 2023.
Perry's Charles Curtis takes down Lake's Anthony Green in their 150 pound match at Lake ,Thursday, Jan.19, 2023.

Reach Cliff at cliff.hickman@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @chickmanREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Perry wrestling team will compete at two major events in December

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