Fini

There were a lot of newsworthy stories on the first day of the 2019 LHSAA State Wrestling Championships, held for the fourth time in Bossier-City's CenturyLink Center.

After a grueling day for the Louisiana Wrestling News editor (very possibly age-related, although he would prefer it was weather-related), he was forced to "punt" Friday night to ensure he could attend Saturday's competition.

That being said, team results will have to suffice for now.

Holy Cross held an eight-oint lead after Friday's competiion was completed.  Despite a "game-effort" by the Tigerst (the only time one is allowed to use the word "game" when wrestling is the sport) , the odds are too small to hold onto a lead.  The Crusader have 11 semifinalists while the Tigers have only seven.  One can expect the Crusaders to clinch the team title after the semifinals, if not before.

Parkway has a very surprising 25.5 lead over Teurlings Catholic.  The two teams tied in 2018, but this year the Panthers may clinch their first Division II team title since 2006 after the Division II semifinals.  Parkway along with their 25.5 lead after Friday's session, have 12 semifinalists, while the Rebels have only six.

Basile might not clinch the Division III title after the semifinals, but second-place St.. Louis, the 2018 team champions, is not yet out of range to repeat.  Basile has a bevy of semifinalists, 11 to St. Louis' nine. Most of the Bearcats are seeded higher than the Saints, and they should win their first team title since 1991. 

The editor apologizes for not posting any photographs of Friday's action, which he will hopefully remedy come late Saturday night, yet that is not guaranteed.  Previously photographs of favored wrestlers have proved to be a jinx, and the editor does not want that to happen again.

With luck, a much better recap of the weekend should be available Monday night, which will have to suffice for the six or seven weeks it will take to complete his 2019 state championships article.

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