The Visor

Wrestlers compete in Bill Dies tourney

January 21, 2010

Ryland Parnell

The temperature is below zero, roads are not plowed and the snow is continuously falling but, remember it’s time for the Bill Dies Wrestling Tournament and some of the best wrestling in Ohio. The Dies tourney has been a continuous tradition of excellence in the Akron area with a deep history of great wrestling by all of the high school teams involved. The tournament is in memory of William Dies, grandfather of senior Joe Schindel. Dies was the co –founder of the Ohio’s Youth Wrestling Association more than 40 years ago.

This tournament started as a JV Tournament and consisted of all the city series schools with Hoban and St. Vincent- St. Mary’s. Today, the tournament is put on by the whole family; Dies had nine children– all with a great passion for wrestling.

“It’s like a family reunion with everyone there, and I have a lot of support with all my family being there,” Schindel said.

In 1989 the Ohio Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame recognized the Dies family for their commitment and dedication to the sport of wrestling. The Knights will try different techniques during practice to get ready.
“We worked a lot with situations during practice,” Schindel said.

The wrestling team dominated the Chippewa tournament Jan. 9 placing 10 wrestlers. Schindel won first place in the 145 weight class, Sammi Gheith and Andy Frick placed second.

“It’s good because the Chippewa tournament was a half way point for us and it’s good to see that everyone is still focus,” Schindel said.

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