NEW HOLLAND: It's not easy being a four-time champion at any tournament. So many things can go wrong over that period of time.
Injuries. Having one bad match. Running into an upstart that raises his level and wants to beat the big-man in the room.
That is what Manheim Twp.'s Cortlandt Schuyler and Solanco's Thomas Haines experience every time they take the mat in a tournament. They wear a target on their back and always get an opponents best effort.
Both overcame those obstacles in this weekend's Lancaster-Lebanon Wrestling Championships at Garden Spot High School. Schuyler (138) and Haines (285) won their weight classes and became the third and fourth four-time champs in the 20-year history of the event.
“It's cool,” said Schuyler, who is 26-2 on the season. “But I definitely have bigger goals than winning the L-L Tournament. I want to get it done at states.”
Spoken like a true champion. Always looking for the next challenge.
Schuyler got pushed a bit in his finals bout against Conestoga Valley's Lucas Ortiz. The Blue Streaks senior took a 5-0 lead in the second period on a takedown, but Ortiz reversed to cut the deficit to 5-2.
Ortiz escaped to start the third but couldn't get inside for a shot on Schuyler, who held on for the 6-3 decision and was named the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler.
“We wrestle all the time and are partners in the offseason,” said Schuyler, a Lehigh recruit. “Last year, I pinned him at the CV Kickoff, I believe, but he wrestled stronger this time.
“I didn't feel as strong. I was sick last week and still had a cough. I felt I could have done better, but I still was able to get the win.”
Haines hasn't struggled with the transition to heavyweight.
The Solanco star pinned his way through the tournament, adding three falls to his record in a total elapsed time of 3:17.
Columbia's Andres Munoz was his final victim. Haines wasted little time ending this one, securing a takedown and planting his opponent in 57 seconds.
“It's bitter sweet,” said Haines, who will continue his career at Ohio State. “It shows that the season is coming to an end, but it's also a great honor to be a four-time champion.
“I think I'm where I need to be, right now. I'm moving well and taking better angles with my shots.”
Haines is 29-0 on the season. He has won titles at the prestigious Beast of the East, Powerade and Escape the Rock tournaments.
Next up, the District 3 Championships and a shot at a fourth state title.
“I never expected this,” Haines said. “I always hoped I would [win tournaments] like this, but I didn't see myself doing it.
“I heard how tough all these tournaments were, but as a freshman, I never thought I would be winning them like this.”
District 3-AAA Team Championship bracket
District 3-AA Team Championship bracket
Lancaster-Lebanon Championships (Jan. 24-25)
Event news and team scores
Winners brackets:
106 | 113 | 120 | 126 | 132 | 138 | 145
152 | 160 | 170 | 182 | 195 | 220 | 285
New Oxford Invitational (Jan. 24-25)
Event news and team scores
Winners brackets:
106 | 113 | 120 | 126 | 132 | 138 | 145
152 | 160 | 170 | 182 | 195 | 220 | 285