Howard, Tomljenovich, Morgan raise bar for respective teams

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 24, 2014 1:47 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

GREENSBORO -- Zack Howard joined an elite group.

Jesse Tomljenovich and Keywan Morgan each raised the bar a little higher for their respective programs.

All three individuals turned in state-placing performances during the season-ending N.C. High School Athletic Association state wrestling championships contested at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.

Howard became the seventh grappler in Charles B. Aycock history -- and first since 2007 -- to emerge as a top-six placer in back-to-back appearances in the Class 3-A state tournament. Ronald Lynn and Ngu Tran each accomplished the feat in 2006 and 2007.

Tran remains the Golden Falcons' lone three-time state placer that includes a fourth-place showing in 2005.

"Once again, Zack had his back against the wall, but he never gave up," first-year CBA head coach RJ Allen said.

Howard (41-11 overall) endured an opening-round loss to Western Guilford's David Bobeck. He worked his way back through the consolation rounds with a forfeit over Reagan Fedowitz (Union Pines), a 7-1 decision over Cody Patton (Patton) and a second-period fall over Joe Scott (Orange).

Bobeck turned back Howard a second time, but the Aycock junior capped his season with a 6-3 decision over Terry Sanford's Tyler Paul in the fifth-place match.

"One place better than last year," Allen said. "(I'm) very proud of Zack and all he accomplished this year. Repeating going to states is tough, but doing it by jumping up two weight classes is phenomenal.

"I am looking forward to next year and seeing him along with the rest of the team improving."

One of three Princeton competitors in the 1-A ranks, Tomljenovich captured fourth at 160 pounds. The east regional runner-up, Tomljenovich pinned his first-round opponent and lost to eventual state champion Frank LaDew of Bishop McGuinness in the semifinals.

Tomljenovich (24-13 overall) stepped into the Bulldogs' record books when he pinned Walkertown's Trequan Malone in their semifinal-round consolation bout. He dropped a 3-2 decision to Mitchell's Kagen Hoilman in the third-place match.

UNC Pembroke signee Matt Peedin logged a 1-2 record at heavyweight. The senior's lone victory was a first-period fall over Rosman's Andres Villagomez. Teammate Michael Daughtry lost a pair of tough decisions at 126 pounds.

All three were first-time state qualifiers and raised the total to seven in program history.

Morgan, who battled at heavyweight in the 2-A tournament, became the fifth state qualifier for the Hawks and fourth placer overall. He lost in the opening round to eventual state champ Dakota Bell of North Wilkes, and concluded the year with 19 victories.