Don Lorence said he has decided to step down as wrestling coach at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy after nine seasons to accept a new challenge.
Lorence will run Titan Wrestling Club, a nonprofit corporation with a wrestling facility located in Mantua that will train kids from first grade through college.
“It was a very tough decision,” Lorence said. “There are a lot of great people at CVCA that I have built great relationships over the years. Most coaches will wait for a time where it will be a rough year and maybe take off. This may be the best team they have ever had this upcoming year with Nathan Tomasello, a three-time state champion, going for his fourth title.
“The overall team should contend for a state title. It was a tough decision to leave. It is a hard decision with the relationships I have built with the kids and the families. I am excited for the opportunity with this wrestling club though. I want to work with kids of all skill levels and focus on taking them to wrestle nationally.”
Lorence coached Tomasello to three state titles and John Weakley to two state titles. Tyler Powers, Alex Utley, Matt Meadows also won a state title under Lorence’s guidance at CVCA.
Lorence, 50, graduated from Crestwood in 1980 after wrestling. He guided CVCA to Division III state runner-up team finishes in 2010 and 2011, and a third-place showing in Division II in 2012. The Royals were also eighth in Division II in 2006, fourth in Division II in 2007, fourth in Division III in 2008 and third in Division III in 2009.
Lorence said his wrestling club opens Sunday.
“It is a year round-wrestling and training facility for kids of all ages and skill levels,” Lorence said.
Programs offered include a youth program (grades 1-6), junior high school, senior high school, open mats (two days per week) and special events. Additional staffing by several recent college graduates will provide exposure to a variety of techniques.
“We are committed to providing an environment for all ages and levels, from beginners to state champions,” Lorence said. “Our clinics will feature college head coaches and their assistants. Also, information will be provided on how to secure college scholarships and grants.”
Jackson linebacker commits
Nathan Locke, who will be a senior at Jackson, has orally committed to continue his academic and football careers at Bowling Green State University, according to Scout.com.
Locke is a 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker.
Lake’s Milhoan commits
Lake High School graduate Jared Milhoan committed to further his education and soccer careers at Mount Vernon Nazarene University .
Milhoan was a three-year starter and letterman at Lake . He had eight goals and six assists as a senior team captain.
He earned first-team Greater Akron District (Summit, Stark, Medina, Portage, Wayne counties) honors as a senior, along with being named a first-team All-Federal League selection. Milhoan was selected to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Region II team last summer.
“Jared possesses a great first touch, great field vision, excellent skills and a high level of tactical awareness,” Lake coach John Meszaros said. “He was integral to our team’s success last year, and will be sorely missed this fall. Playing in the middle of the field, he was involved in virtually all aspects of our matches. As a leader, he was instrumental in helping mold a very diverse team into a solid, competitive unit.”
Milhoan also earned three letters as a sprinter/hurdler on Lake’s track and field team. He qualified for the Division I state meet earlier this month as a member of the 1,600-meter relay team.
Stow’s Schirra decides
Stow High School graduate Kevin Schirra has committed to attend the University of Mount Union and play baseball.
Schirra, a 5-foot-11 pitcher/infielder, was a first-team All-Northern Ohio Conference selection under coach Bryan Celik.
Michael Beaven can be reached at 330-996-3829 or mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the high school blog at http://www.ohio.com/preps. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MBeavenABJ and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sports.abj.
