DARKE COUNTY – Throughout the 2011-12 winter sports season, Darke County athletes continued to raise the bar.
Numerous school records were set throughout the county this year, including several set by the wrestling and bowling MVPs.
The 2011-12 Darke County wrestling MVP is Greenville’s Jon Edwards, the 2011-12 Darke County boys bowling MVP is Versailles’ Michael Davidson, and the 2011-12 Darke County girls bowling MVP is Versailles’ Megan Monnin.
Edwards, who was a state-placer as a freshman, made it back to the state competition this year as a senior. The Green Wave senior, who wrestled in the 152-pound weight class, didn’t place this year, but he put together another great season.
Edwards led Darke County wrestlers in wins, technical falls, takedowns and near falls this season. He ended the year with 238 takedowns, 19 technical falls, 14 decisions, 44 wins, 19 reversals, 54 near falls and 11 falls.
“He had a really great year,” Greenville wrestling coach John Shutts said. “He really put it all together.”
Edwards was named the Greater Western Ohio Conference North Division wrestler of the year and second team all-area in Division II by the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association. He won his sectional and district tournaments.
He faced a tough weight class at the state meet and was sick, which showed in his wrestling, Shutts said. Even though he wasn’t feeling 100 percent, he still was very competitive throughout the tournament and just went about his business, as he always does, Shutts said.
“He’s a pretty good competitor that he didn’t use that as a crutch or excuse,” Shutts said. “He just knew that it didn’t work out.”
Edwards also put his name all over the Greenville wrestling record book this year as he finished his career with 166 career wins. He also broke many other records throughout the season and his career.
“Jon has set the bar pretty high,” Shutts said. “He ranks right up there with the best guys we’ve ever had here at Greenville. He’s such as good kid, too.”
Davidson ended up his sophomore season averaging 208.20 and breaking the school record he set last year as a freshman of 193. He ended up first in the West Ohio High School Bowling Conference in total pinfall and the second highest average in the WOHSBC, missing the top spot by less than two pins. (the top bowler had three fewer games). He led all Darke County bowlers in average.
Davidson also helped the boys varsity team break two school records. The Tigers beat the high team game by rolling an 1,102 and the high team series by rolling a 3,092.
He also helped the team to a second place finish in the WOHSBC by going an impressive 14-1. Versailles’ only loss was to state-qualifier Wapak, and the Tigers also defeated the 2012 state champions Coldwater during this 14-1 season.
“Michael had a great season by finishing at 208 and second in the conference,” coach Doug Davidson said. “Raising his average 15 pins and bowling on some of the conditions they bowled in this year was extremely impressive as they bowled mainly second shift as well as some sport patterns. Hard work and a lot of practice really showed with his game this year. I am really excited for him that he received this award.”
Monnin averaged a 174.18 this season as a sophomore, which was the best among all Darke County girls bowlers. She raised her average by 20 pins from her freshman season and helped the Versailles girls bowling team finish the season with a 10-3 record.
She was part of the team that set two school records for high team game (1,078) and high team series (3,092). She also was part of the 2012 Southwest sectional champions that also was a first ever for Versailles girls bowling.
“Megan worked extremely hard over the summer on her physical game,” coach Davidson said. “It really showed in her average this year and how she was able to help her team with a great season. I am very happy for Megan to receive this award as it is much deserved.”