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Heavyweight uses unusual style

East’s Bowman is 14-2 despite not having typical build.

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1:43 AM Friday, January 20, 2012

By John Bombatch

Staff Writer

LIBERTY TWP. — When asked to describe Tim Bowman’s wrestling style, Lakota East High School junior 195-pounder Jacob Burton could only describe it as “goofy.”

Bowman isn’t a conventional heavyweight wrestler.

At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he doesn’t have the physical build that’s typical of a wrestler in the 285-pound class. He’s also quicker than most heavyweights, and that’s been to the senior’s advantage this season.

Bowman is 14-2 record with seven pins. He has the fewest losses among Greater Miami Conference heavyweights who have wrestled in 12 or more matches.

“I had a feeling that I’d have a good season,” Bowman said. “I just didn’t know if I was going to be this good this soon. That’s been a surprise for me.”

Burton tried to explain his description of Bowman’s wrestling style by saying he sometimes tries moves that are unconventional for wrestlers in the heavier weight classes.

“Sometimes, he’ll try something, and it will catch people completely off guard. But other times, he’ll try a move, and it’ll get him in trouble,” Burton said. “I guess that’s what I’m trying to say. He’s not goofy, but he’s got a different wrestling style about him. That’s all.”

Bowman “goofed” during a recent tournament in Brecksville, when he grew impatient and attempted a throw in hopes of breaking a scoreless tie. The throw attempt put Bowman in a bad position and cost him the match.

So on Tuesday, East coach Jim Lehman had to laugh when Bowman — still in a clinch with Burton at the time — looked over to his coach and asked for permission to attempt a throw. Lehman laughed, nodded his OK, and Bowman sent Burton head over heels into a takedown.

“Are you sure Burton wasn’t talking about himself?” Lehman said with a chuckle. “I wouldn’t call Bowman a goofy wrestler. He’s quicker than your typical heavyweight, but I don’t think he’s unconventional at all. Now Burton? Yeah, he is a little unconventional.

“Tim is strong and powerful, but when you compare him to other heavyweights, he’s giving up about 50 pounds to the other guys,” Lehman said. “You don’t see too many heavyweights hitting singles and doubles and high-crotch takedowns like Tim does. That’s the difference.

“He takes shots that other heavies aren’t fast enough to hit. That’s his strength,” Lehman said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2851 or jbombatch@coxohio.com.

Focus on your home team Lakota East High School

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