MOUNT VERNON — For the first time in recent memory, Mount Vernon’s heavyweight wrestler Alex Taylor did not stand atop the podium at the close of the Ironman Invitational last weekend.
The tournament, touted as one of the most prestigious high school invitational tournaments in the country, takes place every December at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga County. It draws some of the best high school wrestlers in the nation, as well as some of the top college coaches.
Of the 32 wrestlers in the 285-pound weight class, Taylor finished second in a bout that was not decided until the final horn. Taylor finally lost in the third period, 4-2 to Faith Christian Academy’s Mark Effendian.
“There are no easy matches,” Taylor said. “Every match is going to be solid.”
On the positive side, the wrestler remained upbeat.
“I’m proud of myself, the way that I went out. I was battling a couple of injuries,” he explained.
Whether or not he was going to compete was in doubt.
“I was pretty happy (to be invited) we were wondering if I was going to be able to make it, after Greece, but I wanted to compete,” the future Oklahoma grappler said.
The attitude that has vaulted him to the top of the wrestling world, kept him competing in the final match of the tournament.
“The love for the sport, wanting to be the best in the nation and the world keeps me going,” Taylor said.
Mount Vernon wrestling coach Corey Firebaugh liked to see his standout get challenged.
”We knew Alex would get tested by going up there,” Firebaugh said. “He needs that so he can continue to improve.”
Taylor was philosophical following the loss.
“If you are going to get better, you have to want to get better,” he said.