Area Wrestlers Shine at State Wrestling Tournament

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Submitted By: Kyle Spence 

 

The 87th annual OHSAA state wrestling tournament started off with a bang for area wrestlers.

In division III, Triads Awsom Mitchell picked up a first round win over Bryce Wickline of Westfall. His win came via fall in 5:05. The Junior will take on Brandon Bruce-Bray from Trinity in the second round.

Fellow Junior, Owen Pummel, of Indian Lake, also moved on in the championship bracket with a 9-3 decision over Gavin Bowers from Tinora. His second round match will place him against Blake Elliott of East Knox.

Senior Dylan Valerio saw his senior campaign come to a close after dropping his first two matches of the day.

Division II featured 3 teammates from Benjamin Logan. Freshman Cooper Buck’s season came to a close after dropping his first two matches of the tournament. Buck is the first freshman state qualifier for the Raider Wrestling Program.

Senior Evan Carpenter dropped his opening round match to returning 3-time state placer, Josh Carman of Carrollton. Following that loss, he wrestled Skyler Kirk of Elida, defeating him via a 10-4 decision. He will continue to wrestle in the consolation bracket.

Rounding out the trio was Senior Kameron Larson. Larson fell in both of his matches.

After day one, perennial powerhouse Graham sits in first place with 23.5 points. All 8 wrestlers are still in contention for placement, with 7 remaining on the championship side of their respective brackets.

Winning first round matches for the falcons was Jake Landis, Blaine Demarco, Hayden Hughes, Brogan Tucker, Bryce Kohler, Gunner Cramblett, and Chett Mannier. Micah Krieger dropped his first round bout, before bouncing back with a win in his first round consolation match. Danny Hoke also qualified for the state tournament, but was a late scratch due to injury.

Several local girl wrestlers also took to the mats at the Schottenstein Center.

For the Lakers, Riley Shaner, sophomore, dropped both of her day 1 matches concluding her season.

Kiylee Haude, sophomore, dropped her opening day matches to end her season.

Senior Tori Roby dropped her first round match, but bounced back with a pin in 1:42 over Maddie Menchaca of mentor. She will continue her quest to place on day two.

Rounding out the sophomore trio from Indian Lake, Maddie Miller dropped her debut match. In her second match of the day she defeated Hadeel Abuqbitta from Valley Forge with a pin in 4:55. She will also wrestle tomorrow for a chance to earn a spot on the podium.

Raegan Hites, a junior from Benjamin Logan, won via fall over Alyssa O’Barr of Olentangy in :42. Her next match places her against Mia Gaetjens of Mogadore.

Fellow Raider, sophomore Sophia Harris, lost both of her opening day matches to complete her season.

Kyle caught up with Regan Hites and Chloe Harris:

Around The Area

Mechanicsburg’s Nolan Farley dropped his first match, but bounced back to earn a win to move on to day two. Teammate, and returning state placer, Ronnie Thomas won his first match to stay in contention for a state title.

Urbanas freshman standout, and first girls state qualifier, Libertie Nigh wrestled to a pin in her first round match to remain in the championship bracket.

Fellow climber, Lane Settle, lost both of his first day matches to bow out of the tournament.

Wrestling action continues through Sunday.