Warren's Aiden Straler goes for a pin against Morgan's Tanner Banks in the 175-pound championship match at the Hickory Grove Invitational at Warren High School. (Photo provided by Aaron Lee)
Many local wrestlers are one match away from qualifying for the three-day OHSAA state wrestling tournament, which will be held March 8-10 at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus. On the girls side, Warren will bring almost a full team to the regional tournament this Sunday at Olentangy Orange High School.
On Friday and Saturday, Warren and Marietta will bring wrestlers to the Division II boys district tournament at Gallia Academy in Gallipolis. Waterford, Caldwell, Shenandoah, Monroe Central and Eastern all hold Division III grappler matches at Heath at the same time.
Of the 14 weight classes for women's wrestling in Ohio, Warren has women competing in nine of them at regionals in Olentangy-Orange. They are: Isabella Wilson (100), Emma Groselin (110), Kate Pearson (115), Navae Rockhold (130), Kendra Hesht (135), Jade Fairbanks (145), Kylie Tate (155), Maria Nutter (170) and Alivia Russell (190).
Warriors head coach Jeff Parsons said that barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would have had all of his wrestlers eligible. “I took 10 people to sectionals and pre-regionals. 9 out of 10 passed. The 10th girl got sick. She had been sick for about a month and had lost weight and strength. We were getting too low. Otherwise, we would have rescued all 10 people.”
Warren's girls team has been absolutely dominant all season, with their only loss as a team being in the state dual tournament. The Warriors are led by team captain Kylie Tate, who is an undefeated returning state champion and has a record of 47-0 so far in her senior season.
Parsons is proud of the program Warren has developed in the emerging sport of women's wrestling that continues to grow. “Here in southeastern Ohio, we're the only one with a full team. The next closest is New Rex, then Alexander has five or six girls, and Shenandoah has a few girls. Haley Snyder really started it for us and it just grew from there. Then Kylie came in and took over with Haley. We have girls all over the state that look up to us. There are girls all over the country who are reaching out to them, and it's great to see that.”
Regarding the differences between men's wrestling and women's wrestling, he said: “Women's wrestling is a lot different than men's wrestling, just the fact that the girls go into a match and beat each other up for six minutes and then when they get off the mat they're best friends. It's different going to women's tournaments, though. It's great to have a premier team in Southeast Ohio right now. I'm working closely with the other coaches in Southeast Ohio to put in more effort in the summer and further promote women's wrestling and improve our sport. We are trying to develop.”
Warren will bring six wrestlers and three alternates to the men's tournament in Gallipolis. Among them are Drake Jenkins (113), Jacob Berg (138), Levi Straller (150), Aiden Straller (175), Devon Legleitner (190), Katya Armstrong (215), Brody – Includes Bolen (106 alternates) and Remy Fairbanks (126 alternates). ) and Walter Curry (165 alternate).
The Warriors men's team is anchored by senior captain Aden Straler, who has a record of 47-2. Both losses came in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference tournament, with the first loss coming to Parkersburg South's Gage Wright. “The best kids in America” After placing 7th at last year's prefectural tournament. It looks like Straler will continue on the podium in The Last Dance.
His drive helps motivate his wrestling partner, Devon Legleitner, another state candidate. ” You notice this in weight grouping. Aidan is her 175 and Devon is her 190. They are really good practice partners. Devon is really encouraged by having Aidan right by his side. ”
Parsons also said he is looking for a big encounter with Katya Armstrong. “I’m wrestling really well right now.”
Marietta will take two wrestlers to the district tournament at Gallia Academy, with Carson Chavez (144 wins) and Teddy Bauer (285 wins) both qualifying.
The Waterford Wildcats just finished runner-up in the district tournament in Burnsville, which is exactly what head coach Greg Offenberger wanted. “We knew Burnsville didn't have anything. Burnsville is projected to be state champions this year, so second place was pretty good for us. This is the best since I've been the coach. I am very satisfied with my results.”
Waterford heads to the district tournament at Heath with Briceson Cline (126), Hayden Jones (144), Trevin Zimmer (150), Colten Jones (165), Charles Sherman (190) and Judson. – Will bring in six wrestlers: Cooper (215 wins);
Offenberger described the team as follows: “Really young… Judson Cooper is the only senior this year, so we have a lot of sophomores and juniors here. As for Judson, we have pretty high expectations for him to pass state. We expect a lot of growth from him as he has been ranked in the top 10 all year, but all of these players surprised a lot of people in this year's tournament. I hope they have a good weekend. , every one of them has a chance to move forward.”
“I can't say enough about Judson. He's a three-time district qualifier and a two-time state alternate. He went to state for the first time as a senior and is looking to cap off his career. He's approaching 150 wins, which is a big milestone.” said Offenberger, the only senior.
Although Cooper is the most experienced Wildcat, he is not the only one to make the district tournament. This will be Klein's third regional tournament and the second round for Zimmer and Kolten Jones.
In Offenberger's eyes, what separates this team from years past is their connection. “This group has been a great group all year. They're a really tight-knit team. Usually when we get ready to start training for districts, the players who don't qualify, they're at the end of the season. Most of them are still in the wrestling room right now, helping them train and prepare for districts. . . . We had a really good team this year.”
Caldwell will bring four wrestlers to the district tournament: Jesse Pemberton (106 wins), Cody Welch (113 wins), Brody Chandler (132 wins) and Jace Norman (285 wins). .
Shenandoah's district team includes Tristen Rossiter (120 wins), Davin Kunkle (126 wins) and Jasper Hill (165 wins).
A pair of grapplers qualified for the Eastern Eagles. Landen Basham (144 wins) and Gavan Smith (175 wins) are both scheduled to compete this weekend.
Monroe Central's Owen Howard (150) will also continue wrestling in his penultimate match.
