While football wraps this weekend, arguably Ohio’s second most popular sport – Wrestling – kicks off. As always, Ohio will be one of the nation’s leaders in individual talent. Here’s a slate of 15 guys you don’t want to miss this year or face on the mat.
Thursday we will release the preseason MVP Fab 5 Wrestling Rankings! Division I
1. Kagan Squire, Wadsworth – State runner-up last season, dropping a tough 8-3 decision in the finals against Jerome Robinson. Should be one of the big point scorers for the Grizzly this time around. 2. Kyle Rose, Centerville – Was 8 ticks from going to OT in the state finals last season at 215. Had debated not wrestling this season after committing to West Virginia for football, but will be back to try and finish his senior year on top of the podium. 3. Nick Tavanello, Wadsworth – his takedown with 8 seconds left handed Rose his title lost. If he remains at 215 should be a two time champ… if he moves up to 285 a rematch with Rose could decide the final match at the state tournament. 4. Felipe Martinez, Clay – The two time state champ at Graham has moved north. Will be as unstoppable in D-I as he was in D-II. 5. Dean Heil, St. Edward – battled to the state title at 103 last year. He returns to begin St. Ed’s run through the weights as they look to regain their title. Division II
1. Johnni DiJulius, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit – Looking for his third title in his senior season. 2. Bo Jordan, Graham – Jordan cruised to the state title last season and will be one of three with the last name in coach Jeff Jordan’s line up. Strong, physical and aggressive, he should add his second title. 3. Nick Brascetta – Graham –After winning it all as a sophomore, Brascetta was caught by Ty Mitch in the finals at the state tournament. The duo wrestled a trilogy of great matches last year with Brascetta winning all of them except the final one. The Falcon senior should be one of many to leave Columbus with gold around their neck. 4. Huston Evans, Graham – Kind of the forgotten hammer in the Graham line up, Evans has won two state titles in his first two tries. 5. Logan Erb, Wapakoneta –Claimed the 215 title last season in ultimate tiebreak to avenge his loss in the district finals. Should claim gold number two.
Division III
1. Cam Tessari, Monroeville – Should claim his fourth state title when all is said and done. 2. Ethan Hayes, Dixie –After making the finals as a sophomore, he showed he was no one hit wonder claiming the title last season. 3. Hunter Stieber, Monroeville – Should claim his fourth state title just before Tessari gets a crack at his fourth. 4. Chris Phillips, Monroeville – Stop us if you’ve heard this before…Should claim his fourth state title after his two teammates Tessari and Stieber do. 5. Andrew DeHart, Covington – Keeps coming closer to that coveted title. Lost a heartbreaker in the finals last season, but should finally climb the final step this year.
