Preview OHSAA State Wrestling Finals

Story written by Tim Whelan—

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Wrestling is coming to a closed. It’s been another exciting year of wrestling. But now is the time, State Finals time. For the very lucky wrestler’s will be crown champion tonight.

Starting with Division one, in the 113-weight class Senior Braken Mead from Liberty vs Freshman Bryce Hepner from Lakewood St. Edwards. This should be a very exciting and heart stopping matchup. I expect this match to be low scoring tonight. Though I originally thought this could be a high scoring match.

The big story headline tonight will be; Can the Freshman beat the Senior? Only time will tell.
We skip ahead now to the 132-weight class in Division one. Zackary Donathan from Mason vs Allan Hart, a returning state champion of Lakewood St. Edwards. St. Eds has continue its dominants once again this year. I have Allan Hart as the close favorite for this matchup.

In the 160-weight class for Division one, Senior Nick Kiussis from Brunswick will wrestle Brendan Price, Senior from Elyira. This should be a spectacular match. Senior vs Senior. Who will end their career on top? This will be more a defensive match. Whoever gets the first takedown could very well win this match.

Let’s skip ahead to the 132-weight class of Division two. Where Junior Mitch Moore of St. Paris Graham Local vs Ben Pasiuk, Sophomore of Carrollton. Mitch is seeking his third straight state title. This is a match I expect Mitch Moore to control and win lopsidedly. Mitch has a phenomenal tournament and should have no problem tonight.

At the 152 weight-class in Division two, undefeated Junior Rocky Jordan of St. Paris Graham will be facing Sid Ohl, a Senior from Ashland. There might be some pressure involved in this one. Not because of the obvious that it is the finals. But because for Jordan this is about continuing the family legacy.

We end the preview with Division three 170-weight class. Senior Kaleb Romero of Mechanicsburg, against Senior Brett Vonderwell from Delphos St. John’s. Why is this a match to keep an eye. Kaleb will be wrestling for his fourth straight title. Looking to conclude his career as a four time state champion in Division three wrestling.

Updated team standings:

Division One: Lakewood St. Edwards with 143.0 points. Followed by Elyria (113.5), Liberty (112.0), Wadsworth, and Brecksville-Broadview Heights.

Division Two: St. Paris Graham Local with 205.5 points. Followed Canfield (81.0), Wauseon, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA, and Carollton.

Division Three: Mechanicsburg with 104.5 points. Followed by Oak Harbor (83.0), Genoa Area, Rootstown, and Milan Edison.
Tonight’s Finals begin at 5:30 pm.