KETTERING — Last season Lima Central Catholic’s Bobby Sunderhaus made it to the state tournament and finished seventh.
Many people, including Sunderhaus, were a little surprised of last season’s success.
This season, with the bar set a little higher, Sunderhaus wanted to make sure he erased any doubts that might still be out there.
At Sunday’s championship match, Sunderhaus (43-7) won a major-decision, 9-0, over Delphos St. John’s Will Buettner (44-7) in the championship match at 170.
“Last year was a little more enjoyable, because it was kind of a surprise to me and everyone else,” Sunderhaus said. “This year it was a little more expected. So, it was more pressure and it was a lot bigger (this season), being my senior year.”
WILSON SUFFERS FIRST LOSS IN FINALS
KETTERING – One look at the brackets of the Division III district wrestling tournament at Kettering Fairmont, and it was obvious which match was going to take center stage at Sunday’s finals.
And it’s a sure bet that Bluffton senior Zach Wilson already had it mapped out, well in advance.
Last season, Troy Christian’s Jordan Marshall handed Wilson his first defeat of the campaign when he met Wilson in the district championship match in the 145-pound weight class.
Marshall went on to win the state title in Columbus, while Wilson finished fourth.
At Sunday’s rematch, it was a nip-and-tuck bout, until Marshall scored on a reversal in the third period and went on to garner a 5-2 decision. And just like last year, Wilson suffered his first loss of the season in the district title match.
However, Wilson (45-1) felt confident after the hard-fought loss on Sunday.
“I felt like I didn’t show my true potential in that match,” Wilson said. “I know I’ve made more gains than that kid has. I work harder and I want it more. So, I think it will come down to next week (at the state tournament) and who wants it more.”
Wilson is now going to the state tournament for the fourth time. The past two seasons he placed fourth. With this being his final opportunity for a state title, Wilson is focused on the task at hand, more than ever.
“I feel like I’m right there. I think I’m going to get it when it matters,” Wilson said.
The top four placers in each weight class at the district tournament advanced to the state tournament, which will be held at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
McCORMICK FINISHES SECOND
LCC’s Brandon McCormick ran into a buzzsaw in his championship match at 138. Mechanicsburg’s Austin Reese defeated McCormick 7-0 to win the district title.
McCormick (45-3) will be making his third appearance at the state tournament.
“I knew it was going to be a tough match, wrestling Reese,” McCormick said. “I knew I had to wrestle hard.”
DELPHOS JEFFERSON SENDS THREE TO STATE; TEAM FINISHES SIXTH
The Wildcats will be well represented at Columbus. Quinten Wessell (second at 220); Colin McConnahea (third at 195) and Geoff Ketcham (third at 285) all advanced to the state tournament.
Wessell (24-3) looked to be in control of his opponent in the championship match, Blanchester’s Travis Boyd in the first period. Wessell led 5-0 at the end of the first period. However, just moments into the second period, Wessell made a move and Boyd countered, putting Wessell on his back for the fall.
“Mistakes, that’s it,” Wessell said after his tough loss to Boyd. “I was too greedy to get in there, because I got the first throw (to score on Boyd).”
McConnahea is 44-1 and Ketcham is 49-3 on the season.
As a team, Delphos Jefferson finished sixth. Troy Christian won the district championship.
ALLEN EAST DUO ON TO STATE
Max McAdoo (39-7) finished second at 160, while Tyler Baker (38-9) placed fourth at 120. This will be the first trip to the state tournament for both of them.
“We knew going into this season that it was going to be tough, but I knew I could do it,” McAdoo said. “I worked hard all season. I’m in good shape. …I just pushed the pace when I got into these tournaments.”
INGRAM FINISHES SECOND
Bath’s Colin Ingram (18-5) lost in the championship match at 113 to Dayton Christian’s Christian Clary, 19-4 (tech fall).
OTHER AREA STATE QUALIFIERS
Bluffton’s Josiah Conley (39-10) finished fourth at 182.
Coldwater had two wrestlers advance. Justin Post (48-3) finished third at 220, while teammate Derek Collett (31-8) was fourth at 170 for the Cavaliers.
STATE ALTERNATES
The following wrestlers finished fifth on Sunday, earning state-alternate status: Coldwater’s Jay Uhlenhake (106); Bath’s Collin Wise (152); Spencerville’s Lucas Krouskop (220) and Columbus Grove’s Alex Shaffer (285).
