LIMA — To record 100 wins and four sectional titles throughout a high school career is a great accomplishment for a wrestler.
For Lima Central Catholic senior Brandon McCormick, the path to accomplishing both goals was not a smooth one.
In Saturday’s championship match in the 138-pound weight class at the Division III sectional tournament at LCC, McCormick (42-2) pinned Wayne Trace’s Tyler Showalter to record his 100th career victory and fourth sectional crown.
It probably wasn’t a surprise for most people on hand that McCormick hit these two milestones. However, after sustaining near season-ending injuries in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, the road to the top of his weight class was a challenge for McCormick.
“I was hurt my freshman and sophomore years. So I didn’t get much mat time,” McCormick said. “It’s a pretty good achievement for me, with me being hurt so long.
“I was really nervous, going into the championship match, with it being my 100th win and fourth sectional championship. I really wanted it and it had me nervous. I knew I could do it, but it was really nerve-wracking.”
In the final team standings, Bath battled back in the finals to notch the sectional title. Bath ended the tournament with 180 points, while Coldwater finished second (169). Wayne Trace came in third (142), Delphos St. John’s was fourth (134.5) and Delphos Jefferson was a close fifth (132.5). There were 13 teams in the tournament.
The top four placers in each weight class advances to next weekend’s district tournament at Kettering Fairmont.
“It’s a good feeling,” Bath coach Clayton Westerbeck said. “Looking at it, you had St. John’s, Wayne Trace and Coldwater. Those are some tough teams to compete against. So I knew it was going to be close. It came down to some of those close matches.
“You work so hard, week to week and there are so many peaks and valleys. It’s just nice to culminate the sectional tournament with a championship.”
Collin Ingram (113) and Jared Davis (126) both won titles for Bath on Saturday.
Bluffton senior Zach Wilson continued his winning ways this weekend, notching the sectional title at 152. Wilson, a three-time state qualifier and two-time state placer, improves this season’s record to 42-0. Wilson was pushed a little in his title match by St. John’s Wes Buettner, but came out victorious, 10-6.
“I think I wrestled really well,” Wilson said after his championship match with Buettner. “The kid had some good hips and had some good defense. I’m not ashamed, just a little upset that I didn’t score on some takedowns. But, that happens and it’s a good mental experience.”
Wilson is anxious to what lies ahead of him down the road.
“I’m just looking to getting my rematch with Jordan Marshall (Troy Christian, 2012 state champion),” Wilson said. “And hopefully that will be a possible state final. That’s in the back of my mind. But, every guy that steps on the mat, he’s one match that’s in my way.”
Last season, Marshall defeated Wilson in the district finals and went on to win the state title at 145.
Other sectional champions on Saturday included Allen East’s Tyler Baker (120) and Max McAdoo (160); Bluffton’s Josiah Conley (182); Delphos Jefferson’s Colin McConnahea (195), Quinten Wessell (220) and Geoff Ketcham (285); Delphos St. John’s Austin Martin (145) and Will Buettner (170); Wayne Trace’s George Clemens (106) and Aaron Miller (132).
