According to the many athletes I’ve talked to over the years who’ve had the opportunity to compete at the state wrestling tournament at Ohio State’s Jerome Schottenstein Center, it’s a feeling that’s difficult to put into words.
The long grind that begins in November and runs through February, can really work on the young athletes’ minds, as well as their bodies.
The ultimate goal throughout the long journey is to compete at the state tournament in March.
The state wrestling tournament runs Thursday through Saturday at Ohio State’s Jerome Schottenstein Center.
For many, it’s a huge accomplishment just to qualify for the state tournament.
For some, making a return trip to Columbus is another chance to be standing on the awards podium on the third and final day of the state tournament.
To make it to the state tournament, an athlete has to place in the top four in their respective weight class in the sectional tournament, and then finish in the top four at the district tournament.
One of those athletes, who has tasted success at the state tournament and now wants to take it to the next level, is Delphos St. John’s senior Brett Vonderwell.
Vonderwell finished second at last week’s Division III district tournament at Troy in the 170-pound weight class, losing to three-time state champion Kaleb Romero from Mechanicsburg, in the title match.
Vonderwell will be making his third trip to the state tournament. Now, a senior, Vonderwell wants to close out his lustrous high school career on a strong note.
“This year, the goal is the same as the other years – to get as far into the tournament that I can,” Vonderwell said. “Compared to last year, I’m definitely feeling better, and I’ll be more confident going down. But, the first match (of the state tournament) – I’ve got to get over that hurdle.”
Another area wrestler making a repeat trip to the state tournament is Ottawa-Glandorf junior Daniel Beemer. The 195-pound Beemer won his second consecutive district title this past weekend at Troy, keeping his perfect record intact at 35-0. At last year’s state tournament, Beemer finished fifth in the 182-pound weight class in Division III.
“The weight class at 195 (pounds), in general, is pretty loaded,” Beemer said. “Since last season, it’s been a lot more stressful. Kids, obviously, have nothing to lose, that I wrestle against. They just put it all on the line. I think with that competitive edge, alone, it will help me.”
Beemer will have four teammates making the trip with him this week. Last weekend, the Titans finished third at the Troy Division III district tournament. Teammates joining Beemer in Columbus include Le’on Palomo (120), Danny Rosales (170), Logan Balbaugh (152) and Tyler Ebbeskotte (182)
Lima Central Catholic senior Kobe Cunningham made it to the state tournament last season, but bowed out early.
Cunningham (32-7) placed fourth in the 113-pound weight class at Troy this past weekend.
“You have to learn from your losses and improve,” Cunningham said. “My goal this year is to get on the podium. Coming in as a fourth seed is going to be pretty tough, but I know I can get through it.”
Wapakoneta senior Landon Hall (42-3) is making his fourth trip to the “Big Dance”.
Last season, Hall finished fourth in the 195-pound weight class in Division II. In 2015, Hall placed sixth at 182. He did not place his freshman season. Teammate Jayden Hefner (37-10, 132) will also compete at the state tournament.
Ada’s Chase Sumner (38-3) and Bath’s Tre Terry (35-4) will both return to the state tournament. Last year, Sumner placed fourth in the 132-pound weight class in Division III. Terry did not place last year.
Terry’s teammate, Collin Mell (30-8, 145) will join him in Columbus.
Elida will send two to the Division II state tournament. Noah Meeker (47-3, 285) and Calvin Brown (41-12, 145) will represent the Bulldogs in Columbus.
For Bluffton sophomore Deandre Nassar, getting to the state tournament was the primary goal this season.
Nassar (39-6) placed third in the 195-pound weight class at Troy this past weekend. Last season, Nassar finished seventh at districts.
“It feels great,” Nassar said. “I fell a little short last year. So, it’s good to get the win (at districts) this time and be able to go to state.”
The Caprella brothers from Allen East – Chase (39-5, 106) and Schuyler (38-4, 132) – will both be making their first appearance at the state tournament.
Covering the state tournament for The Lima News is always at the top of my list every year.
I always look forward to watching other athletes around the state compete as well.
Like always, the emotions will be running wild throughout the Schottenstein Center, as these athletes will battle to survive until the third day. If they make it to the third day of the tournament, they know they are on the awards podium.
However, not making it to the third day of the tournament isn’t anything to be ashamed of. Getting to the state tournament is a huge accomplishment in itself.
I know I’m impressed.
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