Elyria captures its first sectional title since 1971

Elyria has experienced quite a run under coach Erik Burnett over the years.

But it has never displayed a pure dominating performance as it did on Feb. 24-25 at the Division I sectional tournament at Toledo Waite. The Pioneers won their first sectional title since 1971 (281 points) and their first postseason tournament title since 1973, while crowning eight sectional champions.

Elyria sent a school record 14 wrestlers to the district tournament next week at Mentor High School and, at times, made it look easy.

“Our goal is always to get 14 through and they did it,” Burnett said. “Considering we started off a little bit rough, but as the day went on I think we made a lot of progress and did a lot of good things. It’s just not easy to send through 14 guys. And even the six guys that lost today, they had to battle back to win tough matches to qualify. This sectionals is no joke and I’m really happy with how they showed toughness and grit.”

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” senior Brendan Price said, who won the 160-pound title. “We practice hard together and we all motivate each other. The hard work is paying off right now.”

Price dropped weight from 170 to 160, and defeated the No. 8-ranked Josh Herhold (Perrysburg) in a 5-2 decision to capture his second sectional title.

Both of Herhold’s points were only on escape points and Price avenged a loss to Herhold from his freshman season at the state team dual tournament.

“I try my hardest to go out there and dominate,” Price said. “And continue with my game plan, which is to keep going with counter shots and takedowns,

“I bumped down to 160 because my weight started getting real low. And I was getting to a point where I was too small for 170 and as I wrestled 160, I felt good and strong. I thought I could be more dominant at 160. But to get a sectional title means a lot to me and I gave it all I got.”

Among the other title winners were the freshman duo of Mick Burnett (106) and Dylan Shawver (113), followed by Brendon Fenton (120), Josh Breeding (126), Tristan Brady (152), J.T. Brown (182) and Kevin Vough (285).

And the other placers heading to districts are Matt Zuckerman (132), Jordan Keegan (138), Jim Schill (145), Lewis Aguilar (170), Cameron King (195), and Dylan Woodings (220).

No. 4-ranked Burnett handled his business, beating No. 14-ranked Ricardo Oviedo (Perrysburg) in a 7-1 decision, while No. 3-ranked Shawver topped No. 5-ranked Caleb Yates (Anthony Wayne) in a tough 12-7 decision.

“I did really well because I finished my shots and did what I had to do,” Shawver said. “It’s fun going up against a state-ranked guy like that because it shows how well I’ve done. It’s nice to see everyone here going to districts.”

Fenton won easily, 7-0, over Fremont Ross’ Deshea Pettiford and Breeding pinned Fremont Ross’ Keaton Jordan in 1:30. Brady won his 152-pound title by injury default over Findlay’s Josiah Trevino.

Senior J.T. Brown, No. 2-ranked in the state at 182 pounds, thoroughly dominated his match with Findlay’s Zach Bryant in a 10-0 major decision, and senior heavyweight Kevin Vough capped off an historic day pinning No. 5-ranked Matt Lee (Amherst) in 5:59.

“This is amazing, but this isn’t the one we’re after,” Vough eluded to their state title aspirations. “We’re still two weeks away and have work to do.”

Elyria has put itself in prime position for the district tournament with eight No. 1 seeds, and hope to at least get that many down to state.

“Everyone has a shot of doing more next weekend,” Burnett added.

Lorain, which finished seventh overall with 75 points, saw No. 7-ranked senior Aaron Huff win a sectional title over Perrysburg’s Chase Newton (No. 14 ranked) in a 12-7 decision.

Huff still is working his way through coming off a foot injury.

“I’m a little winded, but it was just a fun match,” Huff said. “It was very intense. You always want to wrestle good wrestlers. He’s got a high tempo, but I came out on top. I’m just trying to have fun in my last year. Who knows, it might be my last wrestling year ever and I’m just enjoying it a lot.”

Lorain’s Brando Inchaurreggui (113) also advanced to districts placing fourth.

Amherst, led by Lee’s runner-up finish, placed sixth overall with 82.5 points and send three wrestlers to the districts. Alex Reyes (106) placed third after beating Findlay’s Jonah Smith 6-4 in OT, while Adam Lough (120) finished fourth.

Lee knows he likely will see Vough again next week.

“I just tried my best and that’s all you can do,” he said. “I just look at it as another match. Yeah, he’s a state champ but it’s another match to me. Every loss sucks but hopefully I get another shot next week and see what happens.”