2023 area wrestling sectionals capsules

The state tournament is fast approaching, with a three-weekend stretch of matches set to start in the coming days. Here’s a look at the upcoming sectional tournaments. >> By Sean Fitzgerald

DIVISION I

Division I Sectional — Midview What: Division I sectional wrestling tournament

Where: Grafton Midview High School

When: Feb. 25, 10 a.m.

Area teams: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Elyria, Lorain, Midview and North Ridgeville

On deck: The top four in each weight class advance to the Perrysburg District Tournament

Top wrestlers to watch: 106: Carson Morris, Midview, Fr., Ian Rottari, North Ridgeville, So.; 113: Kaiyon McKinney, Elyria, So., Tony Mrosko, Avon, Fr., Xander Natal, Lorain, Sr.; 120: Blake Cancel, Elyria, Fr.; 126: Michael Valerino, Avon Lake, Sr., Isaac Green, Elyria, Jr., John Foye, Avon, Jr.; 132: Nate Bober, North Ridgeville, Jr., Jack Valerino, Avon Lake, So.; 138: Nathan Perry, Avon Lake, Sr., Mason Fitch,

Avon, Sr.; 144: Riley Atkins, Avon, Sr., Tyler Dye, Midvew, Sr.; 150: Connor Holm, Elyria, Jr., Hunter Anderson, Midview, Jr.; 157: Owen Bier, Midview, Sr., Joe Marconi, Avon Lake, Sr.; 165: Jack Marconi, Avon Lake, Sr., Gabe Borror, Midvew, Jr., Niko Kalamaras, Avon, Sr., Bishop Fryson, Amherst, Sr.; 175: Adam Schumacher, Avon, Jr.; 190: Ryan Auvil, Amherst, Jr., Dillon Bell, Midview, Sr., Eian Englehart, Avon, Fr., Josh Heath, Avon Lake, Jr.; 215: Clay Broadhurst, Avon Lake, Jr., Ross Auvil, Amherst, Jr., Darrius Atley, Elyria, Sr.; 285: Austin Dye, Midview, Jr., Eddie Powers, North Ridgeville, Sr.

For the record: While 2022’s sectional was top-heavy, this year’s rendition has a lot to offer. Elyria’s Kaiyon McKinney (113) is a returning state placer and a potential contender for a deep run through Columbus, alongside two-time state qualifier Connor Holm (150). … While North Ridgeville lost a number of standouts to graduation, Nate Bober (132) has been on fire all year, while senior Eddie Powers (285) has the mat experience in his favor. … Avon, Avon Lake and Midview all feature top contenders for deep runs back to Columbus, including Midview’s Austin Dye (285) as a returning state qualifier and a number of wrestlers in the middle-to-upper weights. … Avon Lake returns multiple state qualifiers, including Michael Valerino (126), Nathan Perry (138) and Clay Broadhurst (215). … Avon has several upperclassmen with experience, but keep an eye out for freshmen Eian Englehart (190) and Tony Mrosko (113), who have kept up all year with their upperclassmen peers.

JENNIFER FORBUS - FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL Kaiyon McKinney wrestles Gavin Long of Barberton for the 120weight class title at the Lorain tournament Dec. 3.