Central Catholic League excels at state tournament
The Central Catholic League flexed its muscle in the Division II boys wrestling state tournament.
The league had seven wrestlers competing in title matches Sunday night at Value City Arena, with five winning titles. Columbus-area competitors also won four championships in Division I.
Among CCL programs, wrestlers from Desales, Hartley and Watterson climbed to the top of the awards podium.
“The league did awesome,” Hartley coach Kevin Petrella said. “It's like keeping up with the Joneses. It's good for the league. Watterson and Desales are definitely setting the bar high, so we have to try to keep up with them.”
In the 175-pound final, Hartley senior Dylan Newsome beat Desales sophomore Lincoln Shulaw 6-3 for the Hawks' first state title.
Watterson freshman Joe Curry opened the finals for the CCL by defeating Vandalia Butler senior Noah Moreland 4-2 at 120.
Desales senior David Mcclelland earned his second state title, defeating St. Paris Graham's Hayden Hughes 5-0 at 138. Last season, Mcclelland finished first at 132.
“It was an amazing weekend for the CCL,” Mcclelland said. “Hartley has always produced some kids, and with Watterson and Desales going like we have, we constantly push each other in the CCL to get better.”
Watterson sophomore Mitchell Younger repeated as the state champion at 144, beating Clyde's Lance Overmyer 11-6 in the final.
After finishing second at 215 last season and fourth at 195 as a freshman, Desales junior Max Shulaw pinned Wintersville Indian Creek's Elijah Llewellyn in 3:41 in the final at 215.
In the final at 126, Desales sophomore Aiden King was pinned by Akron St. Vincent-st. Mary's Bryce Skinner in 2:52.
Jonathan Alder senior Oliver Byerly lost to Graham's Gunner Cramblett 5-4 in the final at 165.
Desales (120.5) earned its first runnerup finish since 1985 as Graham High School (157) won its 22nd title in a row and 24th overall.
“This was a really good weekend,” said Desales coach Collin Palmer, who was named state Coach of the Year in Division II. “It's a step in the right direction. I'm hoping to add a couple more to the lineup and come back looking for first next year.”
Watterson (81.5) finished fourth and Hartley (65.5) placed sixth.
Two Dublin Coffman wrestlers win Division I state titles
Coffman juniors Omar Ayoub (138) and Ethan Birden (157) won championships.
Ayoub rallied to win his second in a row, erasing a 4-0 deficit after two periods for a 6-4 win over Lakewood St. Edward's Ryan Bennett. Ayoub finished first last season at 126 and second at 113 as a freshman.
“There are doubts that come into my head when I'm down, but I believe in myself and I know I can come back from anything,” Ayoub said. “I had to keep thinking I could do this and I did.”
Birden earned his first state championship, defeating Wadsworth's Chris Earnest 3-1. Birden finished second last season at 144 and fifth at 132 as a freshman.
“When I went in the wrestling room, I stayed longer after every practice,” Birden said. “I was the hardest worker. I compete in everything I do.”
Olentangy Liberty senior Dylan Russo captured his third consecutive state title, beating Brecksville-broadview Heights' Max Vanadia 7-0 in the final at 215. He won state titles at 215 last season and 220 as a sophomore.
After finishing second the past two seasons, Teays Valley senior Camden Mcdanel won his first state title, defeating Cincinnati Oak Hills' Wyatt Ferguson 3-2 in the final at 190.
St. Edward (195.5) won its eighth consecutive state title and 36th overall, ahead of runner-up Perrysburg (152.5).
Coffman (71) finished sixth and Liberty (66) was seventh.
“This team exceeded all expectations,” Coffman coach Chance Van Gundy said. “It starts with Omar and Ethan. It's been one of those years we were supposed to rebuild, and they just kept exceeding expectations. Leadership really emerged this season.”
In Division III, Newark Catholic was the area's top finisher, tying for 31st (19) behind champion Xenia Legacy Christian (115). fdirenna@dispatch.com @Dispatchfrank