Orange, Marysville lead central Ohio to state

Coming off winning regional titles on their home mats, the Olentangy Orange and Marysville girls wrestling teams lead central Ohio into the state tournament Friday-sunday at Value City Arena.

Wrestlers advanced to state by earning a top-four finish in their weight class at Sunday’s regional tournaments.

Here are some storylines entering state:

Gahanna Lincoln looks to leave mark

After having a limited roster in previous seasons, the Lions had 12 wrestlers compete this winter, and three have reached state.

Leading the way at state should be senior Emily Leeseberg (105 pounds, 41-6) and sophomore Jordan Mills (190, 37-5). Each finished second at the Orange regional, with Mills losing to Orange senior Kascidy Garren 5-4 on tiebreaker criteria in the final.

Emily Leeseberg is a four-time state qualifier. Mills finished seventh at 190 last season.

They will be joined by freshman Kylee Tibbs (140, 37-3), who won a regional title.

Orange aims for state title

Olentangy Orange has won two state dual tournaments but has yet to win the team title at the state tournament for individuals. The Pioneers will have nine wrestlers at state this weekend.

Junior Lydia Heinrich (170, 38-4) and Garren (21-0) won regional titles for Orange. Other state qualifiers are seniors Josie Nickoloff (120, 38-9), Lucy Scheibeck (135, 31-13) and Surraiya Mahmud (155, 20-4), junior Jenny Huarachaarellanos (heavyweight, 31-11), sophomore Peyton Johnson (140, 19-19) and

freshmen Mackenzie Carder (110, 34-1) and Alanna Smith (115, 30-13).

Last season at state, Orange finished second (69) behind Harrison (97) as Heinrich and Garren placed fifth.

Marysville qualifies 6

The Monarchs should have a strong contingent at state, led by junior Lori Grimes (170, 41-10) and sophomore Lauren Mobley (125, 34-10). Both won regional titles.

Juniors Addi Lyon (135, 42-8) and Desi Lee (heavyweight, 39-6), sophomore Cara Leng (140, 37-9) and freshman Cami Leng (115, 40-2) also earned state berths.

Marysville finished first (164) at regional ahead of runner-up Vermilion (152).

Central Crossing’s Rudolph earns 4th trip to state

Senior Addison Rudolph (40-11) will look to close her Central Crossing career on a high note after winning the regional title at 120 at Orange.

Rudolph, a four-time state qualifier, finished third at 105 and 115, respectively, as a sophomore and junior and fifth at 101 as a freshman.

FRANK DIRENNA/COLUMBUS DISPATCH Central Crossing’s Addison Rudolph controls Chesapeake’s Laila Wentz during their title match at 120 pounds in the regional tournament Sunday at Olentangy Orange. Rudolph won by pin in the second period.