The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Excitement awaits at state tournament Tournament
When wrestling guru Josh Lowe released his annual state tournament preview on Feb. 9, I immediately noticed just how fun this state tournament will be. Barring any injuries or disqualifications, The Morning Journal coverage area will be loaded with qualifiers from Divisions I, II and III.
Dylan Shawver is No. 6 nationally while Mick Burnett is No. 15.
In all likelihood, Elyria will be there as always and should have another top five finish in D-I. The big storyline for them will be juniors Dylan Shawver (126) and Mick Burnett (132) and whether they can capture their first state titles. Both are ranked No. 1 in the state by Lowe and Shawver is No. 6 nationally while Burnett is No. 15. The Pioneers had three state finalists last season but came away emptyhanded, so crowning a pair of wrestlers this year will be huge. How many state qualifiers can Avon send? Barring injury, it’s a safe bet Cael Saxton (106), Tommy Sear (145), Jordan Greer (195) and Jack Roesch (285) will represent the Eagles. The Bay Rockets can potentially crown their first
state champion since 1976 with projected champion Matt Cover (195) in Division II. Cover, a Princeton commit, finished third last year and is a two-time Freestyle National AllAmerican. Putting Bay on the map will be huge for Cover. Firelands junior Payton Burgdorf has already stacked an impressive resume, becoming the school’s first two-time state placer. Burgdorf will look to capture a placement for a third year and is ranked No. 4 in the state in D-II. Lutheran West has Ohio State commit Parker Watson (138) expected to place for the second-straight year. He took fourth last year and Watson will look to continue the Longhorns’ tradition of state-placers. There will be more representatives outside of this, for sure, and the state tournament will be another opportunity for Lorain County and Cuyahoga County to shine. I can’t wait.