|
The Tri-County North wrestling team left the sectional tournament a week ago with three promising state qualifiers.
Jon Gulley took second at sectionals in the 112 pound class, while Jansen Clack also captured a second place finish at 152 pounds. The third wrestler, Nick Huffman, went through sectionals unbeaten to claim the 140 pound title.
With the Covington Sectional fielding top notch competition, the survivors of the tournament were considered to be strong possibilities to place in the top four at the district meet in Kettering.
Two of the Panther wrestlers did just that...place in the top four in their respective weight class to earn a trip to the state wrestling tournament in Columbus.
Unfortunately, the third Panther wrestler, Jansen Clack, never even received the opportunity to compete at districts due to a severe battle with the flu. It was a heartbreaking turn of events for Clack as many predicted he was capable of placing at state in the 152 pound class in this his senior year.
The two wrestlers who made it went through a gauntlet to reach the ultimate goal for any high school wrestler.
At 112 lbs, Jon Gulley won his consolation semifinal bout over Chris Evans of Reading before finishing fourth after losing his final bout to David Carpenter of Madeira by fall. Gulley makes his second straight trip to state.
At 140 lbs, after dropping his semifinal bout, Nick Huffman won his consolation semifinal match with a first period pin over Bryce Schlater of Coldwater then took third with a 10-5 decision over Damon Barr of Blanchester.
For their strong efforts and battling the odds throughout a grueling wrestling season, our "Athletes of the Week" are the three Tri-County North wrestlers who are among the state's best in their respective weight classes.
|
