By John Cummings
Contributing Writer
COLUMBUS — Bellbrook senior 182-pounder Tyler Wiederholt had one slight advantage heading into his Division II semifinal Friday night at the 79th annual Ohio High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament.
Wiederholt had watched former teammate Ben Schramm defeat Tre Campbell of Wauseon in the state tournament in 2015.
“I knew some things about him,” Wiederholt said after claiming the 5-3 win. “But, style can change a lot over a year, but we kind of knew what he did.” Wiederholt recorded two takedowns and an escape in moving to 42-3 and has not given up a takedown since bumping up from 170.
The last time an opponent scored on Wiederholt on his feet was the Ironman Tournament the first weekend of December.
“I think a lot of it is because I have a lower stance and it is different for the people I wrestle,” Wiederholt said. “I knew I would be hit for stalling, but I was wrestling smart and not letting him get in good position.”
After a second-place finish at state last season, Wiederholt admits the whole season comes down to Saturday night.
“I want my name and picture on the wall (of state champs) next to Cameron’s (Kelly),” Wiederholt said. “Last year, making it to finals was a dream come true. Just to experience it,” Wiederholt said. “My goal all year has been to win it and I am determined to do it. I have one more match in my high school career and I want to make it a good one.”
* Carroll’s Nick Berry will come home with some hardware.
The Patriot 120-pounder won his first consolation match Friday morning before falling in the consolation quarterfinals to go into Saturday’s match for seventh place.
Fairborn’s A.J. Warner missed placing in Division I at 120 by one match.
Warner went 1-2 on the weekend.
* Jamestown residents Logan Lacure and Tommy Hoskins will both try to defend their state titles.
Lacure (145) and Hoskins (113) advanced to the Division III finals helping Dayton Christian to second place in the team standings, heading into the final day with 77.5 points.
*Prior to the start of the semis, Bellbrook head coach Bobby Kosins was recognized as the Division II Coach of the Year in the state.
“That was awesome to watch,” Wiederholt said. “He deserves it. He’s a great coach and is really supportive.”
