Fitch High’s Jameson advances to fourth straight state championship final today

So far his toughest match was in his state tournament opener.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

COLUMBUS — During his first round match at the 2008 state tournament Thursday night, Fitch’s Tony Jameson saw his high school wrestling career flash before his eyes — and he didn’t like how it was about to end.

He found himself on his back three times at the hands of Bowling Green’s Rudy Hendon. Almost everyone in the arena thought they were witnessing one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. And they almost did — almost.

Jameson fought off three near pins and rallied from a 20-18 deficit in the third period with a takedown and cradle to escape with a 23-20 victory — perhaps the toughest win of his four-year career.

The senior used that match as a wake-up call Friday. Jameson dispatched of Marysville’s Caleb Marsh in the quarterfinals with a pin at the 1:11 mark.

In the semifinals, Jameson defeated Mentor’s Evan Schreiner 10-5 to set the stage for today’s 145-pound state championship match against Tecumseh’s T.J. Rigel.

Jameson is one win away from his fourth state championship, which would make him just the 16th wrestler in history to reach that milestone.

“I could have given up when I was on my back, but I just thought about those four titles and what I would lose,” said Jameson, as he reflected on his near loss. “It was all about pride and heart right there. I thought about that match [Thursday] and some this morning, but now it’s over.

“I just have to relax as much as I can tonight and get myself prepared for the finals. I wrestled this kid [Rigel] last year at state, so I know a little bit. But I know he’s trained just as hard as I have, so I just have to wrestle my match and win that fourth one.”

It’s been a draining two days for Jameson, with the pressure and expectation of winning his fourth title. He hasn’t dominated the bracket as some had thought he would, but in the end wins are wins. And one more would be historic.

For Fitch coach Brett Powell, it’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions as well. He almost feels helpless sitting matside as Jameson does his thing. But he’s comforted by the fact that Jameson is prepared to meet his goal tonight.

“It’s been emotionally high and low,” said Powell. “We had five guys here this weekend and I’ve seen four of them knocked out, so that wasn’t easy. Tony got off to a rocky start, too. But he’s come back and dominated one match and wrestled real solid in the other one.

“I tell the kids all the time that champions get up when they are on their back and Tony did that three times on Thursday. He could have quit, but he gutted it out. He was only an inch away at times, but he showed me he has guts.

“To me, he won the state title right there Thursday night. He’s a little beat up right now and in some pain. And when 16,000 people are cheering against you, that’s adversity. But he’s prepared for this with over 160 wins and three state titles. I think the odds are with him that he gets it done.

“He just has to pull all the strings this one last time and go after it. It’s not about entertaining the crowd; it’s about beating this kid. And if he does, it will be four titles and a great night. But if he doesn’t, he’s still the best wrestler I’ve ever seen.”

Beaver Local’s Jon Bittenger (160) will look to knock off projected state champion Eric Cubberly (Eastwood) in the finals tonight. Bittenger, who placed seventh in 2007, defeated St. Paris Graham’s James Mannier, 3-2, in the semifinals.

Beaver’s Dylan Ice (140) and Derek Wolfe (285) each lost semifinal matches Friday night, but assured themselves of placing no worse than sixth place in their respective weight classes. They will wrestle this morning in the consolation semifinals to earn an opportunity to finish as high as third place.

The Beavers were among the top 10 in the Division II team standings, which were led by St. Paris Graham, who has already locked up its eighth straight team title.

Boardman’s Jeff Liggitt was eliminated from the state tournament Friday night when he lost a heartbreaking 5-3 overtime match to Reynoldsburg’s Tommy Safsy. He finished the state tournament with a 2-2 record.

Brookfield’s Tyler Thompson also fell in the consolation quarterfinals. The sophomore lost 15-6 to Loudonville’s Scott Spreng.