Stage set for state wrestling finals

With less than two hours left before the start of the 2008 state wrestling finals, the stage is set - literally - at the Schottenstein Center. The finals will be contested on three mats, which are elevated on a huge stage.
During the several hour break before the finals, I met a high school friend for lunch at a local eatery and saw plenty of state tournament coaches, wrestlers and fans. Among them were the wrestlers from Hillsboro, which included state qualifier Dustin Carter. Carter, who is missing all of his legs and most of his arms, was eliminated from the tournament on Friday, but received a three-minute standing ovation from the crowd and a video tribute.
I also saw a former Malone College classmate, who is in town to watch his cousin Brad Squire, a sophomore at Wadsworth, wrestle for his second straight state title.
By the way, the Philly Steak sandwich at Champps does NOT come with french fries, contrary to what the server told me.
Check back for updates as the finals progress tonight.