Howland’s Ryan, Leek are No. 2

They both lost Division II title matches in the state wrestling tournament.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

COLUMBUS — Howland’s chance for two state champions was dashed Saturday night in the state wrestling finals at Value City Arena.

Senior Greg Ryan (135) and junior Kyle Leek (125) each fell short of state crowns, losing in the Division II championship matches. Both claimed runner-up finishes for the Tigers to lead the Valley’s wrestling contingent.

Leek lost 6-2 to St. Paris Graham’s Tucker Armstrong and Ryan fell 5-0 to Walsh Jesuit’s Chase Skonieczny — the projected state champion.

Despite the setbacks, the friends were still positive about their state tournament experience and sharing the spotlight together.

“It was a great trip this year having Kyle down here with me,” said Ryan, who qualified for state in 2007. “I’m mad that I didn’t win, but I can live with getting second and achieving my goals of getting to the state finals. Second is still a great feeling.

“It seemed like he knew from our past matches what I wanted to try to do,” said Ryan of his opponent. “He knew I wanted that fireman’s carry and with his stance he blocks that single, so it’s hard to get in there. I was trying to fake that and go for the firemen’s, but I couldn’t get it. He’s a great wrestler.”

Leek was beside himself after falling in the finals, feeling like a great opportunity passed him by. He got behind 2-0 early and was forced to take a few chances he might not have otherwise.

“I had to take some chances if it was going to happen,”” Leek said. “I had some sloppy shots. I felt like two points might decide the match and usually whoever gets the first takedown wins the match.

“I guess I have no complaints, but this is a once in a lifetime thing and you don’t know if you’ll get that change again. It sucks, but I but I guess I’ll take second.”

Beaver Local senior Jon Bittenger placed at the state tournament for the second straight year, but couldn’t win the elusive state title he had hoped for. He settled for second place after losing to projected state champion Eric Cubberly 19-3 in the finals.

Boardman’s Jeff Liggitt ended his high school career by earning a spot on the awards podium. The senior finished eighth in the 135-pound, Division I weight class. It was the third straight year Boardman has had at least one state placer.

“This was a good experience, but it didn’t go as well as I planned,” said Liggitt. “I wanted to place in the top three and keep winning matches. I wrestled my hardest in every match, but I lost. But it was a good experience.”

Boardman coach Dom Mancini was a little more upbeat concerning Liggitt’s performance this weekend.

“Placing at this tournament is a great season,” said Mancini. “He was capable of placing higher, but there are other good kids here who didn’t place. I couldn’t be more proud of Jeff, because he wrestled his hardest, he was calm and the pressure never got to him. He left everything on the mat and as a coach, that’s all you can ask.”

Beaver Local brought six wrestlers to the state tournament and three earned all-Ohio honors by placing at the event. The trio was led by state runner-up Jon Bittenger, who finished eighth in 2007. Bittenger lost in the state finals Saturday night to projected state champion Eric Cubberly of Eastwood.

Senior Derek Wolfe (285) and sophomore Dylan Ice (140) each finished fifth for the Beavers.