Nine Boardman wrestlers advance to districts

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Neighbors | Submitted.The Boardman wrestling team advanced nine to the district tournament and took second as a team at the Division I sectional tournament Saturday. Team members include, from left, (front) Ricky Zupko, Mark Ortenzio, Dave Rich, Tim Taumopeau, DeVoun Fletcher; (middle) Peter Ryan, Jerry Pasquale, Carlo DeAsentis, John Dillon, Nico Graziani, Nick Mancini, Noah Patoray, Geno Kordic, Joe Fernback; (back) Andy Zack and Mike Caraballo.

The Boardman High wrestling team looks to be peaking at the right time.

Nine Spartans placed in the top four of their respective weight classes at Saturday’s sectional meet to advance to this weekend’s Division I district tournament at Massillon Perry.

The sectional tournament was contested at Fitch High. Boardman (213.5) finished second in the team standings, behind winner Twinsburg (242). The top four wrestlers in each weight class qualified for the district meet.

“We peaked at the right time and I thought we might get six or seven to districts, but the whole team stepped it up and wrestled their best,” said Boardman coach Dom Mancini. “We even have two alternates and one sixth-place finisher — 12 out of 14 weight classes placed at sectionals.

“I think we will get two to four kids to Columbus — my goal has always been to get four on the floor, but we have come up short a few times, only getting three to state.”

Three Boardman wrestlers won district titles. John Dillon, a 2009 state placer, triumphed in the 125-pound division.

Ricky Zupko won the 130-pound title and Nico Graziani captured the 140-pound crown.

Both Dillon and Zupko pinned their opponents in their championship matches.

Jerry Pasquale qualified for the district meet by capturing second place in the 119-pound division. Pasquale is also a former state placer.

Joe Fernback moved on by placing third in the 135-pound division, while teammate Tim Taumopeau captured third in the 285 division.

Earning spots in the district meet by finishing fourth at sectionals were Nick Mancini (103 pounds), Peter Boyle (112) and Dave Rich (140).

“Dave Rich has underachieved pretty much his whole career and being a senior it came down to his last weekend to perform at a level the coaches all knew that he could perform at,” said Mancini. “He just caught fire, got confident and ran the table to qualify. You got to a love a performance like that.”

The district meet at Perry continues today and the top four finishers in each weight class advance to the state tournament in Columbus.