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Fitch sends five wrestlers to districts
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Austintown Fitch wrestler Jamie Jameson defeated Gage Finegan of Stow during the 171-pound weight class match at the Division I sectional wrestling tournament at Fitch High School last Friday.
The wrestling season has been one of highs and lows for Fitch coach Brett Powell. There have been some surprise victories to go along with disappointing finishes.
When asked about his expectations heading into last weekend’s Division I sectional tournament in his home gym, he wasn’t quite sure what to say.
“It depends on who shows up,” said Powell. “We have a few veterans, but mostly we have a bunch of young guys who are trying to get better. This isn’t a weak sectional, either. We’re hoping to get four or five out to districts.”
Powell’s team achieved that goal last weekend, as five wrestlers finished in the top four of their respective weight classes to earn a spot at this weekend’s district tournament.
All five wrestlers qualified for districts for the first time in their careers and all will be back next season.
“They are halfway there [to state] now,” said Powell. “Now if they can go to districts and win a match or two, then they’ll be in the hunt [for state] next year.”
Korey Balog finished third at 189 pounds to move on to the Mentor district this weekend. The junior missed the three previous weeks, including the EOWL tournament, with an injury. He lost in the championship semifinals Saturday, but bounced back in the consolation bracket to win his final two matches and take third.
Jamie Jameson made his first district tournament by finishing third at 171 pounds. He lost his semifinal match and won two straight, including a pin over Lakeside’s Shawn Dell to finish third.
Heavyweight Lennie McGeachy was the top finisher for Fitch, as the junior finished as sectional runner-up. Craig Snovak earned a district berth by taking third at 130 pounds, while freshman Camran Rezapourian finished third at 160 pounds.