Four Boardman wrestlers headed to districts

February 26, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Boardman wrestler Nico Graziani’s season has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. But heading into last weekend’s Division I sectional tournament, Graziani knew he couldn’t afford any more valleys.

“The end of the season is what matters,” said Graziani before his first match last Friday at Fitch High School. “Every match I’ve lost this year has been to a ranked [Brakeman report] kid, but I’ve been looking to improve my game. I’ve worked harder on top and practiced twice a day to get ready for sectionals.”

Graziani’s two-a-days paid dividends on Saturday, as he won his second straight sectional championship. He won the 140-pound title last year and added the 152-pound crown this year.

“There are some tough kids, but I should win it,” he predicted during the first day of competition. “I’ve been working hard and it’s just my time to shine now.”

Graziani (31-7) defeated Madison’s Jake Montgomery 10-1 in the championship match on Saturday. He will head into this weekend’s Division I district tournament as one of the top four seeds after winning his sectional.

He will be joined at the Mentor district by three Boardman teammates, one of which also won a sectional championship. John Dillon (119) advanced after winning his third straight sectional title. He defeated Twinsburg’s Del Vinas 6-4 in the finals. Nick Mancini (31-5) finished second at 119 pounds, falling 11-0 to Solon’s Brandon Thomas in the championship bout.

Peter Ryan also qualified for districts after taking fourth place in the 112-pound weight class. He fell 4-0 to Twinsburg’s Evan Smith in his bid for a third-place finish.

It was the second time in the tournament Ryan faced Smith, losing 4-2 in the opening round on Friday. But Ryan rallied to win three straight consolation matches to notch his district berth.

“This is a pretty good sectional,” said Boardman coach Dom Mancini. “Solon and Twinsburg are good, plus Howland and a few teams who have four or five studs here. You have to beat someone good to get out of here.”