Sunday, January 23, 2011
By Jim Flick
AUSTINTOWN
Three local wrestlers won titles in the Josh Hephner Memorial Tournament, which concluded Saturday.
Jackson-Milton wrestlers won two championships, while a Boardman wrestler carried of the title in his weight class. More than 325 wrestlers from 29 high schools competed in the tournament.
Several other local wrestlers carried home trophies from the tournament, and agreed the tournament provided valuable experience for next month’s sectional and district tournaments.
Vinnie Puzzuto of Jackson-Milton captured the 119-pound title, defeating Mike Yurkovich of North Royalton 6-4 in the championship match.
In the 130-pound division, Johnny Matacic of Jackson-Milton defeated Andrew Brown of Lake 6-0 in the championship match. Matacic is the defending Div. III state champ at 130.
“I was nervous,” said Matacic. “But when I hit the mat, it went pretty solid. He was tough.”
The referee paused the match twice because Matacic was bleeding from the mouth. Matacic, a senior, said the bleeding started when he hit the mat hard. “That’s all I could taste – my own blood,” he said.
John Dillon of Boardman captured the 125-pound title, defeating Tim Wiseman of Jackson-Milton 5-0 in the title match.
Dillon, a junior, said he “just tried to relax” as he prepared for the championship bout.
“I kept my feet moving and stepped up the pace. I didn’t want to have to keep up with him. I wanted him to have to keep up with me.”
Other high finishes included Nick Mancini of Boardman, who finished second at 103, Peter Ryan of Boardman, who was third at 112, Alex Tomaino of Jackson-Milton, who was third at 140, and Fitch’s Jamie Jameson, third at 171.
“It definitely feels good to score some points for the team,” said Mancini, a sophomore.
Next on the agenda, he added, is “mentally and physically preparing” for the road to the state championship tournament.
Tomaino, a senior, said he knew he was in for a tough match, and “was just trying to place it safe.” He scored a point in the second period, and hung on for a 1-0 victory over Joe Donley of Massillon Jackson.
Also, Tyler Collins of Jackson-Milton finished fourth at 145, while Nico Graziano of Boardman was fourth at 152. Alex Saunders of Girard was fifth at 215.
Jackson-Milton finished highest among local teams, earning sixth place. Lake won the title with 354 points, while Copley was second with 265.5, and Medina third with 255.