Valley wrestlers advance to state semifinals

Six Valley wrestlers are still in the hunt for state titles after advancing to the semifinals today in Columbus.

Two sessions are complete at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on the campus of The Ohio State University with Session 3 scheduled for 6:30 tonight with semifinal matches.

In Division I, Boardman's John Dillon is in line to place for the third straight year, moving on to the semifinals at 119 pounds. He faces Cincinnati LaSalle's Max Byrd tonight in the semis.

In Division II, Canfield's Robby Reed (125 pounds) and Alex Benedict (130) each won quarterfinal bouts to advance in the winner's bracket. Reed will face Beaver Local's Johnny McComas, while Benedict takes on Padua's Brent Fickel.

In Division III, Jackson-Milton qualified all three wrestlers to the semifinals after wins in the quarters. Vinnie Pizzuto (119) will take on Elmwood's Nick Goebel in the the semis. Tim Wiseman (125) faces Reading's Stephen Myers, while Johnny Matacic (130) will battle Hicksville's Codey Laney.

Friday night's action will include the semifinals and two rounds of consolations. The tournament will wrap up Saturday with consolation semifinals and placement matches in the morning, followed by the state title bouts in the evening session.

For more coverage, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.