Reed, Benedict qualify for state tourney

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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.Canfield wrestlers Robby Reed (left) and Alex Benedict qualified for their first state tournament by taking second at the Division II Akron Forestone district. They are competing this weekend in Columbus.

Canfield wrestlers Robby Reed and Alex Benedict made the trip to Columbus this weekend to compete in their first state wrestling tournament.

Both finished second in their weight classes at the Division II Akron Firestone district tournament last weekend to qualify for state. The accomplishment comes one year after both taking fifth at districts and missing the cut by one place.

Reed was the No. 1 seed in the 125-pound Firestone bracket. He won three straight matches to advance to the district title match. Reed faced off against Kenston’s Tre Smith. Reed was ahead in the match, but Smith hit a reversal and ultimately pinned Reed at 4:58.

Benedict, wrestling at 130 pounds, also got to the championship final through the winner’s bracket. In the final, Benedict took on projected state champion Johnni DiJulius (Walsh Jesuit). DiJulius won via an 18-2 technical fall.

Canfield had six other wrestlers compete at districts. Not qualifying for state, but winning matches were, Korey Frost (112), Zach Kay (119), Richard Rapone (135), John Poullas (145), Eric Mirto (160) and Mike Flanagan (189).

The state tournament began Thursday, continued Friday and will finish today at The Ohio State University.