Reed, Benedict take second at state tournament

Photo

Neighbors | Submitted.Canfield's Alex Benedict faced defending state champion Johnni DiJulius (Walsh Jesuit) in the 130-pound state final and lost by fall in 3:19.

Photo

Robby Reed (top) lost 2-0 to Oak Harbor's Tyler Hackworth in the 125-pound state title match last Saturday..

STAFF REPORT

“What a ride.”

That’s the way Canfield wrestling coach Dean Conley described last weekend’s Division II state tournament after having a matside seat as his two wrestlers competed for state championships.

Canfield seniors Robby Reed (125) and Alex Benedict (130) both reached finals in their first appearances at state and both finished second.

Reed lost 2-0 to Oak Harbor’s Tyler Hackworth, while Benedict was pinned in 3:19 by Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit’s Johnni DiJulius, who earned his third state title before heading to Ohio State next season.

“Before [Saturday night], I could only imagine being out there in the final,” said Benedict, who finished 35-5. “It was fun, but I was real nervous going against a two-timer. I wrestled him at district, so I wasn’t intimidated, just nervous.”

Reed nearly pulled off a late move, but just couldn’t finish it.

“I was on top for four minutes and I couldn’t turn him,” said Reed, who finished 43-4. “He was tough and didn’t make any mistakes. Maybe when I look back on this, I’ll be happy, but not right now.”

The Cardinals scored 37 points to tie for 11th place with Medina Highland, as St. Paris Graham won its 12th consecutive title with 230.5 points.

“Those guys are obviously a little disappointed right now because they didn’t train to finish second,” said Conley. “I’m just so proud of them to do what they did in their first time here. They know all the sweat and years of training was worth it. They just can’t feel that way right now, but they told me that before their last weigh-in.”

Benedict finished his high school career with 124 wins. He will attend Youngstown State next fall, majoring in Engineering.

Reed finished with 138 career victories. He will attend the United States Naval Academy next year.