Junior high wrestlers place at state tournament

Photo

Neighbors | Submitted.Boardman junior high wrestler Mario Graziani (left) battles Thomas Worthington's Kyle Dooley during last weekend's state tournament. Graziani finished sixth in the tournament at 96 pounds.

More than 842 junior high wrestlers from around the state competed for OAC (Ohio Athletic Committee) state championships last weekend at Youngstown’s Covelli Center.

“This is an excellent venue for the tournament, and everyone has been super supportive,” said tournament director Jared Opfer, of the 3,000 fans who attended the tournament.

“Next week, the numbers go up as we host the Grade School State Tournament and over 1,200 kids will be participating.”

Several Valley wrestlers earned spots in the top eight of their 64-man bracket.

BOARDMAN

After a first round bye, Boardman’s Mario Graziani (96 pounds) lost his first match, 6-2. Faced with the possibility of being knocked out of the tournament with one more loss, Graziani responded by winning six straight consolation matches. He advanced all the way to the consolation semifinals. In his bid for fifth place, Graziani fell 4-3 to secure a sixth-place state finish.