Canfield wrestlers third at EOWL tourney

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Neighbors | Submitted.Canfield's Anthony Spencer (top) attempts to gain control against Boardman's Nick Mancini during their finals match at the EOWL tournament. Spencer lost the bout, but finished second in the tourney.

The Canfield High School wrestling team finished third overall at the EOWL championships Feb. 3-4 at Fitch High School. A total of 18 teams competed in the event, which presented team titles in four Divisions. The Cards were second in the Division I competition behind overall champion Howland. Other team champions were West Branch (Division II), Poland (Division III) and Grand Valley (Division IV).

Canfield’s Anthony Spencer advanced to the championship match at 113 pounds, where he fell to Boardman’s Nick Mancini. It was a rematch from last year’s EOWL finals when Mancini defeated Spencer at 103 pounds.

Other top placers for the Cards were Stephen Daprile (third, 106 pounds), Jake Dunbar (third, 126), Bryan Batton (sixth, 145), John Poullas (third, 152), Steven Hamilton (sixth, 160), Stan Socha (fifth, 170), Sam Conner (fourth, 195) and Curtis Burns (third, 220).

The team’s final dual meet record is 15-5, which placed them as runner-up in the EOWL and AAC dual meet season race.

“We are pleased with the way we finished, considering our team had no seniors,” said Canfield coach Dean Conley. “It is tough to compete with schools like Howland and West Branch with such a young squad. We have a great foundation here, great support from the parents and the booster club and the kids worked hard all year.”