Canfield advances 10 junior high wrestlers to state

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Neighbors | Submitted.Canfield's C.J. Frost (back) looks to turn his opponent during the Junior High district tournament two weeks ago in Steubenville. Frost won the 126-pound championship to advance to the state tournament March 10-11 at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown.

Ten Canfield wrestlers advanced to the OAC Junior High state tournament March 10-11 at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown.

The competitors placed in the top six of their weight classes at last weekend’s district meet in Steubenville. A total of 275 junior high wrestlers competed in 16 weight classes.

“These guys have had a great season, and it is good to see them step up to the competition we saw here today. I expect they will all do well at the state meet,” said coach Steve Demiaiolo.

Leading Canfield by winning individual district titles were Georgio Poullas (108 pounds), CJ Frost (126), David Labra (146) and Jacob Esarco (209). Poullas, Frost and Esarco won four matches to capture the title, while Labra won three, all by pin.

Poullas, Frost and Labra return to state at the Covelli where they placed sixth, fifth and sixth, respectively last year. Esarco will carry his undefeated record to the OAC state meet.

Others placing and advancing for the Cards were David Crawford (second), Sean Frisbie (third), Jaret Bunch (third), Andy Garr (fourth), Kyle West (sixth) and David Hofsess (sixth).

Frisbie avenged a second round 6-5 loss to Dillon Lewis in the consolation finals by winning by pin for third place. West had to wrestle six matches on the day to earn a state spot. Bunch, wrestling for third place, overcame a five-point deficit to tie the match at 6-6 and then won the double overtime ride-out.

Other Cards competing for Canfield were Tanner English, Anthony Joseph, Ryan Murphy, Nathan Buttle, Braxton Madison and Matt Orr.