Graziani takes fifth at state wrestling tourney

Boardman senior Nico Graziani ended his high school wrestling career on the medal stand, defeating Brecksville-Broadview Heights’ Quinton Hiles 4-3 last Saturday to finish fifth at the state wrestling tournament at Value City Arena.

Wrestling at 160 pounds in Division I, Graziani lost a 3-2 decision via ultimate tie-breaker to Roy Daniels of Powell Olentangy Liberty in Friday’s semifinals.

“These overtime matches come down to a coin toss,” said Boardman coach Dom Mancini. “If you win the toss, you are already in a better position to come out on top.

“He has won a ton of those close matches this year. We had a tough schedule throughout the season, and that elite competition really prepared him for his run.”

After falling in the semis, Graziani lost to Solon’s Justin Kresevic in Saturday’s consolation semifinals by a 3-2 ultimate tiebreaker.

Both of Graziani’s state tourney losses were by ultimate tiebreaker.

Also represnting Boardman at the state tournament was Nick Mancini. He lost both his 106-pound matches on Friday — the tournament’s second day — and did not place.