Poland sends two wrestlers to state tournament

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Mike Audi overpowers his opponent to win the match and earn a state tournament berth.

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Poland's Mike Audi (left) and Dante Giannetti were all smiles after qualifying for this week's Division II state wrestling tournament in Columbus.

Poland junior Mike Audi (170 pounds) and freshman Dante Ginnetti (106) earned the opportunity to compete at this week’s Division II state wrestling tournament in Columbus after placing in the top four of their respective weight classes at last weekend’s district tournament.

Audi, a three-year team captain, has only been wrestling for four years and now finds himself and the Poland wrestling program on the big stage.

“Three years ago, no one knew who we were and this year we were 17-1 and had five wrestlers at the district tournament,” said Audi.

Audi won his first two district matches before falling to Canfield’s John Poullas 3-0. That loss set up a must-win match against Perry’s Ryan Sill with a state berth on the line. Sill had beaten Audi 7-5 in overtime to start the tournament. But Audi won the rematch 7-1 to clinch state. He later lost in the third-fourth match to finish fourth.

“I couldn’t have had a better match — everything just went my way and now I’m going to state,” said Audi.

Ginnetti will have the distinction of being the first wrestler in Poland history to make it to state as a freshman by placing fourth at the district tournament. He pinned his first two opponents before being defeated by Walsh Jesuit’s Alex Mackell. That set up his must-win bout against West Branch’s Alec Schopfer, who Ginnetti defeated 10-8.

“I’m going to state, I cant believe it, I’m going to state,” said Ginnetti when he came off the mat. “All the hours off sweat every day with the team and this makes it all worth it.”

The state tournament started Thursday afternoon with opening round matches. The state placement bouts are this morning with the state title matches set for tonight.