Canfield, Girard wrestlers start strong

February 15, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

Canfield brought plenty of experience to the Division II sectional tournament at West Branch High School this weekend. If the Cardinals can finish anyway like they started on Friday, many of their wrestlers will add district tournament experience to their resume.

The Cardinals dominated the winners bracket day one, with nine wrestlers advancing to the semifinal round unbeaten. Among those are seniors Korey Frost (120 pounds), Stan Socha (182), and Curtis Burns (285), along with sophomore C.J. Frost (138), who are seeking a second consecutive trip to districts.

Poland’s two returning qualifiers from last season, Dante Ginnetti (106) and Mike Audi (170), are also in good shape after impressive second-round victories Friday.

West Branch has five wrestlers, all in weight classes 160 pounds or lighter, looking to reach the finals with the home crowd support behind them.

East Liverpool’s Alex Potts made quick work of his second-round opponent at the Buckeye Local sectional, pinning him in 25 seconds.

At the Rootstown sectional in Division III, there was a recurring theme on Friday and it was all thanks to Girard and Jackson-Milton. Between the two of them, they have 20 wrestlers taking up spots in the winners bracket. The Indians have representatives in 11 of the 13 weight classes, while the Bluejays aren’t far behind with nine.

Among those representing Girard who earned second-round pins are Nick Hall (29 seconds), Zane Chase (44 seconds), Ed Sigurani (19 seconds), and James Cupan (31 seconds). Nick Cardiero, who amassed a 31-4 record this season, advanced to the semifinals without having to break a sweat. He was awarded a bye in both the first and second round of the 170-pound weight class.

In another Divison III sectional at Beachwood, only Brookfield’s David Jamieson (170) remains.