State wrestling Division I & III competitors

Division I

Mario Graziani

The Boardman program has sent a wrestler to the state tournament 10 consecutive years now, as Graziani (40-7) is just the latest in a long line of impressive Spartans. The sophomore set a school record for wins as a freshman last season with 33 and will look to reach the podium in his first trip to Columbus in the 145-poind weight class.

Camran Rezapourian

Rezapourian (48-9) is the lone representative for Austintown Fitch this weekend, although freshman Andrew Fairbanks (106 pounds) will be there as well as an alternative. Rezapourian says he’s talked to people who have been to Columbus before for the state tournament and they’ve told him the biggest thing he has to overcome is the nerves. “When you walk out of the tunnel and see thousands of people staring down before your first match, that will be crazy,” he said. “Once you get over that the rest of it should be pretty fun.” The 170-pounder said he also wants to make sure he enjoys his experience since it’ll be the senior’s one and only trip.

Division III

Dakota McCloskey

Jim Cardiero is in his 23rd year as Girard’s wrestling coach, so when he says one of his wrestlers has something he’s never seen before, it’s nothing to take lightly. That’s exactly what he did Monday, calling the freshman probably the “most relaxed kid I’ve ever coached.” Cardiero said after McCloskey (33-13) qualified for the state tournament, you would’ve never known it. “It just looked like another day for him, so I don’t really worry about him getting stressed out,” Cardiero said. The long-time coach also understands the magnitude of the event and doesn’t expect McCloskey (106 pounds) to be without some jitters. “I’m sure when he walks into the facility he’s gonna be looking around kind of awestruck, but he’ll relax and go out there and do his job.”

Other Wrestlers

Mitch Tikkanen, Jackson-Milton, junior, 113 pounds, 36-5 (state alternate in 2013).

Mitch Skleres, Pymatuning Valley, freshman, 113 pounds, 34-12

Nick Cardiero, Girard, senior, 170 pounds, 36-5

Zach Jamieson, Brookfield, senior, 170 pounds, 24-3

Glenn Zaller, Grand Valley, senior, 195 pounds, 39-4

Seth Bloor, Wellsville, junior, 220 pounds, 34-4

Charlie Smith, United, junior, 285 pounds, 28-7