Canfield’s Cardello begins with a pin

February 28, 2015 at 12:06a.m.

BELOIT

A year ago, Canfield High’s Matthew Cardello won the state 102-pound junior high title.

This year, the Cardinals’ freshman, currently ranked third in the state at 106 pounds, has made it quite clear that another state title is definitely on his radar.

Cardello improved to 25-4 overall with a pin (1:53) of Howland’s Alexander Smith and will join eight teammates in the Division II sectional semifinals at West Branch High School.

For Cardello, it was a match in which he barely broke a sweat while earning his 10th consecutive victory.

“He [Smith] was fast, very aggressive and came out strong, but I tied him up, used my shots and eventually was able to pin him,” Cardello said. “The quest is always to win a state title and while this is sectionals, everyone here wants to advance to districts, so you cannot take anyone lightly if you expect to move on. All opponents in this weight class are tough.”

Poland junior Dante Ginnetti (32-6), who pinned Nicholas Giovinozzo of Field at 2:40 at 133 pounds, went to state as a freshman and was one match away from a return trip last season.

He said missing out as a sophomore just motivated him more this season.

“It was said that I only had one move and that I was a one-trick pony, so I decided to start making some changes,” he stated. “Missing out last year made me want to wrestle harder and work more this year on my position and shots. Every day is a new day so I just take it one match at a time. I’m expecting to win this tournament, but cannot look past anyone.”

Canfield’s Giorgio Poullas (38-2), also won by pin as he stopped Elijah Hill of Alliance (1:31) at 126 pounds.

Poullas, a sophomore, finished sixth at state last season.

“You have to go out with the attitude that this is your last match. My mindset was to get a good lead and takedown in the first-round,” he said. “My father [George] helps me train and my mother [Tammy] and brother [John] have supported me the entire time. I could not have done this without their support.”

Poland 152-pounder Dave Esarco (28-10), an alternate at sectionals last year, posted a 7-0 decision over Evan Betz of Marlington to advance to the semifinals.

“I was an alternate last year so that’s been my motivation. It’s what I have worked for all year long,” Esarco said. “Once I got a big lead on him I knew it would be hard for him to play catch- up, so that’s when I put my foot on the gas pedal.”

Howland cousins David-Brian Whisler and Jordan Radich each moved on with Whisler (31-2) pinning Crestwood’s Aaron Zielinski at 1:13 in a 170-pound pairing, and Radich posting a major decision (10-2) over Adam Wilke of West Branch at 182 pounds.

While Whisler is attempting to earn a third sectional title and third consecutive trip to state, Radich — who was a state qualifier as a sophomore — still feels the sting of being relegated to alternate status a season ago.

“I prepare for each match the same way. It’s always one match at a time and nothing different about that preparation,” Whisler said.

“I took a step back last year and it just showed me that nothing is given; it’s earned,” Radich said. “I saw him [Wilke] at the EOWL and knew that he was a tough competitor. I got in on the under hook and hit a single from there, which I have been practicing for the past several weeks. I was on top controlling the match, but got into some positions I didn’t want to get in so I have to work on that.”

Hubbard’s Michael Bednarik improved to 31-5 with a pin (0:57) of West Branch’s Carl Bates in a 195-pound match. Bednarik is looking to advance to district for the first time.

“I just look at my opponent’s body form — whether he is stocky or tall and conserve my energy while waiting until he makes a mistake,’ Bednarik said. “Today, he was kind of high, tried to throw me and luckily I was able to throw him.”

Canfield (77) and Marlington (75) were tight atop the team standings after the first night of wrestling at West Branch. Alliance (54), followed by West Branch (53) and Southeast (52) toround out the top five of the 11-team tournament.

Finals action is slated for 5 p.m. today.