STATE WRESTLING DAY TWO RECAP

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By Chris Colucci

COLUMBUS OH- Tyson Seesholtz, the powerhouse wrestler from Division 3 in the 150 lb weight class, is having a tournament to remember. With a record of 38-2 going into the finals, Tyson was poised for greatness, but he had to face adversity on the mat to get there. In the semi-finals, Tyson faced Brodie Martin from Amanda-Clearcreek with a record of 44-0, an undefeated wrestler. The match was an actual test of willpower and skill. It was a nail-biter, with the score tied after regulation. In overtime, with everything on the line, Tyson executed a flawless takedown, sealing the win and sending him to the finals.

Tyson’s dad and coach, JT Seesholtz, was visibly emotional after the match. He couldn’t have been prouder of Tyson’s determination and growth as a wrestler. He knows the sacrifices he’s made to get to this point, and seeing him achieve this level of success was an emotional moment for the entire team. Tyson will now face Caleb Greenwood from Beechwood in the finals, and all eyes will be on this young star as he aims for a state title.

An All-YSN Matchup at 190 lbs: Gabe Miller vs. Brydon Feister

In Division 2, the 190 lb weight class promises to deliver one of the most exciting matchups of the tournament: an all-YSN showdown between Gabe Miller from Canfield and Brydon Feister from Hoban. These two athletes are no strangers to each other, having met last week in the district finals. In that intense overtime battle, Gabe Miller emerged victorious with a clutch finish, taking the win in a dramatic extra period.

Both wrestlers entered the semi-finals with high expectations, and they delivered in style. Brydon Feister, the talented freshman from Hoban, won his semi-final match in overtime with a pin over Lincoln Shewlaw from Columbus DeSales, proving he’s not just here to compete but to win. Meanwhile, Gabe Miller, the sophomore from Canfield, continued his impressive run with a dominant 9-3 win over Presley Stewert from Eaton.

Now, these two young wrestlers are set for a highly anticipated rematch in the finals, with everything on the line. The rivalry between Miller and Feister is heating up, and this battle could very well be the highlight of the Division 2 tournament.

Brayton Feister: Tech Fall Victory Sets Up Finals Clash

Brayton Feister, the older brother of Brydon Feister, is also making a name for himself at the OHSSA Wrestling Tournament. Competing in the 215 lb weight class in Division 2, the sophomore from Hoban showed his dominance in the semi-finals. Feister faced off against Jaxon Butcher from Indian Valley, and the match was a one-sided affair. Feister’s superior technique and relentless drive led him to a commanding tech fall victory as the second period came to a close.

With the win, Feister has earned a spot in the finals, where he will wrestle Michael Boyle from Waterson. Feister’s performance in the tournament so far has been nothing short of impressive, and he’ll be looking to cap off his journey with a state title. As the older brother of Brydon, there’s extra pride in representing Hoban, and Brayton is ready to bring home the gold for his family and team.

Post-Match Coverage and Interviews

As the finals approach, fans can look forward to plenty of behind-the-scenes coverage of the wrestlers and their journeys. After each match, there will be post-match videos and interviews shared on social media, allowing fans to hear from the athletes themselves about their experiences on the mat and what it took to get to this point. These personal insights give viewers a deeper look into the hard work, dedication, and emotion that goes into each match.

The finals are scheduled to start at 5:15 PM, and YSN Wrestling will provide coverage throughout the day on social media. Don’t miss any of the action as these incredible athletes look to secure their place in Ohio wrestling history. The energy is building, and the excitement is palpable—it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable day at the OHSSA Wrestling Tournament.

STATE WRESTLING DAY ONE RECAP

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By Chris Colucci 

COLUMBUS OH-  The energy was electric at the Ohio High School State Wrestling Tournament, as teams from all divisions gathered for the opening day of competition at the Schottenstein Center. The wrestlers gave it their all, and while some had their seasons end early, others surged forward with determination to fight another day. Here’s how it all went down.

Division 1: A Rocky Start, but Hope for Tomorrow

In Division 1, our four wrestlers—Kaiden Barker, Aric Criss, Beau Nezbeth, and Wyatt Smith—had high hopes. Unfortunately, all four faced tough opponents in their first matches and were knocked into the consolation bracket early. But not all hope was lost.

Kaiden Barker and Aric Criss fought back in their second matches, showing true grit and resilience. Both won, and they will wrestle again tomorrow. Sadly, Beau Nezbeth and Wyatt Smith couldn’t bounce back, and their seasons are ending today.

Tomorrow will be a big day for Barker and Criss. They look to continue their march in the tournament, now with a chance to redeem themselves.

Division 2: A Fierce Battle, 18 Wrestlers Advancing

The competition in Division 2 was fierce, with 23 wrestlers in the mix. Thirteen wrestlers made it through their first match to continue their fight tomorrow. These warriors include Justice Fisher, Tristen Eckles, Bobby Buchheit, Tyler Scharrer, Jake Huges, Even Ours, Aiden Stecker, Joey Pannunzio, Brydon Feister, Kane Curran, Gabe Miller, Christopher Mijavec, and Brayton Feister.

The other ten wrestlers’ second matches were do-or-die. Five of them—Markel Hackwelder, Deacon Mock, Damon Stansbury, Alex Hackwelder, and Gavin Hang—fought back and won, securing their spots for tomorrow. However, Shawn German, Joey Kana, Tristen Miller, Will Harmon, and Isaac Prescott’s seasons closed.

Division 2 tomorrow promises even more excitement as the remaining wrestlers battle for glory.

Division 3: Dominance and Determination

Division 3’s competition was just as intense. Eight wrestlers from our team competed, and six will advance to tomorrow. Kayden Welker, Landon Andel, Jack McDevitt, Tyson Seesholt, Savva DiRenzo, and Johnny Bailey all won their matches and will return to the Schott tomorrow to continue their journey.

The standout moment of the day came in the 157 lb weight class. Fourth-seed Savva DiRenzo pulled off a massive upset, taking down the number one seed in a thrilling match that had the crowd on their feet. DiRenzo’s performance has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories of the tournament.

Girls’ Division: Dominating the Mat

The girls’ division featured 12 talented wrestlers, and 10 will return tomorrow to continue their quest for a state title. Ella Thomas, Paige Cowen, Auston Brown, Emily Flynn, Madison Burns, Nadirra G. Matlock, Addison Willis, Abigail Torres-Miller, Reghan Koch, and Dakota McCracken all fought to victory, securing spots for tomorrow’s action.

These young women showcased incredible skill and tenacity, with each match more thrilling than the last. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these wrestlers as they look to make a mark in Ohio’s wrestling history.

Looking Ahead to Tomorrow

With the first day of the OHSSA Wrestling Tournament over, the excitement is only getting started. Tomorrow promises more heart-pounding action as our wrestlers from all divisions strive for victory. Matches will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Schott, and fans can expect full coverage all day from YSN staff.

Who will make it to the finals? Who will pull off another upset? The road to the championship is far from over, and anything can happen.

We’ll be watching closely, and we hope you will be too. Let’s go, wrestlers!

COLUCCI’S CHEAT SHEET: GIRLS’ STATE WRESTLING

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By Chris Colucci

OHSAA Girls State Wrestling Tournament Preview

As the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament kicks off, all eyes are on the girls’ division, where top-ranked competitors across the state are ready to battle for the ultimate prize. The bracket is stacked with returning state placers, experienced seniors, and talented first-year students looking to make a name for themselves.

The four number-one seeds lead the charge, each poised to make a deep run in the tournament. Ella Thomas, a sophomore from Poland, is coming off a stellar season and looking to improve upon her third-place finish from last year. Her experience on the podium and relentless work ethic make her a formidable contender. Joining her at the top is Auston Brown, a junior from United, who also secured third place at last year’s tournament. Brown’s aggressive style and resilience have made her a force to be reckoned with.

Poland has another top-ranked wrestler in freshman Abigale Torres-Miller, who has made a name for herself despite her young age. Rounding out the number-one seeds is Reghan Koch, a freshman from Austintown Fitch, whose strength and skill have propelled her to the top of the rankings in her debut season.

The number-two seeds feature two accomplished seniors looking to cap off their high school careers with a state championship. Emily Flynn from Hubbard placed sixth at state last year and brings veteran experience to the tournament. Madison Burns, a senior from Howland, is a three-time state qualifier and finished fifth last season, making her one of the most seasoned competitors in the field.

The third-seeded wrestlers are a mix of promising first-year students and seasoned veterans. Austintown Fitch freshman Yelieishka Perez-Navedo has shown immense potential throughout the season, while Paige Cowan from East Liverpool, who placed eighth last year, is eager to climb the podium. Austintown Fitch senior Nadirra G Matlock brings leadership and experience to the mats, while United’s Dakota McCracken, a returning seventh-place finisher, is determined to improve her standing.

Austintown Fitch senior Addison Willis and East Liverpool sophomore Alannah McGonigal are the fourth-seeded competitors. Both athletes have battled tough competition to earn their seeds and could be dark horses in the tournament.

With a mix of experienced placers and hungry newcomers, the OHSAA Girls State Wrestling Tournament promises to deliver thrilling action and unforgettable moments. As the matches unfold, expect these top seeds to fight tooth and nail for a spot on the podium and, ultimately, a state championship title.

 

COLUCCI’S CHEAT SHEET: DIVISION 3 STATE WRESTLING

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By Chris Colucci

 

Division 3 Wrestlers Set to Battle at OHSSA State Wrestling Tournament

The stage is set for the OHSSA State Wrestling Tournament, and Division 3 is well represented with eight determined wrestlers ready to leave their mark. With a strong mix of top-seeded competitors and underdogs looking to make a name for themselves, the excitement is at an all-time high as these athletes prepare to showcase their skills on the biggest stage.

Johnny Bailey, the lone number-one seed from Southern Local in the 190-pound weight class, leads the charge. The senior standout and returning state placer has dominated the competition all season and will look to cap off his high school career with a state title.

Behind him are three wrestlers holding number-two seeds, each eager to prove their worth. South Range boasts two formidable competitors in Kayden Welker at 132 pounds and Tyson Seesholtz at 150 pounds. Seesholtz, a two-time state qualifier and one-time state placer, brings valuable experience to the mat. Joining them is Landon Andell from Garrettsville Garfield, who will compete in the 138-pound bracket. Each wrestler has battled through a tough season to earn their high seeding and will be in prime position to challenge for the podium.

The Division 3 squad also features a pair of number-three seeds, both with the potential to make deep runs in their respective weight classes. Jack McDevitt from Jackson Milton enters the 144-pound bracket to outwrestle his opponents. At the same time, Rowan Wiley from Southern Local takes his talents to the 165-pound class, prepared to battle through the gauntlet of state-level competition.

Two wrestlers seeded fourth in their brackets are racing out of the field: Cam Lewicki, 113 pounds, from Garrettsville Garfield, and Savva DiRienzo, 157 pounds, from Poland. Despite their lower seeds, both competitors have proven their resilience throughout the season and could be poised for breakout performances on the state stage.

With a balanced mix of experience, talent, and hunger, Division 3’s eight wrestlers are ready to take on the best Ohio offers. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on these competitors as they chase state glory and etch their names into the history books of OHSSA wrestling.

 

COLUCCI’S WRESTLING CHEAT SHEET FOR STATE (DIVISION 2)

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By Chris Colucci

 

YOUNGSTOWN, OH-

As the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament gets underway, Division 2 boasts the largest contingent of wrestlers, with 23 competitors from the YSN family. This impressive group features six No. 1 seeds, six No. 2 seeds, four No. 3 seeds, and seven No. 4 seeds, setting the stage for a highly competitive weekend at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus.  

Division 2: A Stacked Bracket

Going into the tournament with 6 of the 23 wrestlers placing 1st at the district tournament last week :

  • Justice Fisher (Beaver Local, 106lbs)
  • Evan Ours (Beaver Local, 165lbs)
  • Aiden Stecker (Salem, 165lbs)
  • Kane Curran (Beaver Local, 190lbs)
  • Gabe Miller (Canfield, 190lbs)
  • Brayton Feister (Hoban, 215lbs)

With a potent mix of experience and skill, these top-seeded wrestlers will want to dominate their respective weight classes and claim state titles.

Not far behind are the No. 2 seeds, each with a legitimate shot at championship glory:

  • Tristian Eckles (East Liverpool, 120lbs)
  • Bobby Buchheit (Beaver Local, 138lbs)
  • Tyler Scharrer (Canfield, 138lbs)
  • Jake Hughes (Beaver Local, 150lbs)
  • Will Harmon (Salem, 157lbs)
  • Brydon Feister (Hoban, 190lbs)

These six wrestlers have proven their mettle throughout the season, and with the proper draws, they could easily reach the top of the podium.

The No. 3 seeds bring an additional level of depth to the tournament, all possessing the ability to make deep runs:

  • Deacon Mock (Howland, 138lbs)
  • Joey Pannunzio (Canfield, 175lbs)
  • Gavin Hang (West Branch, 215lbs)
  • Isaac Prescott (Beaver Local, 285lbs)

Rounding out the group are the seven No. 4 seeds, many of whom could surprise the field with breakout performances:

  • Markel Hackwelder (Hubbard, 120lbs)
  • Joey Kana (Salem, 138lbs)
  • Shawn German (Salem, 150lbs)
  • Tristan Miller (Canfield, 157lbs)
  • Damon Stansbury (East Liverpool, 165lbs)
  • Alex Hackwelder (Hubbard, 175lbs)
  • Christopher Mijavec (Howland, 190lbs)

 

The Road to a Title

With such a deep talent pool, Division 2 promises to be one of the most thrilling sets of brackets at the state tournament. Wrestlers from Beaver Local, Salem, Canfield, and other powerhouse programs will look to solidify their legacies with state championship performances.

Expect intense battles, last-second victories, and possibly a few upsets as the action unfolds. With 23 wrestlers in contention, Division 2 is primed for a memorable showing at the 2025 OHSSA State Wrestling Tournament representing Your Sports Network.

FLYNN PREPARED FOR HISTORIC RUN AT STATES

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HUBBARD, OH- As the state wrestling tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Emily Flynn, who enters the competition with a chance to etch her name even deeper into the OHSAA Girls Wrestling Record Book.

The senior standout has put together a dominant final season, amassing 72 takedowns, which ranks third-most in a single season in OHSAA history. Her 41 wins place her tied for fifth, while her 38 pins are the second-most in a season—a testament to her ability to finish matches with authority.

This performance builds on an already remarkable career. Last season, Flynn racked up 40 wins (tied for seventh all-time) and 37 pins (third-most in a season), showing she’s been a force on the mat for years.

Now, as she heads into the biggest weekend of the year, Flynn boasts an astounding 147 career wins, the second-most in OHSAA history. With every match, she has the chance to further solidify her legacy among Ohio’s all-time greats.

Expect Flynn to be a major contender as she battles for a state title, looking to cap off her record-setting career in unforgettable fashion.

WELLSVILLE TO HOST ANOTHER BUCK BAILEY MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

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WELLSVILLE OH-  It’s the best time of year for wrestling fans in Wellsville as the Tigers get set to host another Buck Bailey Memorial Tournament.  The Tigers continue to honor Buck Bailey who poured out nothing but support for the Wellsville wrestling room.

The event will feature over 200 wrestlers representing 21 different schools in three different states. YSN schools that will be there include Wellsville, East Liverpool, Columbiana, Leetonia, United, South Range and Boardman.  Other notable schools that will be in attendance are Oak Glen, Steubenville, Toronto, Weirton, Indian Valley, Minerva, and more! The event is set to start Saturday at 9:00am.  Concessions will be available and the proceeds from them will benefit the Wellsville Takedown Club.

WARRIOR AND MUSTANGS GRAPPLE TO A TIE

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Story by: Larry Jennings

 

Edgewood and Grand Valley Battle to a Tie on Senior Night Wrestling Dual

EDGEWOOD – The Grand Valley Mustangs rode into the Edgewood Warrior gymnasium on Tuesday evening for a dual meet that ended in dramatic fashion, with the two teams battling to a 33-33 tie. The evening was especially significant for Edgewood, as the Warriors celebrated senior night, honoring their graduating wrestlers in front of an energetic home crowd.

Recognized Seniors:

Grand Valley: Andrew Soltis and Ryan Waldo.
Edgewood: Daniel Browning, Aidan Burch, Payton Corrigan, Morgan Haywood, Nick Kister, Michael Ochoa, and Chris Skwera.

The meet kicked off with one of the closest and most exciting matches of the night. Edgewood’s Aidan Burch edged out Jesse DeLisle in a hard-fought 7-5 decision, setting the tone for a competitive evening. The team scores see-sawed throughout the event, with ties at 21 and 27 points before ultimately concluding in a 33-33 stalemate.

Key Performances:

  • Edgewood Highlights:
    • Chris Skwera earned the Warriors’ lone pin of the evening, electrifying the crowd with his dominant performance.
    • Aidan Burch and Malachi Nelson contributed to the team’s score with crucial decision victories.
    • Aidan Goodenow, Haiden Peterson, Michael Ochoa, and Nathan Cameron all added points for Edgewood by forfeit.
  • Grand Valley Highlights:
    • Ryan Waldo, Jeremiah Corll, and Chase Levandowski secured pins for the Mustangs, keeping them in contention throughout the meet.
    • Jesse DeLisle rebounded from his opening match loss to claim a decision victory later in the night.
    • Kohen Wilson and Max Thiron also contributed points for Grand Valley with forfeit wins.

FITCH GIRLS WIN THEIR OWN TOURNAMENT

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AUSTINTOWN OH- Fitch girls wrestling made a statement on Saturday, dominating their first annual Fitch Girls Wrestling Tournament and snagging the top spot out of 34 teams. The Falcons brought the heat on their home mats, with plenty of standout performances leading the charge.

**Top Finishers for Fitch:**
– **1st Place:** Alex Willis (senior) and Reghan Koch (freshman)
– **2nd Place:** Yelieishka Perez Navedo (junior) and Nadirra’G Matlock (senior)
– **5th Place:** Mary Averelle (junior)
– **6th Place:** Danika Bucko (senior) and Catherine Pontius (junior)

 

WARRIORS CONTROL THE MAT IN BOYS AND GIRLS DUAL MEET

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Story by: Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH- The Edgewood gymnasium was buzzing with energy as the Conneaut Spartans descended for a dual meet featuring both the girls’ and boys’ wrestling teams. The Warriors, playing host, delivered a night of electrifying performances, showcasing their depth and determination on the mat.

Lady Warriors Strong Showing

The evening kicked off with the girls’ match, where Edgewood capitalized on a strong start, fueled by two forfeit victories. The Warriors never relinquished their lead, earning to a decisive 30-6 victory over the Spartan ladies.

Edgewood secured forfeit wins from Ana Petro, Lilly Walker, and Morgan Haywood, while Maggie Allenbaugh impressed with a dominant first-period pin. Payton Corrigan added to the tally, claiming victory by disqualification. Conneaut’s lone bright spot came from Moly Robolski, who delivered a resilient pin to put her team on the board.

First-year coach Nicole Goodenow celebrated her debut victory with a mix of pride and perspective. “All the girls came out, showed up, used everything they were taught in the room,” she said. “We have a lot of improvements to make, but none of them gave up.”

Boys’ Team Holds Off Late Spartan Surge

The boys’ match brought a nail-biting finish as the Edgewood Warriors fended off a determined Conneaut comeback to secure a narrow 40-35 victory.

Edgewood started strong, with Malachi Nelson picking up a forfeit win, and key pins from Aidan Goodenow, Haiden Peterson, Jayden Richter, Michael Ochoa, and Nick Kister. Chris Skwera contributed with a hard-fought decision, helping the Warriors stay ahead.

Conneaut countered with forfeits by Walter Moore and Ben Griswald, decisions from Leo Enrico, Owen Taylor, and Damon Bannaro, and crucial pins by Hunter Bilbrey and Wyant Dobran. Despite their rally, the Spartans fell just short.

Edgewood coach Scott Blank praised his team’s performance under pressure. “We knew that we had to give up some forfeits, so we had to match up perfectly and wrestle some smart matches. We got the pins where we needed them, and we wrestled smart,” Blank said.

Looking Ahead

The Edgewood boys’ team now turns its attention to a weekend of competition in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, while the girls will prepare for the Longhorn Tournament at Lutheran West on December 27-28. Both teams are riding high on their victories and will look to build on their success in the weeks to come.  The Spartan boys travel to Waterloo on Friday for a multiple team meet, while the Lady Spartans travel to Chippewa for a multiple team meet on January 5.
The dual meet was a showcase of grit and determination from both squads, as Edgewood’s Warriors defended their home turf with a series of standout performances, setting the tone for a promising season ahead.