GARFIELD BRINGS HOME A PAIR OF STATE CHAMPIONS

COLUMBUS OH- Garfield has always had a strong tradition in their wrestling program. They build strong kids, that are technically sound, and able to navigate the grind of a long wrestling season. Through all the years and grapplers that have walked the halls in Garrettsville, that elusive state championship has always eluded them. That is until this season. After a long weekend in the Columbus Garfield came in to Sunday with two wrestlers having a chance to win a title. Hunter Andel, and Keegan Sell.

Hunter was up first.  In an incredible defensive battle against his fellow Portage County stand out Cody Coontz from Rootstown.  After two rounds the match was still scoreless, neither athlete could find space over the other.  Andel opened up the third with an escape to grab a 1-0 lead.  He would seal the deal later with two points on a takedown to Garfield their first ever wrestling state champion.

Keegan saw his teammate win his match and knew that his school couldn’t walk out of Columbus with just 1 title.  He would not be outdone.  It was Sell’s signature speed that gave him the edge in his title match. He took on Wyatt Ripke from Archbold.  He got a takedown in the first that was faster than you could blink, then another in the second while he made Ripke loose his footing as he tried to escape trouble.  With a third take down to follow Sell would hold on to the 6-4 win to give Garfield their second state champion of the day.