Hubbard wrestling Archives - Your Sports Network

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.

In a recent feature on YSN’s Wrestling Wednesdays, Evan Protopapa, the junior wrestling standout from Austintown Fitch, shared insights into his journey and aspirations in the sport. Despite being an underclassman, Protopapa has taken on the mantle of leadership as one of the captains of a predominantly young team, showcasing his maturity and dedication to the sport.

Protopapa’s commitment to wrestling became evident when he decided to focus solely on the sport beginning his freshman year, putting aside his time with travel soccer to hone his skills on the mat. His dedication has been rewarded with a captaincy role, a testament to the respect he has earned from both his peers and coaches. The young wrestler thrives on the deep competition within the Austintown Fitch program, where he cites the camaraderie and rigorous training environment as key factors in his development. His drilling partner, Joey Janis, a senior, plays a crucial role in pushing him to excel during practice sessions. With a clear focus on his goals, Protopapa aims for the state podium, citing this as his chief aspiration. His competitive spirit is matched by a well-rounded approach to wrestling, as evidenced by his disciplined diet of chicken and rice, which reflects his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition.

Beyond the physical demands, Protopapa acknowledges the importance of mental preparation in wrestling. He emphasizes keeping a positive mindset as crucial to his success, a lesson that has been reinforced by his coach, John Bird, whom he credits as a significant motivator. Off the mat, Protopapa is equally passionate about academics, particularly in math. This balanced approach to student-athlete life underscores his dedication both as a wrestler and a scholar. Concluding the interview, Protopapa expressed gratitude to those who have supported him along the way, including his mother, his coaches, and fellow wrestlers, showcasing the network of support that fuels his drive to succeed. Evan Protopapa’s journey is a testament to the values of hard work, focus, and leadership—qualities that make him a rising star in the Austintown Fitch wrestling program. As he continues to strive for excellence, the local wrestling community watches with anticipation, eager to see his potential come to fruition on the state stage.

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