1992 Cadiz wrestling team remembered for near-title run and lasting legacy

The 1992 Cadiz High School wrestling team remains one of the most dominant groups in Harrison County history, a senior-heavy squad that captured titles, broke records and came within two-and-a-half points of a state championship.

Led by head coach Joel Davia and assistant coach Frank Sabo, the Panthers captured the Buckeye Mountaineer League Tournament, the TEAYS Valley Dual Mid Invitational, the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference “AA” tournament, the sectional and district titles, and finished as runner-up in the OHSAA Division III state tournament.

For Davia, who began his coaching career with Cadiz junior high wrestlers before taking over the varsity program in 1988, the 1992 season was the culmination of years of work. “They were a special group of talent that worked hard and made sacrifices,” Davia said. “They basically became part of my family, coming to my house many times to snack on what Kristen [his wife] would make for them.”

The senior trio of Chris McKeever, Lee Tipton and Drew Case highlighted the lineup. Each topped the 100 career victories mark, with Tipton finishing at 101, McKeever at 103 and Case at 118. All three won sectional and district titles in 1992 and placed at the state tournament. Case took sixth, Tipton fourth and McKeever third, closing his season at 41-1 after a controversial stalling call ended his semifinal run.

Other seniors had equally strong seasons. David Nameth compiled a 40-2 record, winning sectional and district titles before finishing third in the state. Mitch Tucker went 33-5, winning sectional and finishing runner-up in the district to earn a state berth. Mike Cheuvrant tallied 31 wins and qualified for district, while Ben Bomboris and Justin Ryder both reached 29 victories, with Bomboris also winning a sectional crown.

In total, the senior class racked up 284 victories during the 1991–92 campaign. Their collective effort pushed Cadiz to second place at the state meet, finishing with 57.5 points to Thompson Ledgemont’s 60.

The group’s success also brought recognition to its leader. Davia was named the 1992 Ohio Division III Coach of the Year.

Team members included wrestlers Bill Ash, Ben Bomboris, Matt Brooks, Drew Case, Mike Cheuvrant, Nash Coleman, Tim Dunfee, Matt Hennis, Tom Hilligas, Jeremy Jacobs, Chris McKeever, Jeremy Myers, David Nameth, Tom Ott, Michael Reiss, Justin Ryder, Willie Sedgmer, Ryan Swan, Lee Tipton, Carle Tucker, Mitch Tucker, Lucas Wallace, Paul Woodward and Clay Zimmerman. Also part of the program were mat maids Cindy Erbacher, Jolene Jones, Carie Rose, Sara Tabacchi, Michelle Tipton and Janelle Zimmerman, along with managers Cole Davia and Jonathan Davia.

The 1992 Cadiz wrestling team is remembered not only for its championships but for its lasting impact on the county’s sports legacy.