Waynedale leads state wrestling qualifiers

Twenty-six area wrestlers qualified for the state wrestling tournament, which will take place March 13-15 at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus.

Waynedale led the way with a school-record 10 qualifiers. Branton Tapp (106 pounds), Isaak Skelly (126) and heavyweight Brandon Walters all won titles for the Golden Bears, who rolled to the team title at the Division III Independence District. Brock Beckler (120) and Maddox Kidd (165) placed second, Sebastian Schmeltzer (132) and Stephen Patterson (138) placed third, and Riley Greenhouse (144), Dalton Oberly (150) and Gradey Posey (190) placed fourth. Kamden Lemon (215) placed fifth and is an alternate.

Dalton and Smithville also competed at the Independence District, and both had two state qualifiers — Aiden Pelfrey (second at 175) and Sam Ediger (third at 165) for the Bulldogs and Karsen Moore (second at 190) and Mason Haines (third at 175) for the Smithies.

Garaway competed at the Division III Coshocton District and qualified eight to state. Mitchell Tetreault finished first at 150, Thomas Grimm (215) placed second, Bryce Books (106), Lukas Miller (113), Braylon Books (144), Colton Domer (165) and Matt Frey (175) placed third, and Dillon King (190) placed fourth.

West Holmes competed at the Division II Gallia Academy District and advanced four to state. Peyton Martin finished first at 120, Louden Dixon (157) and Easton Ross (215) placed second, and Gabe Umstead (126) placed fourth.