Lacure trailed 2-1 after the first period but hung on for the final 15 seconds of the final overtime period to claim the Division III 145 title 4-3.
“I told myself after last year that was the worst feeling in the world and I was not going to be denied this year,” Lacure said after becoming Greeneview’s first state champ. “This year I am on the top of the podium and it is one of the best feelings in the world.”
Lacure trailed 2-1 after the first period, but tied 2-2 in the second with an escape. It was 3-3 heading into overtime with neither able to score in the first three segments of overtime.
Lacure was able to stay atop Galion Northmor’s Jamie Baldridge the final 30 seconds for the win, scrambling through some possible trouble spots.
“There were a lot of funky positions and I was able to funk out of it,” Lacure said. “I just kept my head up, my hips up and kept ending up on top.”
Mechanicsburg freshman Kaleb Romero claimed his first state title with a 1-0 win over Dayton Christian’s Alex Becker at 138.
“It is unbelievable,” Romero said. “I can’t explain it. Finally reached my goal that I have worked so hard for. The next thing is to be a four time champ, but this is the best feeling in the world.”
Romero was joined as a state champ by teammate Austin Reese.
Reese, who has had a history of bad luck at the state tournament, hung on for a 6-4 win in the finals at 160.
In all, the area placed 19 wrestlers in the top eight. Greeneview’s Armani Robinson lost in the waning seconds at 182 as did Urbana’s Jack Harris (182 in Division II).
Graham claimed its 14th consecutive Division II team title with 185.5 points to break a tie with St. Edwards for consecutive state titles (13).
“Everyone knows records mean nothing to me, but this is one record that make me proud,” Graham coach Jeff Jordan said. “With this group, and with it being Mickey’s (Micah) senior year, it is nice making history.”
Micah Jordan became the 26th wrestler to win four state titles, joining his dad (Jeff), uncle (Jim) and brother (Bo) after recording a fall in 1:44 of the 145 title match.
“There was some pressure there,” Jordan said. “It is really special being part of the family, winning state titles and being with those guys.”
Also claiming titles for Graham were Eli Stickley (113), Kyle Lawson (138) and Alex Marinelli (160). Justin Stickley (106), Mario Kastl (120), Eli Seipel (126) and Josh Couchman (195) also placed for Graham.
Northwestern junior Devin Rogers was fourth at 126 in Division II while Kenton Ridge senior Preston Bowshier was sixth at 138.
Springfield’s Devin Nye capped his career with fourth place at 220 in Division I.
Anthony DeCarlo was eighth at 152 for Catholic Central in Division III while Mechanicsburg’s Joe Zielger battled back from losing his first match on Thursday afternoon to finish fifth at 145.
“This feels awesome,” Ziegler said of placing after just missing qualifying the past two years. “What I wanted to do for a long time was to get here. My first win (in consolation) gave me more confidence and I started feeling better out there.”
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