“We look forward to defending our title,” Graham coach Jeff Jordan said.
The Falcons opened with a 68-3 win over Wapakoneta, getting bonus points in 10 of its 13 wins. They then advanced to the state tournament Feb. 12 at St. John Arena in Columbus with a 69-6 win over Valley View.
In a key rematch, Graham 195-pounder Kavan Sarver got some revenge on Valley View’s Stone Day with a 4-3 decision. Day had defeated Sarver 3-2 at the Valley View Invitational in January.
Mechanicsburg advances: It was a dogfight for top-ranked Mechanicsburg to make it back to the state tournament. The Indians trailed 18-10 after 138, but Tanner Smith began a 19-0 run that gave them the lead for good, 30-18, and an eventual 42-25 win..
The Indians had to battle from behind in claiming a 53-18 win over Miami East in the semis. They won the final eight matches.
Month of champions: Springfield will kick off the so-caalled "month of champions" this weekend at the Greater Western Ohio Conference tournament. It refers to the stretch in February that starts with league tournaments and ends with the individual state tournament.
The GWOC will begin Friday at 5:30 p.m at the SAC at Vandalia Butler with wrestling continuing Saturday at 9 a.m. Finals will be held approximately an hour following the completion of the consolation semis Saturday night.
Northwestern will welcome Graham, Greenon, Kenton Ridge, Urbana, Tecumseh, Shawnee and the rest of the Central Buckeye Conference on Feb. 18. The Ohio Heritage Conference will be held the same day.
The sectional tournaments are Feb. 24 and 25, the state tournament at the Schottenstein Center on March 9-11.
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