“Two years of frustrating seasons,” Kelly said after claiming his second title and being named the Division II Most Outstanding Wrestler. “It was frustrating keeping my confidence and coming back and starting fresh every year. You can never take the first one away and it was amazing, but this year is special because of coming back from everything the past two years.”
Kelly got on the board in the second period of his 132 title match with Graham’s Rocky Jordan with an escape before securing a takedown in the final two minutes to cap a 40-0 campaign.
“It was great to finish 40-0 and I think the big thing was my confidence,” Kelly said. “I was healthy. I have no excuses. I am just so grateful.”
Dayton Christian’s Logan Lacure’s second title did more than move the junior closer to becoming a three-timer. It clinched the team race.
The Warriors entered the finals 10 points up on Delta for the D-III title but got individual titles from Tommy Hoskins (113) and David Carr (138) before Lacure clinched with a 15-6 major decision at 145.
Dayton Christian went 3-1 in the finals to finish with 161.5 points. Delta went 2-3 to end with 150.5 points.
“I was just trying to get the major,” Lacure said. “Winning my second is nice, winning the team title is a lot more of an accomplishment. To help my teammates, who I practice with every day and share blood, sweat and tears with every day … to clinch the team title and be champions is very rewarding.”
Dayton Christian got a huge win from Carr at 138, a 7-3 decision against Delta’s Drew Marteney.
“Having him (Marteney) helped me focus because I wanted to go out and dominate for the team race,” Carr said after starting the track to become a four-time champ. “I was more excited because I knew this would help the team race. I wanted to get the major, but it is tough when your opponent is trying not to give up bonus points. It makes it frustrating.”
Covington senior Jarred Ganger closed his high school career with his third state title. He recorded five takedowns in the first two periods for a 10-3 lead heading into the final two minutes of his 132 title match with Milan Edison’s Brady Barnett.
Ganger finished second as a freshman before closing a perfect 12-0 at the state tournament his last three seasons.
“Ever since I was five and started watching this tournament it was a goal of mine to be one of the best in Ohio,” Ganger said.
Graham won its 15th consecutive D-II title with 250 points. Toledo Central Catholic was second with 99. Graham got titles from Mitch Moore (113), Eli Seipel (126), Brent Moore (145), Kyle Lawson (152) and Alex Marinelli (160). Marinelli will go for his fourth state title next year.
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