“I am much more nervous this year,” Goudy said. “Last year, we had the seniors who have been here forever. This year we got kids who have to fight for it. Nothing is given.
“There is less room for error. We are going to have to wrestle some perfect matches to get it done.”
The Eagles advanced four to the quarterfinals (Jordan Hancock at 112 pounds, Jordan Marshall at 130, Kyle Burns at 145 and Pawlos Campbell at 140).
Meanwhile, Graham was cruising in D-II. The Falcons went 10-1 in the first round to build a 22.5 point lead.
In all, 44 Miami Valley wrestlers advanced to this morning’s quarterfinals.
Dixie’s Ethan Hayes admits there is more pressure after finishing second last year, but showed no nerves in a 12-5 win in his 215-pound opener.
“There is a little more pressure, but my teammates and coaches take it off so I can just go out and wrestle,” Hayes said. “The first one is under my belt and we go from there.”
Centerville’s Brian Mathews and Piqua’s Kyle Bryant will meet in the quarters at 152, while Fairmont’s Jake Sage and Springboro’s Tyler Riegle began their collision course at 135.
“The lights and big gym don’t faze me anymore,” Riegle said. “It doesn’t seem to be as huge of a place as it did when I was a freshman and sophomore.
“I got a fantastic draw. I can’t ask for anything more.”
Centerville went 3-1 in the first round with Nick Miller (189) and Kyle Rose (215) joining Mathews in the quarters.
“I am not cutting hard, I am not nervous and I am in better shape than I have ever been,” Miller said. “I’m taking it one match at a time. I’m not worrying about anything. I am going to win anyway I can, whether I win by a lot or win by a little.”
Carlisle’s Nick LeForce opened with a flare.
In his first state tournament, the 160-pound senior recorded eight takedowns in a 21-6 technical fall in the first round.
“I’ve been sick, so I felt a little sluggish,” LeForce said. “I definitely got chills (when I walked to the mat). It was awesome.”
About the Author