Johnstown resident McClelland repeats for DeSales at OHSAA wrestling
COLUMBUS — David McClelland ended his career Sunday where he has been throughout a banner two-year run for the DeSales wrestling team — at the top.
McClelland, a Johnstown resident, beat St. Paris Graham’s Hayden Hughes 5-0 at 138 pounds to win his second consecutive Division II state championship at Ohio State. McClelland stood at the top of the podium at 132 as a junior.
McClelland was one of five champions from Central Catholic League schools as their competitors flexed their muscles throughout the three-day weekend.
“It was an amazing weekend for the CCL,” McClelland said. “Hartley has always produced some kids, and with Watterson and DeSales going like we have, we constantly push each other in the CCL to get better.”
McClelland, who was born and raised in Johnstown but attended Lake Highland Prep in Florida for his freshman and sophomore seasons, has been nearly unbeatable since returning to central Ohio. He won his first match by pin before winning by scores of 6-0 against Hartley's Cooper Rathburn, who eventually placed third, and 7-5 against Carrollton's Josh Carman before shutting out Hughes.
McClelland was joined wearing gold by junior teammate Max Shulaw, who finished an unbeaten season at 215. That duo led the Stallions (120.5) to their first runner-up finish since 1985 as Graham (157) won its 22nd title in a row and 24th overall.
“This was a really good weekend,” said DeSales coach Collin Palmer, who was named state Coach of the Year in Division II. “It’s a step in the right direction. I’m hoping to add a couple more to the lineup and come back looking for first next year.”
Seven wrestlers represented the CCL in six weight classes in Division II. Hartley's Dylan Newsome won his first title, beating Lincoln Shulaw at 175 after placing third and second the last two seasons.
“The league did awesome,” Hartley coach Kevin Petrella said. “It’s like keeping up with the Joneses. It’s good for the league. Watterson and DeSales are definitely setting the bar high, so we have to try to keep up with them.”
Watterson (81.5) finished fourth and Hartley (65.5) placed sixth.
“Hartley, DeSales and us, we really showed out,” Watterson coach Felix Catheline said. “We made great representation in central Ohio. I couldn’t be prouder of all the teams and our guys.”
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Johnstown's David McClelland repeats for DeSales at OHSAA wrestling
