Seven Licking County wrestlers earn final OHSAA placement Sunday
When Clayton Smith hangs his state medals side by side, only one other Utica wrestler can do the same.
Smith finished his career on a historic note, joining Scott Crane as the program’s only two-time state placers. He beat Tuscarawas Valley’s T.J. Wilson 4-0 on Sunday to earn seventh place in Division III at 144 pounds on the final day of the championships at Ohio State.
"I’m glad I finished on a good note, but it leaves me with some unfinished business to roll right in to college with now," Smith said. "I’m focused on finishing out high school and deciding on a college, but I’m excited to have the opportunity to wrestle in college."
Smith qualified for the state tournament as a freshman in 2020, but it was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. He was edged out at the district tournament as a sophomore, but he rebounded last season, qualifying and climbing all the way to fourth.
Smith has been a key member of the rise of Utica’s program under coach Mark Rakoczy, joining fellow three-time qualifiers Wesley Wydick, the 126-pound runner-up last season, and Brock Wygle, who each graduated a year ago.
"It definitely was a fun four years and wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else or a different team," Smith said.
Six other Licking County wrestlers wrapped up All-Ohio seasons on Sunday.
Newark Catholic senior Griffin Halenar placed sixth at heavyweight in Division III, and junior Brian Luft at 132 placed seventh and senior Brendan Sheehan eighth at 165, giving the Green Wave a historic three medalists. Luft edged Valley View’s Evan Wilcox 4-2 as he reached the podium for the first time in three trips.
"It means the world to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to compete with," Luft said. "I’m gonna miss all our seniors because they’ve not only been my teammates but have become brothers to me. We had a great season, and I can’t wait for senior year on the way."
Newark senior Jibreel Smith pinned Miamisburg’s Jayden Cochran to place seventh in Division I at 126. It was his third pin of the tournament after he went 0-2 in his first appearance as a junior.
"It feels like all the hard work and long practices paid off," Jibreel Smith said.
Northridge senior Michael Fister also finished on a high note. His 8-2 victory against Liberty Center’s Jackson Bartels earned him seventh place at 138 in Division III after he just missed placing in his first trip last season.
Licking Valley freshman Addison Justice is just getting started in what could be an outstanding career. She beat Montpelier’s Jacee Altaffer 12-7 to place seventh at 120 in the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s first girls tournament.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Seven Licking County wrestlers earn final OHSAA placement Sunday
