by Michael Leonard

Sports Editor

Akron — It has been a very tough season for Tallmadge wrestling and that trend continued for the Blue Devils who reached districts.

Corey Wheeler and Riley Midock each went 1-2 for Tallmadge at a Division II district meet at Firestone High School in Akron, meaning both were unable to advance to the state meet.

The top four in each weight class at Firestone advanced to the state competition.

Despite the early exit, Tallmadge head coach Jim Brown remained positive about his team’s effort this season.

“We’ve make a lot of progress from November to now,” he said. “We’ve got a very young team this year and we’ll have just about everyone back.”

Wheeler was one of only two seniors on the Blue Devils’ roster this season. Wrestling at 119 pounds, Wheeler dropped his first match 10-5 to Chardon Notre Dame Cathedral Latin’s Arden Bement. 

Wheeler rebounded with a 7-6 win over Ravenna Southeast’s James Sampson, but saw his high school career end with a 12-5 loss to Hubbard’s Mitch Perry.

Only a sophomore, Midock was making a first trip to districts, but was given a rude welcoming by Beloit West Branch’s Dustin Graham, who pinned him in 3 minutes, 11 seconds.

Midock came back with pin of his own, sticking Akron Kenmore’s Charles Butcher 1:45. However, Midock was eliminated by Mantua Crestwood’s Stevie Alger, 15-7. 

“We had a couple alternates here as well,” Brown said. “It was a disappointment that [senior 189-pounder] Jared Rumbold couldn’t make it here.”

Brown admitted one of his biggest challenges this season has been keeping up team morale, given how rigorous the Suburban League has been.

“The top half our league has been as tough as any in the state,” Brown said. “Hopefully, we’ll have the experience to get some guys to states next year.”

E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com

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