ATTICA — Mohawk won the Northern 10 Athletic Conference wrestling tournament Saturday at Seneca East High School with three individual champions in the six-team field.
Bucyrus finished second under first-year coach Shane Kokensparger, who was elated with the Redmens’ showing.
“We came in with 12 guys. We’re missing our heavyweight right now with a skin infection,” Kokensparger said. “We wrestled hard and have vastly improved from day one until now.”
Bucyrus boasted five wrestlers in the finals, with Bryant Pfeifer winning at 215 pounds.
“Big huge win for Pfeifer over Carman at 215. Both are state-ranked kids. A dominant win 5-0 with over four minutes of riding time,” he said. “We wrapped up second place in team points, which is a vast improvement over last year and the year prior. They worked hard. Last year they had six kids. This year we got 20 kids as a team,” Kokensparger said.
Pfeifer knew he was in for a tough match against Carey’s Issac Carman.
“He has a really strong base and strong hips. Him and I have always gone at it since freshman year,” he said. “He’s beaten me a couple times. I have all the respect for him.”
Pfeifer took Carmen down in the first period and stayed in control through the match.
“I’ve been wrestling since I could walk pretty much, since I was three years old. I’ve had a passion for it ever since I first stepped on the mat. Win or lose, I love this sport to death,” he said. “I’m hoping to take it to the next level in college. I’ve put in many hours, probably years’ worth of experience, and it’s all starting to pay off.”
Pfeifer spoke of the sacrifice he and others put into achieving success.
“Relationships, family, friends. I’ve made sure wrestling is number one when it’s the season, anytime actually.”
Kiyran Kershner (113), Dalton Barker (126), Mason Gebhart (132) and Rakim Deaver (144) placed second for Bucyrus.
“Right now, we are just preparing for next week’s sectionals. The top four from sectionals will go on to districts. We’re looking to improve every day. So, Bryant has a great shot to step on the podium. If he wrestles like he did today, he’s definitely going to be first-team all-state,” Kokensparger said.“Heart. Doesn’t miss a practice. The team aspect is over. Now it’s about getting those guys ready to move on.”
Barker encountered a familiar foe in Frank Depinet of Upper Sandusky, who scored a pin on him in 46 seconds.
“Dalton ran into a buzzsaw. Frankie is a great kid. That just helps him,” Kokensparger said.
Depinet has been battling injuries.
“I just tried to get back to my normal wrestling. I have a torn labrum and a broken hand,” he said.
Barker said the loss to Depinet will help him improve.
“I expected him to come into the match all speedy, which he did. I tried keeping him in a tie-up and control his arms. It gives you the mentality that you gotta go out and do better.”
Buckeye Central finished sixth as a team. Kaiden Vaughn made it to the 190-pound finals, losing to Aiden Gallant (Upper Sandusky) via pin in 5:17. Five other Bucks wrestlers placed third or fourth.
The Redmen have bought into the hard work, Kokensparger said.
“They know this is a commitment and it doesn’t end until Columbus. Right now, it’s about what can we do to Bryant, Dalton and the next guys to districts.”
Mohawk coach Brad Rice was pleased with his team’s N10 tourney win.
“The kids are amazing. They’ve had a good attitude leading up to leagues. We’ve been preaching that everything’s important, but there’s nothing special about it.”
A relaxed atmosphere that includes playing music and card games keeps it fun, Rice said.
“Try to get the kids relaxed and have a good time.”
The Warriors had three champions — Owen England (138); Jace Margraf (144) and Kael Margraf (157).
“They led the team today with their pins and major decisions. All-around we have a young team. They just enjoy the grind.”