BUCYRUS — When it comes to wrestling, the beat goes on for Upper Sandusky.
The Rams dominated the Bucyrus Invitational Tournament by besting second-place North Union, 222-120.
“Led by four champions and four runners-up, the Rams put on a great showing,” Bucyrus coach Jeremy Peoples said. “What impressed me for Upper was the dominance of 152-pound champ Ashton Shepherd, who didn’t give up an offensive point in his four matches.”
In addition to Shepherd, Rams’ champions were Frank Depinet II at 106, Emory Pahl at 138 and Aiden Gallant at 182. Runners-up were Gage Ebert (113), Ronan Gullifer (132), Garrett Thomas (170) and Carson Van Horn (220).
Other locals in the 16-team field were Seneca East in third place with 112.5 points, Mohawk in eighth with 87, Buckeye Central in ninth with 79.5 and host Bucyrus 13th with 46.
“I thought North Union had a pretty solid day despite finishing in second place more than 100 points behind the leader,” Peoples said. “North Union had seven wrestlers in the top four in their respective weight classes, the mark of consistency that shows good work in the practice room.”
So consistent were the Wildcats, they finished second with no weight class champion and only one second-place finish, Alec Oreilly at 195.
Peoples was impressed by a few individual performances as well. Northwood’s Austin Cole won at 220 with three pins and a 23-8 technical fall in the finals, while winning his 100th career match. The Rangers finished fourth with 106 points.
Trevor Franks of Lakota wan not only the 170-pound champion but the tournament’s most valuable wrestler. This was the third time Franks has won the BIT and his fourth time placing. The Raiders finished seventh at 94.5.
“We had a pretty rough day,” Peoples said of his own team. “We were led by solid performances from Tanner Alsept, second at 152 pounds and Kael Scott was third at 160, who both pinned their way through their wins.”
The first-year Bucyrus mentor also praised Logan Benedict at 160 pounds who placed fifth and had three pins on the day. Peoples also noted that the Redmen were limited in scoring opportunities with injuries at 106, 220 and 285.
For Buckeye Central, Jacob Maxhimer finished third at 220 and scored 13 team points. Eli Smith was fifth at 170 and totaled 14.5 team points for the Bucks.
“The Bucyrus Invitational Tournament is a very important event for our program, and I wish I could do more than say a simple thank you to all the volunteers who make it possible,” Peoples said. “Days like Saturday wouldn’t be possible without the multitudes of volunteers who work the scoring tables, concession stands, hospitality rooms and really do just about anything else we ask of them.”
Peoples said another big event, though not a fund-raiser as such, is the School-Day Dual with Galion. Peoples said it began a couple of years ago to boost wrestling’s notoriety, especially among students since it takes place during regular school hours.
“So far, I think it’s been a great success,” Peoples said. “Last year’s event was held at Bucyrus and it might have been the loudest I’ve ever heard that gym in my handful of years at Bucyrus.”
The third-annual meet will be hosted by Galion on December 20. The site alternates between the schools yearly.
Team scores
- Upper Sandusky 222
- North Union 120
- Seneca East 112.5
- Northwood 106
- Monroeville 105.5
- Ashland 103.5
- Lakota 94.5
- Mohawk 87
- Buckeye Central 79.5
- Kenton 64
- Elgin 63.5
- Hillsdale 55.5
- Bucyrus 46
- Shelby 38.5
- Toledo Start 38
- Cardington 4