Newark wrestling wins Utica Invitational

The Newark wrestling team dominated the upper weights Saturday, winning three consecutive titles and won four classes overall to claim the championship during the Utica Invitational.

Nicholas Harrell (113) pinned all five of his opponents, beating North Union’s Kannon Alvarado in the final, and James Daughtery (165) also pinned all five of his opponents, beating Olentangy Berlin’s Liam Doneyhue in the final for the Wildcats, who totaled 189 points, finishing ahead of runner-up Utica’s 165.5.

Also winning for Newark, Kallan Baker (175) finished 4-0 with two pins, beating Barnesville’s Robby Nixon 16-1 in the final, and Reece Redman (190) also finished 4-0 with two pins, beating Fredericktown’s Mason Hoeflich 6-0 in the final.

Utica’s Breyden Hill (126) finished 5-0 with three pins, beating Independence’s Alex Mickens 7-4 in the final, and Clayton Smith (150) pinned all five of his opponents, beating Wooster’s Dylan Hudson in the final.

Johnstown’s Hayden Wood (157) finished 4-1 and took runner-up. Utica’s Anthony Unger (106) and Nick Drumm (138), Newark’s Ray Taylor (126), Heath’s Jakhi Royster (144), Licking Valley’s Adam Terry (175) and Johnstown’s Derrick Grigsby (190) each placed third.