Newark Catholic’s Griffin Halenar advances to OHSAA wrestling semis
COLUMBUS — The dream of a state wrestling title remains alive for Newark Catholic senior Griffin Halenar.
Halenar won his Division III heavyweight quarterfinal by pin against Margaretta’s Seth Stanley on Saturday morning to earn a spot in the semifinals Saturday night at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center.
Halenar has clinched at least a top six finish, but he now is two victories from a championship. He wrestles Allen East’s Eli Criblez likely around 7:30 p.m.
Two of Halenar’s NC teammates will join him on the podium. Junior Brian Luft (132) and senior Brendan Sheehan (165) each won consolation matches on Saturday afternoon to clinch All-Ohio honors, and they can climb as high as third place if they continue winning.
Northridge senior Michael Fister (138) clinched his first trip to the podium. Utica senior Clayton Smith (144) will return to the podium after placing fourth last season.
Newark senior Jibreel Smith (126) also earned his first All-Ohio honor with a pin in Division I.
Licking Valley freshman Addison Justice (120) gave Licking County seven guaranteed placers and its first in girls history with a victory. Heath senior Taryn Gamble (126) lost a back-and-forth match, 12-8, and was eliminated.
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