Disappointing evening doesn’t spoil historic season for NC wrestling

On Mar 12, 2023

COLUMBUS ― It wasn’t the second day at Division III state wrestling that Newark Catholic, or the Licking County League for that matter, was looking for Saturday in Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center.

An 0-7 finish at night put a bit of a damper on what had happened that morning.

However, one thing it couldn’t tarnish, was the fact that all seven of those wrestlers will still be on the podium during Sunday’s awards as All-Ohioans. “It was a very historic year for Newark Catholic, and added even more to the history of the program,” coach Jake Nelson said. “It was the only time we’ve had three on the podium in the same year, and highlights the careers of two of our seniors.”

Griffin Halenar (39-6) reached the heavyweight semifinals in the morning as he continued to pin his way through the tournament, but was then beaten 7-1 by Eli Criblez (48-1) of Allen East. He can still finish third with a pair of victories on Sunday.

Brendan Sheehan (46-4) dropped a 6-3 decision in the 165-pound consolation round to Gage Bolt (39-3) of Westfall, whom he had beaten in the sectional and district finals in tight matches. However, his 3-1 win Saturday morning against Rod Owens (25-7) of Kettering Alter, a district champion, clinched at least eighth place and a podium spot, and he can still finish seventh with a victory on Sunday.

Junior Brian Luft (21-5) was pinned in the first period of his 132-pound consolation match by Chase Vanderhorst (41-4) of Covington, but earlier assured himself of at least eighth place and first-time All-Ohio status in his third state appearance. An escape point was all he needed for a 1-0 decision over Gabe Chapa (52-11) from Archbold and he’ll go for seventh place Sunday.

After pinning Seth Stanley (42-9) of Margaretta in 3:57 to reach the semifinals, Halenar ran up against Criblez, who was not only slightly taller than him, but much heavier. Unable to get his normal shots in, Criblez used a couple of takedowns to finally stop Halenar’s impressive run and reach the finals.

“It was definitely different,” said Halenar, who had been able to pin much taller opponents throughout the postseason. “I’ll try to recover tonight and come back stronger tomorrow.”

“That kid was a heck of a mountain to climb. He was about 50 pounds heavier, and he (Halenar) was just outsized,” Nelson said. “You didn’t wrestle badly. I’m very happy with your effort,” assistant coach Delane King told him. “It was a size thing.”

Halenar now faces another district champ in 45-4 Daren Christine of Conneaut, and even with a loss, can finish no lower than sixth.

Sheehan nearly had a third consecutive win against Bolt, but a key call caused a four-point swing in his opponent’s favor. “It’s hard to beat a kid of that quality, three times in three weeks,” Nelson said.

While disappointed, Sheehan wasn’t totally discouraged as he’ll stand on the podium.

“It was the goal from the start,” he said. “It was great to have three good matches with him. He’s so talented, and big things are ahead. I have a lot of respect for him, and the coaches have a lot of respect for each other. It was fun. I’ll still take it (the state) as a win, especially after taking my sophomore year off, and I’ll go for seventh tomorrow.” He went 0-2 in Columbus last year as a junior and was pinned in his first match this year, but rebounded to make All-Ohio.

Luft, who sat out over a month with injury, was still able to break through and reach the podium, although he fell short of surpassing older brother Billy, who is constantly by his side and placed sixth as a junior at 152. He’ll get one more chance next year.

“This season was a great win for our team,” Sheehan said. “We’re not like a lot of teams. We only have seven, and we start a month and a half later than everyone else.”

It was also a historic season for Licking Valley freshman Addison Justice (26-5), who became the first Licking County League wrestler to win in the first girls state tournament held in conjunction with the boys, and the first to place. She was well on her way to a 120-pound victory against Rittman’s Merrick Gibson (18-6) on Saturday morning, winning by injury default, before being major decisioned 13-4 by Jonathan Alder’s Ava Ater (31-8) in the evening. Justice will wrestle for seventh place Sunday morning.