Seven Licking County wrestlers earn final OHSAA placement Sunday

When Clayton Smith hangs his state medals side by side, only one other Utica wrestler can do the same.

Smith finished his career on a historic note, joining Scott Crane as the program’s only two-time state placers. He beat Tuscarawas Valley’s T.J. Wilson 4-0 on Sunday to earn seventh place in Division III at 144 pounds on the final day of the championships at Ohio State.

“I’m glad I finished on a good note, but it leaves me with some unfinished business to roll right in to college with now,” Smith said. “I’m focused on finishing out high school and deciding on a college, but I’m excited to have the opportunity to wrestle in college.”

Smith qualified for the state tournament as a freshman in 2020, but it was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. He was edged out at the district tournament as a sophomore, but he rebounded last season, qualifying and climbing all the way to fourth.

Smith has been a key member of the rise of Utica’s program under coach Mark Rakoczy, joining fellow three-time qualifiers Wesley Wydick, the 126-pound runner-up last season, and Brock Wygle, who each graduated a year ago.