Johnstown’s David McClelland repeats for DeSales at OHSAA wrestling

On Mar 14, 2023

COLUMBUS — David McClelland ended his career Sunday where he has been throughout a banner two-year run for the DeSales wrestling team — at the top.

McClelland, a Johnstown resident, beat St. Paris Graham’s Hayden Hughes 5-0 at 138 pounds to win his second consecutive Division II state championship at Ohio State. McClelland stood at the top of the podium at 132 as a junior.

McClelland was one of five champions from Central Catholic League schools as their competitors flexed their muscles throughout the three-day weekend.

“It was an amazing weekend for the CCL,” McClelland said. “Hartley has always produced some kids, and with Watterson and DeSales going like we have, we constantly push each other in the CCL to get better.”

March 12, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA;
David McClelland of DeSales celebrates after beating Hayden Hughes of Graham at 138 lbs. in Division II during the finals of the OHSAA state wrestling tournament.
Mandatory Credit: Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch

McClelland, who was born and raised in Johnstown but attended Lake Highland Prep in Florida for his freshman and sophomore seasons, has been nearly unbeatable since returning to central Ohio. He won his first match by pin before winning by scores of 6-0 against Hartley’s Cooper Rathburn, who eventually placed third, and 7-5 against Carrollton’s Josh Carman before shutting out Hughes.

McClelland was joined wearing gold by junior teammate Max Shulaw, who finished an unbeaten season at 215. That duo led the Stallions (120.5) to their first runner-up finish since 1985 as Graham (157) won its 22nd title in a row and 24th overall.

“This was a really good weekend,” said DeSales coach Collin Palmer, who was named state Coach of the Year in Division II. “It’s a step in the right direction. I’m hoping to add a couple more to the lineup and come back looking for first next year.”