Anyone wishing to get a sneak peak of what the state wrestling tournament will look like might want to head to Garfield Heights High School this weekend.
At least that’s what the record books tell us as the Northeast Ohio Conference Tournament takes place for the fourth time.
History proves that if you fare well at the NOCT, a trip to Columbus is pretty much in the bag.
Last year, 29 individuals qualified for state and 15 placed in a banner year for the conference.
That’s just par for the course in the three-year history of the NOC.
“I think it’s definitely a great tournament,” Twinsburg coach Dave Mariola Sr. said. “It preps us for the sectional and district.
“I think it’s harder than our sectionals. It’s 18 teams, and the leaders from each division are very good.”
One of those leaders would be Medina.
A year ago, the Bees held the lead after Day 1, but the resurgent Tigers came back with six finalists and four champions to claim the title.
While Twinsburg graduated eight seniors from last year’s squad, it is looking to join the likes of pre-tournament favorites Solon, Elyria and Medina in what could be an epic battle this season.
“We have to be on our game every match,” Bees coach Chad Gilmore said. “You look at this as your big finale of the season. You’ll be gunning for those people that will be standing on the podium (in Columbus).
“It gives you a better idea of where you are. Traditionally, Northeast Ohio is one of the strongest parts of the state in terms of wrestling. We’re taking the best teams and putting them in the same conference. These teams produce state placers every year.”
No one has won the NOCT twice, as Mayfield captured the title the first year with Elyria and Twinsburg falling in line after that.
“If you have 12 good kids in a weight class, you’ll have some battles there,” Mariola said. “Traditionally, the kids that come out first or second have a real good shot at going to district.”
Returning individual champions are Solon’s Brandon Thompson, Medina’s Mike Griffith, Twinsburg’s Mike Labry, Lyndhurst Brush’s Tywan Claxton, North Royalton’s Dan Yurkovich and Mayfield’s Tylan Coleman.
At least that’s what the record books tell us as the Northeast Ohio Conference Tournament takes place for the fourth time.
History proves that if you fare well at the NOCT, a trip to Columbus is pretty much in the bag.
Last year, 29 individuals qualified for state and 15 placed in a banner year for the conference.
That’s just par for the course in the three-year history of the NOC.
“I think it’s definitely a great tournament,” Twinsburg coach Dave Mariola Sr. said. “It preps us for the sectional and district.
“I think it’s harder than our sectionals. It’s 18 teams, and the leaders from each division are very good.”
One of those leaders would be Medina.
A year ago, the Bees held the lead after Day 1, but the resurgent Tigers came back with six finalists and four champions to claim the title.
While Twinsburg graduated eight seniors from last year’s squad, it is looking to join the likes of pre-tournament favorites Solon, Elyria and Medina in what could be an epic battle this season.
“We have to be on our game every match,” Bees coach Chad Gilmore said. “You look at this as your big finale of the season. You’ll be gunning for those people that will be standing on the podium (in Columbus).
“It gives you a better idea of where you are. Traditionally, Northeast Ohio is one of the strongest parts of the state in terms of wrestling. We’re taking the best teams and putting them in the same conference. These teams produce state placers every year.”
No one has won the NOCT twice, as Mayfield captured the title the first year with Elyria and Twinsburg falling in line after that.
“If you have 12 good kids in a weight class, you’ll have some battles there,” Mariola said. “Traditionally, the kids that come out first or second have a real good shot at going to district.”
Returning individual champions are Solon’s Brandon Thompson, Medina’s Mike Griffith, Twinsburg’s Mike Labry, Lyndhurst Brush’s Tywan Claxton, North Royalton’s Dan Yurkovich and Mayfield’s Tylan Coleman.
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