After a year of relentless preparation, grueling training, and countless hours of blood, sweat, and sacrifice, the wrestling season has reached its thrilling climax at the state tournament. The Bees rose to the occasion, sending an impressive 10 wrestlers to compete at the highest level, proving their dedication and resilience.
The Bees have finished 4th in the state as a team, with the powerhouse St. Edward winning states yet again. Several individual performances stood out, with two wrestlers reaching the finals and one being crowned a state champion.
At 113 pounds, Rylan Seacrist captured the state title, bringing home the gold for the Bees. His hard work and determination throughout the season culminated in this incredible achievement. Congratulations to Rylan on becoming the 2024 State Champion!
Another standout performance came from Riley McPherson at 215 pounds. McPherson battled his way to the state finals, ultimately finishing as the State Runner-Up. His grit and perseverance throughout the season were on full display, and he has much to be proud of.
The Bees also had several other wrestlers place in the tournament. Jace Jett, competing at 138 pounds, had an impressive showing, winning by technical fall over St. Edward and ultimately finishing 3rd in the State. This marks Jace’s second time placing at the state tournament, a testament to his skill and consistency.
In the heavyweight division, EJ German fought his way to the finals, but came up just short, finishing sixth in the State. As a Junior State Place winner, German has another shot at making a run for the title next season.
At 106 pounds, Lucas Schulz, only a freshman, showed immense promise. He secured a fifth place finish after defeating Cincinnati Moeller by fall. Fellow freshman Cole Speer also had an impressive tournament at 120 pounds, finishing sixth in the State after a hard-fought 6-5 match.
The Bees’ upperclassmen also delivered strong performances. Senior, Harrison Haffner, competing at 126 pounds, finished fifth in the State after defeating Massillon Perry 6-2. This marks Haffner’s second time placing at states, capping off a strong senior campaign.
Senior, Cayden Pluhar, wrestling at 132 pounds, also placed fifth in the State after defeating a 2x returning state finalist. His victory demonstrated his grit and determination in his final high school match.
Senior, Edwin Rios, competing at 190 pounds, narrowly missed victory in his match against Massillon Perry, falling 1-0. Despite the tough loss, he secured a sixth place finish and ended his high school career as a State Placewinner.
Anna Madi, competing in the girls’ division, also had a stellar performance. She pinned her opponent to secure a seventh place finish in the State, making her a 3x State Place winner as only a junior. She will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with next season.
The Bees’ wrestling team has truly made their mark this season, showcasing resilience, determination, and elite skill at the state tournament. With ten state qualifiers and multiple podium finishes their hard work has paid off, and they have cemented themselves as one of the top programs in the state. From state champions to underclassmen rising stars, the future looks bright for the Bees.
As the season comes to a close, the team can take pride in their incredible accomplishments.. Their dedication, perseverance, and competitive spirit have set a standard of winning that will continue to drive the program forward. Congratulations to all the wrestlers and coaches on an outstanding season.
