There’s truly no place like home. Avon Lake demonstrated this by clinching its home Cobos Insurance Classic with a commanding score of 340 points on December 7. The Shoremen outperformed the second-place team, Aurora, who tallied 226.5 points, and had 10 wrestlers advance to the finals, with five securing titles. Additionally, three others earned third […]
There’s truly no place like home.
Avon Lake demonstrated this by clinching its home Cobos Insurance Classic with a commanding score of 340 points on December 7.
The Shoremen outperformed the second-place team, Aurora, who tallied 226.5 points, and had 10 wrestlers advance to the finals, with five securing titles. Additionally, three others earned third place and one finished in fourth.
“Personally, I felt really supported by my teammates,” stated Avon Lake senior Will Schnabel. “We had 10 athletes in the (final) match and every one was competing for placement. The energy was fantastic from the morning. I want to express my gratitude to my team, my coaches, and my family. We’ve been dedicated to our training in the practice room.”
Schnabel, who qualified for the state meet last year, has had a solid start to this season. He was one of the five Shoremen atop the podium, winning with a technical fall against Strongsville’s Dane Albert in the 157-pound final, 18-3.
“I’m extremely thrilled and can’t wait to have the opportunity to go back to Columbus,” Schnabel remarked. “We face a challenging district, but I have full confidence in myself. There’s no doubt we’ll have more athletes heading down this year.”
Nathan Greiger kicked things off for Avon Lake by winning the 126-pound final against North Ridgeville’s Logan Rottari with a score of 6-2. Kaeden Lademann (132) and Jack Valerino (138) both secured victories, marking three consecutive wins for the team, and Pablo Secin claimed the win at 215 with a 10-6 decision over Amherst’s Jordan Hatfield.
“I got my offense going really well today,” Valerino commented. “I managed to pull through, and it was a great day for the entire team. We all show up every day and put in the effort. It’s a highly competitive environment, so everyone’s improving. It definitely reflects on the mat. Winning at home in front of our fans is always fantastic.”
North Ridgeville and Amherst finished tied for fourth with 157.5 points, while Avon secured sixth with 131 points. Elyria Catholic took eighth with 108, followed by Avon Lake B (65) and Wellington (53).
North Ridgeville and Avon each had two champions, while Amherst recorded three second-place finishes and Elyria Catholic had two.
Ian Rottari was first to secure a final win for the Rangers at 106 pounds, defeating Elyria Catholic’s Maddox Moos with a 13-7 decision. The senior fell behind 5-3 after one period but bounced back strongly. Brian Taylor followed up with another victory for Ridgeville, pinning Avon Lake’s Aide Omoijuanfo at 3:23 in the 190-pound final.
“It really enhances confidence,” Rottari said. “I genuinely feel positive about this year and I’m excited to kick it off like this.”
Avon’s Anthony Mrosko matched his own pinfall victory over Strongsville’s Tyler Petkov at 144 pounds at 1:47. With a more favorable mindset entering his junior season, Mrosko is eager for what lies ahead.
“My mindset this season is far improved compared to last year since I’ve matured and understand the sport better,” he shared. “I am also more driven this season. I’m pleased with the outcome.”
Eian Englehart also achieved a pin for the Eagles in the 285-pound match against Avon Lake’s Jackson West.
