Buckeye wrestling places second at OHSAA sectional, sends 10 to districts

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — Buckeye High School wrestling turned in a strong team performance at the OHSAA sectional tournament Saturday at Kenston, finishing second in the team race with 230.5 points and advancing 10 wrestlers plus one alternate to the District tournament.

Perry edged out the Bucks for the sectional title with 240 points, but Buckeye kept itself firmly in contention throughout the day behind a balanced lineup that produced champions, finalists and crucial placement points across multiple weight classes.

Buckeye crowned two sectional champions, as Blake Bartos and Brody Zoul each navigated their brackets to the top of the podium. Their titles not only secured high seeds at districts but also provided critical bonus points that helped keep the Bucks within striking distance of Perry in the final team standings.

The Bucks also stacked the finals with three runners-up: Vinny Joy, Collin Bartos and Brenden McKee. Each advanced to the championship round in their respective weights, adding significant advancement and placement points to Buckeye’s total while locking in automatic berths to the district tournament.

Depth in the middle and upper weights helped solidify Buckeye’s runner-up finish. Logan Letner and Preston Ware battled back to take third place, while Carter Hershkowitz, Kaden Locker and Zack Simmons each finished fourth to round out the team’s 10 district qualifiers. Their ability to win consolation bouts and secure top-four finishes proved pivotal in pushing the Bucks past the rest of the field in the team race.

Buckeye also produced one alternate, Dan Leonard, who finished just outside automatic qualification but remains in line to compete at districts if a spot opens in his weight class. His placement added to an overall showing that demonstrated the Bucks’ lineup depth and competitiveness across nearly every weight.

With 10 wrestlers and an alternate moving on from sectionals, Buckeye enters the district tournament with momentum and a large contingent capable of challenging for state berths. The Bucks’ combination of individual champions, multiple finalists and strong consolation performances positions the program well for the next round of postseason competition.