LEXINGTON – Lexington wrestling coach Brent Rastetter is used to drama when it comes to his team competing for a spot in the state dual meet tournament.
But it usually comes near the end of the evening, rather than before the regional matches even begin.
Regardless, the outcome was the same Wednesday night as Lexington punched its third straight ticket to the Ohio High School Athletic Association dual state meet. The Minutemen knocked off River Valley (46-22) in the regional semifinals and then Miami Trace in the finals (44-25).
The Minutemen will be one of eight teams competing at St. John Arena on Feb. 14, the third year the OHSAA has sponsored the event.
It was not as easy as the final scores may indicate. Lexington was without the services of senior state qualifier Drew Kasper, still recovering from an injury that has him sidelined until the Ohio Cardinal Conference meet on Saturday.
“Drew is a difference maker,” Rastetter said.
The situation became more troubled when sophomore T.J. Gerhardt failed to make weight at 170 pounds and two other starters had to run after school to lose weight to be eligible for the matches in their weight classes.
“It’s been a challenge this season,” said Rastetter, whose team will seek its eighth straight OCC title when the Minutemen host the event Saturday. “But the boys keep stepping up. We keep telling them it’s what happens at the end of the season that counts. I am pleased with their progress.”
Gerhardt, who has never had a weight issue before, was sidelined during the win over River Valley, a match that saw the Minutemen build a 34-6 lead before stumbling a bit down the stretch. But Gerhardt came back in the 182-pound class against Miami Trace and claimed a crucial 5-2 decision over junior Matthew Hottinger.
The win broke a two-match Miami Trace winning streak and gave the Minutemen a 32-19 lead with state placers Bailey Faust and Nate Temple still to come at 220 and 285 pounds, respectively.
“The plan was for T.J. to wrestle 170 against River Valley and then 182 against a tough opponent from Miami Trace,” Rastetter said. “I am not surprised he won that match. T.J. is very capable and he is extremely athletic.”
Seven Lexington wrestlers posted two victories, including senior Max Baker (120 pounds), senior Jacob Dalton (126), senior state qualifier Brandon Leynaud (132), senior state qualifier Jon Watkins (145), senior Xavier White (152), Faust (2 forfeit victories) and Temple.
Leynaud and Temple both posted first-period pins in both of their matches.
Single wins were recorded by freshman Spencer Drake (106), freshman Mason Hoskins (113), and senior Chuck Mikelait (138).
Eight teams will compete in the state dual tournament, likely led by national power St. Paris Graham. Rastetter said his team could be seeded anywhere from third to sixth for the event.
“It will likely be Graham and Toledo Central Catholic as the top two seeds and three through six could be anyone,” he said.
Next up, however, is the OCC meet on Saturday.
“We have got some wrestling to do,” Rastetter said. “We had an emotional high tonight and we will have a low tomorrow when we recover. But we have to regroup and be ready to go on Saturday.”
SCORES:
Regional semifinals
Lexington 46, River Valley 22
Miami Trace 48, Washington Court House 18
Regional finals
Lexington 44, Miami Trace 25
