COLUMBUS — Carter Trukovich isn’t where he wants to be.
But Galion’s newly-minted state runner-up is getting closer.
Trukovich fell to Licking Valley’s Joe Curry 7-1 in the 126-pound championship match Sunday inside Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center.
The loss proved to be a learning experience for Trukovich (34-5).
“Obviously I’m excited to make it here, but I’m not very happy or satisfied,” Trukovich said. “I’m not where I want to be so it’s back to the lab.
“I need to get my head and hands defense better. I’ve been doing better with it this year, but out there it didn’t really show up.”
Below are photos from Trukovich’s state championship match Sunday evening. Credit: Curt Conrad
‘Letting it Fly’
The free-wielding Trukovich advanced to the state final with a wild 17-15 win over Columbus DeSales Josh Sheets in the semifinals. That wide-open approach backfired in the finals.
“I came out there trying to score points, letting it fly like I did every other match,” Trukovich said. “He (Curry) shut it down and got to his go-to stuff.
“He did a good job of capitalizing on me being overly-aggressive.”
Fuel For the Fire
Trukovich picked up his 100th career victory at last week’s Norwalk district tournament and is 103-16 in three seasons. He is a three-time state qualifier and two-time state placer.
Still, Sunday’s loss left a bad taste in his mouth.
“This is not a good feeling,” Trukovich said. “I don’t want it to happen again.”