Bellefontaine’s high school and middle school wrestling teams both beat host Urbana on Wednesday to sweep the annual Battle of Route 68 event that pits the two longtime rivals against each other on the mat.
The high school Chiefs won 42-30.
“We’re real proud the guys after tonight’s performance,” said BHS head coach Aaron LaBatt. “This is something the kids really enjoy and adds a fun element with the traveling trophy.
“We moved the lineup around a little bit to help match up better with Urbana. We also had guys who have struggled this year give their best performances.”
Bellefontaine took a 36-30 lead into the final match and Chieftain heavyweight Charlie Bible recorded a pin to seal the victory for BHS.
“It came down to the final match at heavyweight,” said LaBatt. “Charlie had pinned that kid before, but there was a lot of pressure on him tonight. He handled it well and delivered when his team needed him too. Every one of these guys fought and that was what we needed to come away with a win tonight.”
Also getting wins via pin for Bellefontaine were Jared Young (106), Zavier May (144) and Parker Knox (175).
Earning wins by forfeit were Wyatt Latimer (113), Wes Morris (126) and Zane Tevis (138).
The middle school Chiefs won by a 42-34 tally.
Winning for BMS were Aiden Wells (80), Brooks Kinchen (86), Brenden Murray (104), Nicholas Beair (122), Tristyn Wilson (134), Thane Admire (142) and Noah Torsell (150).
For the middle school girls team, Karsyn Newkirk and Rylee Nelson both won by pin.
The high school Chiefs return to action Feb. 11 at the Dixie Invitational.
