VERSAILLES — The West Liberty-Salem boys wrestling team opened postseason competition this weekend at the Division III sectional tournament hosted by Versailles High School, turning in a strong performance against one of the state’s toughest sectional fields.
Competing among 23 teams, the Tigers finished third overall, trailing only defending team state champion Graham Local and host Versailles.
The tournament is widely regarded as one of the most competitive Division III sectionals in Ohio, with only the top four finishers in each weight class advancing to the district tournament.
Despite the challenge, West Liberty-Salem placed seven wrestlers in the top four to earn automatic district berths. Two additional Tigers finished fifth to claim district alternate positions, while another wrestler placed sixth.
Individual results
138 pounds — Kyler Langhardt: 3-0, two technical falls, Sectional Champion
126 pounds — Lucas Merriman: 3-1, one pin and one technical fall, Sectional runner-up
165 pounds — Silas Krabill: 3-1, two pins, Sectional runner-up
175 pounds — Robert Park: 3-1, two pins, Sectional runner-up
113 pounds — Wyatt Shoemaker: 3-1, one pin and one major decision, 3rd place
132 pounds — Madden Kilgore: 3-2, two pins, 4th place
215 pounds — Sam Bradford: 3-2, two pins, 4th place
144 pounds — Derek Wall: 3-2, two pins and a technical fall, 5th place (district alternate)
285 pounds — Maverick Reames: 3-2, two pins and one major decision, 5th place (district alternate)
120 pounds — Aiyden Moxley: 2-3, two pins, 6th place
All 10 Tiger wrestlers placed in the top six, highlighting a successful start to the postseason for West Liberty-Salem.
The Tigers will next compete at the Division III district tournament Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, at Troy’s Hobart Arena, where wrestlers will battle for qualifying spots in the OHSAA state championships.
