Photo by Jessica Archer
Despite a change of location, a different set up, and a limited audience, the annual Ohio State Wrestling Tournament certainly did not disappoint. Especially for Senior Sal Perrine.
While he didn’t get spotlights and fireworks, as is the traditional state finals spectacle, he still made his way to the State Finals match on Sunday.
After a heartbreaking cancellation of the state tournament in 2020, Sal never lost focus of March 14, 2021. He funnelled his frustration into work and his disappointment into determination. If you had the chance to see Sal wrestle this season, you knew right away you were watching someone special. It’s almost like losing was actually impossible. Sal just wasn’t going to let it happen. Day in and day out, Sal was on a level all his own. This weekend wasn’t any different. In round one, he handled Chase Stein from Cincinnati LaSalle 19-7. In the second championship round he beat Mitchell Broskie from Dublin Coffman. In the semi-final round, he beat Owen Amburgy from Mason 2-1. Sal heads to the state championship match undefeated at 48-0. He will face Camden McDanel from Teays Valley.
Sal wasn’t the only Knight at the state tournament this year. In contrast to the polished and seasoned vet, the future of Nordonia Wrestling was also here. Israel Petite, a 4th place district placer earned his spot at the big show. Israel had a respectable showing, losing his first match to the undefeated Casey Wiles from Cincinnati LaSalle. In the consolation round, Petite won 7-3 over Jacob Shanklin of Upper Arlington. In his final match of the day, Petite lost to Ethan Birden from Dublin Coffman. Izzy will be a fun one to watch over the next three years.
State Wrestling Tournament Coverage
Jessica Archer, Guest Writer
