HILLIARD — The Hilliard Darby High School gymnasium transformed into a wrestling arena for the boys Division 1, Region 5 tournament to determine who will wrestle next weekend for the state title.
Mount Vernon brought seven wrestlers: Gabriel Kiser (106), Ty Thomas (132 pounds, and Gabe Thomas (144), Preston Mempfield (150), Maverik Gregory (157) , and Trevor Jones (215).Â
The top four wrestlers from each weight class will advance to the state finals. Between his bouts, Ty Thomas waited and explained his training regimen in preparing for the regional tournament.
“I try to get a lot of rest and get my mind right,” he said. “I can’t let my opponent get into my mind.
“Sure, I get nervous, but I have to use that nervousness to my advantage. I just have to control myself.”.
Gregory and Trevor Jones both advanced to the semifinals. Coach Corey Firebaugh pointed out one bout in particular.
“Luke Mullins (190 pounds) lost a tough one in overtime, but can bounce back tomorrow,” Firebaugh said.
Gabe Thomas, the 144-pounder, will also wrestle for a chance to go to the state finals. Â
“The plan for tomorrow is to take it one match at a time and get into the top four for those still alive,” Firebaugh said.Â
Mount Vernon girls will wrestle at Big Walnut High School beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with the semifinals on Sunday.