(Courtesy/Ceci. R.)

Wrestlers Nina K. and Ceci R. competed at the Schottenstein Center at The Ohio State University on Friday through Sunday, March 8-10, in the OHSAA girls wrestling state championship. Nina earned a 3rd-place podium spot in the 135-pound weight class, and Ceci ended 4th in the 105-pound weight class. Academy finished 16th out of 110 schools.

Ceci started the tournament with a record of 27-4 but lost her first match 3-6 to Maycee A. (starting record of 35-6) from Eaton. However, she bulldozed her way through the consolation bracket and won 4-1 against Kenzie M. (35-7) from Minerva then defeated Nikera J. (35-6) from Sandusky with a score of 4-2 earned in a sudden-victory win in overtime. In the quarterfinals, Ceci triumphed 7-3 versus Emily L. (41-6) from Gahanna Lincoln. In the semifinals, she had a rematch with Maycee, but this time she had the upper hand and won 3-2. In the consolation finals match, Ceci fell short 4-8 to Ashlynn B. (37-3) from Mount Vernon.

Nina (26-5) lost her first match to Sophia A. (39-6) from North Royalton at 5:39 in a pin, but she also found success in the consolation bracket. She defeated Andi A. (29-19) from Lebanon 8-3, then pinned Janelle D. (27-7) from Clermont Northeastern at 2:18. In the quarterfinals, Nina dominated her opponent, pinning Addi L. (42-8) from Marysville in 53 seconds. Nina once again faced Sophia in the semifinals and overcame her 10-6 in this rematch. In the consolation finals and to win third place, Nina reigned victorious over Kiera D. (39-2) from Seneca East, pinning her at 2:09.

Both Ceci and Nina battled their way through formidable opponents this season, culminating in victories in the state tournament against the best of the best. Congratulations to both of them on an incredible journey and season!