I well remember the first time the OAC presented the idea of a junior high state tournament. It caught me by surprise because junior high wrestling was almost invisible, and so much of youth wrestling was freestyle. Still, it was an intriguing concept, but the logistics seemed almost insurmountable. After all, the high school state tournament process involves literally hundreds of educators and administrators and requires months of preparation. Would it even be possible for a small cadre of men to generate the enthusiasm and dedication to make this work? Clearly, the past 15 years have convincingly demonstrated that they have.
I was fortunate enough to be a presenter at that first tournament in 1999 at some ancient fieldhouse in Sandusky. That was my introduction to a fabulous group of young wrestlers such as two-time NCAA Division I national champ J. Jaggers, eventual three-time state champs Matt Koz and Tanner Shearer, and a host of other young wrestlers who would become state champions at the high school level. The wrestling was so good that it was immediately apparent that this was an idea that would withstand the test of time.
And so it has done these past 15 years. This is an anniversary that deserves celebration because it not only crowns the best junior high wrestlers from throughout the state, but inspires so many to participate and get better. I count at least five NCAA Division I national champions who won at this tournament along with countless state champions–more than many other states have produced in that time frame. The tournament has grown and prospered, and each year the quality of wrestling and the depth of competition have gotten even better. During March you will see the finest middle school and junior high wrestlers in Ohio competing for state titles that not only carry tremendous prestige, but provide a firm foundation for future success. A quick review shows that every champion at this tournament between 2009 and 2011 is already a premier high school competitor today. At the same time most every participant during that time frame is providing the strength and depth associated with Ohio wrestling. There are no time machines (a fact I bitterly regret), however, not only will you see great wrestling at this tournament, but you will also witness a part of the future. Based on your experience the next few days, I think you’ll believe it will be an exciting and productive one.