By Cort Reynolds
ROSSFORD – Five members of the young Bluffton High School wrestling team gained valuable experience at the Div. III district meet in Rossford Friday and Saturday, March 4-5.
The competition was a double-elimination event.
Bluffton sophomore Jett Blackburn lost his first match in the 138 lbs. bracket by pin at 3:58 to Port Clinton senior William Jackson.
In the first consolation round vs. Plymouth senior Cayle Pope, Blackburn won by an 8-2 decision.
But later on Saturday in the consolation second round, Blackburn lost to Hopewell-Loudon senior Isreal Ortiz by pin at 4:19 to end his season with a 15-11 record.
Pirate freshman Micah Rehm won his first-round match at 132 lbs. with a pin at 42 seconds against Mohawk freshman Brent Kirian. In round two, Rehm lost to Archbold senior Gabe Chapa via pin at 1:28.
In the second consolation round Saturday, Rehm was pinned by Oak Harbor sophomore Ethan DeTray at 2:14 to end his season with a 12-14 record.
Pirate senior Isaiah Mikesell dropped his first-round match in the 165 lbs. division. He then lost by pin at 1:28 to senior Hayden Buhro of Oak Harbor.
In the first consolation round vs. Seneca East junior Blake Martin on Saturday, Mikesell lost an 8-0 majority decision to finish his season with a 14-15 mark.
Bluffton sophomore Jaiden Smith lost his first-round match in the 126 lbs. bracket by pin at 57 seconds to Sherwood Fairview senior Robby Bennett.
In the first consolation round Saturday, Smith lost a 7-1 decision to Ashland Crestview freshman Gage Bowman. He concludes his season with a record of 5-12.
Freshman Zyven Smith lost his first-round match in the 106 lbs. bracket by pin at 32 seconds to Eastwood junior Ian Reynolds.
In the consolation first round, Smith was pinned at 3:33 by sophomore Cameron Blazetsky of Monroeville to end his season.
Top-four finishes at the district tournament qualify a wrestler for the state meet March 10-12 at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus.
The Pirates scored four points at the 51-team competition. Archbold won the district team championship.
