For the second year in a row, Wadsworth wrestling has produced an individual State Championship. Matt Kallai kept the elite tradition alive by defeating his Mayfield opponent 8-0 in the State final match last March.

Now coaches and the rest of the 2002-03 team are ready to begin their quest to eleven peat and continue the dominance in the Suburban League, as well as, take a more than five to the State Tournament in the 16,000 seat Schottenstein Center in Columbus.

After completing one of the toughest schedules in team history and winning its 10 consecutive Suburban League championships and placing 7 out of 8 top 10 finishes at the State Tournament, area teams may wonder if the Grizzlies will have anything left in the year 2002. The 2002-03 season will soon test the young Grizzlies who have worked hard in the off season trying to earn the privilege to carry on the great tradition set by past teams.

Last year's 11-3 team qualified five individuals and placed four, finishing sixth overall at the State Tournament. They included:

Matt Kallai (171 State Champion), Donnie Srock (160 4th Place), Chance Riley (140 6th Place),Timmy Miller (135 6th Place). Incidentally, several of last year's seniors are continuing their athletic careers. Matt Kallai has earned a Division I scholarship and will wrestle and attend Ohio State University. Doug Perrigo is attending and playing football for Ohio Wesleyan..

This year's Grizzlies will try to fend off perennial power Highland and Green . Last year the Grizzlies did not lose a dual meet in the League and also won the League Tournament and its tenth consecutive title posting 7 champions while 6 return : Josh Kallai, Adam Melton, Timmy Miller, Donnie Srock, Luke Busson, and Sengbe Kemokai. They are all working hard to repeat, and help other Grizzlies become champs, keep the SLT, and take a contingent of wrestlers to the State Championships in Columbus, Ohio.

The nucleus of the 2002-03 team has worked extremely hard in the off-season, with individual wrestlers posting more than 200 total hours of lifting weight, wrestling at open mats on Thursday night, and attending summer camps especially the Ohio State team camp.

The 2002 team is led by Seniors: Brandon Cobb, Sengbe Kemokai, Ricky Wise, Donnie Srock, and Aaron Yocum Juniors: Tim Budney, Luke Busson, Luke Ellebruch, Sean Gramuglia, Josh McInturff, Adam Melton, Jeremy Noble, Andrew Ralston, David Rea, John Singleton, Tyler Tucker, Carl Woosman, and Jason Yocum. Sophomores:Ryan Ball, Thad Cunningham, Jeff Gasser, Josh Kallai, Jason Kelty, Adam Kresowaty, Andrew Lang, Mike Latin, Travis Lyon, Timmie Miller, Shane Mumaw,Tyler Noble, Jason Singeton, Adam Smith, and Andy Tolliver. Coaches: Head Coach John Gramuglia, Assistants: Chris Kallai and Larry Kaufman, Volunteers, Mike Kallai, Bill Robertson, Kip Shipley, Don Srock, and Todd Winter. Team Doctor: Dr. Papas.

The future looks promising with another strong 9th grade team. They are determined group with a good deal of potential. In fact, some freshmen will see varsity action. Incidentally, this is the eighth 9th grade class with Youth League experience at Firestone High School, and the coaches have indeed noticed the difference.

Over 60 enthusiastic 7th and 8th graders have turned out for the Central Middle School. They are coached by Bill Talcott and assistant coach Matt Shiarla. Both coaches continue to do a great job molding and developing young talent that feed the high school. They have won several tournaments over the past years and have developed a winning attitude and a very strong work ethic.

The entire family of coaches are working hard in order to dominate the Suburban League and this area. It is also our goal to continue the tradition of placing wrestlers at the State Tournament and winning another ultimate wrestling honor, a State Championship.