3-3-08 Rockets Crown THREE STATE CHAMPS

The Oak Harbor Wrestlers accomplished something this past weekend that has never been done in school history.  They won 3 individual state championships, while taking 2nd as a team.  This was the second time in school history that Oak Harbor has taken second as a team, but they have never crowned three individual champions in one year.  It was not easy for these guys, even the 3 time state champion Magrum found himself down at times, but always seemed to find a way to win.  Magrum is the school's first three time state champion.  He won titles at 171lbs the past two years and won this past title at 189lbs, one weight class up.  His title bout was a close one, with Magrum winning by a point, against Jeremy Foster of Eastwood.  The two have met a total of four times this year with this match being the closest, but the result the same, Magrum winning. 

The night started out on a high note, with Tank winning a rematch of his last year's title match.  Tank, who was pinned by Boyd last year in the finals, got the ultimate payback in his last match.  Tied 1-1 in the first period of sudden death overtime, Tank took advantage of an out of position Boyd, catching him on his hip securing a takedown, but with the match out of reach for Boyd, Tank finished him off by pinning him.  This gave the team 6 points, leaving Oak Harbor 1/2 point out of second with two title matches to go. 

Next up for the Rockets was Keith Witt at 171lbs.  Keith had navigated his way through a very tough draw to find his way into the finals, against a familiar opponent, Michaels of Clyde.  Keith's draw included the 3rd, 4th and 6th place finishers in his weight class.  In the title match, Keith left no doubt he would be denied.  With an early 4-1 lead, Witt started to pour on the points finishing the match by winning 12-6.  Once Keith won this match, Oak Harbor had wrapped up the team runner-up trophy for good.  Magrum's win put the Rockets 7.5 points ahead of Walsh Jesuit and the celebration began.

There were a total of 6 state qualifiers for Oak Harbor and the champs were not alone in scoring for the Rockets.  Konnor Witt, and Mike Mallernee each scored a first round victory, but dropped their next two bouts, just coming short of all-state honors.  Jake Cramer also participated for the team, but was stopped in his first two bouts.  This was a good learning experience for these guys as well as the fans.  With these 3 qualifiers coming back next season, along with 2007 state qualifier, Drew Stone, the sky is the limit for the Oak Harbor wrestling team.  Good luck and congrats to the team, coaches, fans and families....!!!