The McClain Tigers wrestling team competed in the Xenia Invitational on Saturday which pitted them up against division one opponents.

McClain finished a very strong third place out of 13 total teams, while entering wrestlers in only 8 of the 14 weight classes.

“”I am very proud of the way these young men accepted the challenge, and fought hard today,” said head coach Shane Paul.

Leading the way for McClain were Keegan Rawlins (132) and Jake Badgley (152). They both finished as runners-up. Both also wrestled Hilliard Darby opponents in the finals. Sid Wardlow (138) finished in third place. Aaron Kovach (120), Tanner Tite (126), and Ethan Taylor (170) all placed fourth. Kyler Trefz (160) went 2-2 and Tommy Johnson (145) went 1-1, both earning valuable team points. Johnson also wrestled up a weight class in order to fill an empty slot in the lineup and give the team a better chance of a higher team placement. Also, entering the tournament as a non point scorer was Jon Stroud (160). Jon went 1-3 on the day and gained valuable varsity experience.

Up next for the Tigers is a super tri match at Jonathan Alder High School on December 23rd, starting at 5pm. The team would also like to take the opportunity to thank Wal-mart Distribution 7012 for the donation for uniforms and a new set of scales.

Reach Robert Stegbauer at 937-393-3456 ext. 1679 or on Twitter @RStegbauer.