Lauren Mobley, a regional champion at 125 pounds, goes for a double-leg takedown during the Region 2 tournament at Marysville. The Lady Monarch is one of six MHS girls who will compete during the state tournament at The Ohio State University.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
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The results of the recent regional wrestling tournament have catapulted six Marysville girls to the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s top stage.
The Lady Monarchs, who captured the Region 2 tournament championship, will be represented at the state tournament this weekend by Cami Leng (115), Lauren Mobley (125), Addi Lyon (135), Cara Leng (140), Lori Grimes (170) and Desi Lee (235).
All of the MHS girls placed in the top three of their weight divisions.
The top four in each weight category qualified for the state tournament that will begin Friday evening and run through Sunday.
It will be held at The Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center.
“We’re in pretty good shape going into the state tournament,” said coach Shawn Andrews. “We’re excited about the fact that all six placed in the top three during last weekend’s regional tournament.”
Mobley and Grimes claimed regional titles on the Marysville home mats, while Cami Leng and Lee took runner-up honors.
Cara Leng and Lyon both placed third.
Grimes, who is making her second appearance at the state tournament, is the third generation of her family to be a Monarch wrestler.
Her grandfather Larry (MHS-1976) and father Lucas (Marysville-2003) Grimes, who placed third in the state tournament his senior year, came before her as MHS wrestlers.
“It has meant a lot to me to have my grandfather and father as mentors,” she said. “They were both sectional champions and were very happy when I won the regional championship.”
Lori Grimes posted a 1-2 record during last year’s state tournament. That has left her hoping for a much better showing this time around.
“I’m hungry for it this year,” she said. “I’m one of four regional champions and I just want to focus on what I can do.”
Grimes, a junior, will take a 41-10 record into her first-round match against a fellow junior, Cardington’s Cameron Sherman (23-5).
“I feel confident about my first-round match,” said Grimes. “When I’m in control, it’s my match.”
Just what has worked the best for the Lady Monarch this season?
“I’ve done well hand-fighting from the neutral position,” she said.
Grimes will be joined by Lyon, who qualified for the state a year ago, and Lee, who competed in the state tournament two years ago when girls wrestling was a club sport.
Lyon, a junior, sports a 42-8 record, while Lee, another junior, has won 39 of her 45 matches.
Lyon will tangle with Harrison senior Lilly Kinsel (38-5), while Lee will face Jessica Edwards, a senior from Harrison (38-5).
Lee has been at a size disadvantage during most of her matches this winter.
She’s actually closer to between 185 and 190 pounds, meaning she’s had to go up against opponents who are far bigger.
Andrews said the advice he’s given his athletes this week is what many other coaches are saying on the eve of the state tournament.
“You can’t look too far ahead in the bracket,” he said. “The first six matches of the tournament are the ones we’re focused on at this time.”
As with most wrestling teams, the Lady Monarchs have had their share of ailments through a long and physical campaign.
“Between illness and the bumps and bruises that come with every season, we’re the best we’ve felt in a month,” said Andrews. “The girls are looking fresh and now it’s just the time to go out and wrestle.
“I know all the girls want to reach the awards podium (the top eight places in each weight bracket),” he said. “Our expectations are for them to wrestle their best.
“If we do that, the results will be what they are,”said the coach.