West Holmes sophomore Louden Dixon (46-6) wrapped up what was an impressive overall season, as he finished fifth in the Division II State Championship in the 144 pound class, while being named All-Ohio.
Dixon was the top wrestler on the Knights this season, and at the Division II State Championship Tournament he went 4-2 with a pin. Dixon beat Cooper Smith, a sophomore from Steubenville with a 46-8 record, in the fifth place match by a score of 3-1. There was no score in the first period but Dixon was able to score an escape to get a 1-0 lead after two periods. Smith tied things up at 1-1 when he countered with an escape in the third period. With less than 30 seconds left, Dixon scored on a takedown.
This was the third weekend in a row that Dixon beat Smith, as he took him down in the District championship match and the Sectional semifinals.
“Louden had a very tough weight class,” Coach Scott Vaughn said in the West Holmes Knights Wrestling Newsletter. “I was very proud of the grit he showed in his fifth place match. He had to face Smith for the third time in as many weeks. This kid is very good and Louden beat him for the third time. All three matches were overtime wins. That shows the character and toughness that Louden has inside of him. Great season by Louden and I expect much more from him in the future.”
Dixon opened the tournament with a win by pin over junior Anthony Laverdiere of Bexley at 3:38. He then faced Highland’s Cael Gilmore in the quarterfinals on the second day of states, where there was a hard fought battle and an eventual 5-3 sudden victory in favor of Gilmore. Dixon took down Gilmore with less than 10 seconds left in the first period, but then in the third period Gilmore scored on an escape that led to a takedown. With a second left in the match, Dixon scored an escape to send it to extras. Gilmore scored with less than 15 seconds remaining on a takedown.
In the consolation second round, Dixon beat sophomore Aiden Kyser of Vermilion 2-0 to guarantee a podium spot. Dixon won the consolation quarterfinal match over senior Zach Greber of Celina 5-2 in comeback fashion.
He had a strong event, and was very close to getting to the third place match, but was taken down by junior Danny Beckett of Buckeye, 7-2 in the consolation semifinals. On the third day of competition, Dixon faced Beckett in a match that a win would have put him in the third place bout if he won. Dixon had several tries to score, but Becket countered multiple times to get takedowns leading to the win.
Grant Miller also competed in the 215 pound class and was one win shy of a podium spot. The senior qualified for states for the first time in his career, finishing the season 44-11. He had a career record of 112-77 with 84 pins.
Coach Vaughn said in the newsletter that Miller was not only bigger and strong this year, with better technique, but mentally he was on top of his game. Vaughn said he has enjoyed coaching him and watching him grow as a person.
“Grant has made such a big leap from last year,” Vaughn said in the newsletter. “I really thought he had a chance to place at districts last year. I feel like I've said this 100 times at this point, but I really think that the reason he didn't place last year, then qualified for state this year is between the ears. He really believed he was going to win when he placed his foot on the line.”
Cole Porter was at states as an alternate after placing fifth at the District Tournament. He had a 38-17 season wrestling in the 175 pound class.
The Knights placed 36th out of 84 teams with 14 points. Placing first was Buckeye with 125.5 points, with St. Francis DeSales the runner up with 95 points.
