The Mount Vernon wrestling team achieved a commendable performance at the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division I sectional tournament on Saturday, securing a second-place finish with 200.5 points at Newark High School.
According to the results, the Yellow Jackets faced a challenging bracket, producing multiple champions and demonstrating their standing among Ohio’s elite teams. Dublin Coffman claimed the team title with 308.5 points, but Mount Vernon wrestlers made their presence felt by tying with Olentangy Orange for second place. The Yellow Jackets’ efforts were underscored by individual championships from Mavrik Gregory (157 pounds), Jake Taylor (165), Luke Mullins (190), and Alex Taylor (285).
Gregory dominated his 157-pound final, earning a major decision victory (13-5) over Big Walnut’s Nathan Barnes. Taylor followed with a quick pin at 165 pounds, defeating Olentangy Orange’s Peyton Ogles in just 1:45. At 190 pounds, Mullins secured a hard-fought decision over Jacob Slack of Olentangy Orange, winning 13-7. The most emphatic statement of the night came in the heavyweight division, where Alex Taylor took down Dublin Coffman’s Clayton Shipley in just 31 seconds—the fastest pin of the finals.
While Dublin Coffman had the depth to claim the overall title, Mount Vernon’s top wrestlers showed they are prepared for higher levels of competition. Despite tough losses in other weight classes, including closely contested matches for Caleb Snyder (106) and Mason Mitchell (150), the Yellow Jackets' standout performances ensured that the team remained competitive throughout the tournament.
With multiple district qualifiers, Mount Vernon now shifts its focus to the upcoming district tournament as it aims to maintain its momentum and send wrestlers to the OHSAA state championships.
