Comet Tales
Commemorative State Championship Wrestling Edition
Comets Win 4th Straight State Title
A record 9 Comet wrestlers advanced to the mats in Columbus at the 2019 OHSAA individual wrestling state tournament at the Jerome Schottenstein Center to compete against 168 schools for the top spot in Division III. In the opening round the Maroon and Grey won 6 of their 9 matches. Senior Jacob Stewart (17-6) broke his hand in his first bout and was unable to place while fellow Senior Brian Martin (41-12) fell a point short of placing finishing 1-2 on the weekend. From that point forward the Comets would dominate the remainder of the their matches as they went an incredible 30-5 overall in the tournament and crowned an unprecedented 6 state champions! D'Emilio became the 32nd four-time state champion in OHSAA history after pinning New Paris National Trail's Peyton Lane in 1:35. D'Emilio finished his senior season with a 54-3 record, bringing his high school career record to 210-6 and placing him tied for ninth all-time in career wins. D'Emilio led Genoa to its second-straight individual tournament team championship. The Comets have now won back-to-back titles in the OHSAA dual team and individual wrestling state tournaments. Genoa finished the tournament with a Division III record 172 points. Including D'Emilio's title, the Comets had six wrestlers finish atop the podium and one finish in third, Senior two time state placer Noah Koch (48-4). Senior Oscar Sanchez (47-3) won the Division III 120 pound weight class to become a two-time state champion. Sanchez finished second in the 113 pound class in 2018 and won the 106 pound class in 2017. Senior Julian Sanchez (27-1) defeated Delta's Cole Mattin 3-1 in the 132 pound class to become a 4x state placer, junior Dustin Morgillo (50-3) defeated Ashtabula St. John's Nick Burgard 5-1 in the 145 pound class, junior Kevin Contos (48-2) won 9-2 over Ashland Mapleton's Beau Lefever in the 152 pound class and James Limongi finished an undefeated senior season with a 7-1 win over Ashtabula St. John's Ethan Ducca. Limongi (43-0) won the 160 pound class in 2017, as well. Limongi would be the program's 20th overall State Champion and did so without surrendering a Tarkenton all season. The comet wrestlers would win their 4th consecutive Team State Championship as they outdistance runner up Rootstown by nearly 100 points. As a whole the Genoa's Men of the Mat rewrote the record books in Division III as it was the first time any Division III team crowned 6 state champions. Furthermore it was the first time in any division that one team crowned 5 state champions in five consecutive weight classes. The team title would be the teams 5th straight top ten finish in the state (2015-5th, 2016-6th, 2017-2nd, 2018-1st, 2019-1st) as the Comets completed back to back undefeated seasons at 57-0 in route to their 7th consecutive NBC Team Championship. Oscar Sanchez, Dylan D'Emilio, Julian Sanchez, Jacob Stewart, Dustin Morgillo, and Kevin Contos each earned Academic All Ohio honors. While Dylan D'Emilio was names Most Outstanding Wrestler of Division III.
Congratulations on Special Year!
Go Comets!
Genoa smashes Division III record for team points at state
By: Matt Horn ~ Port Clinton News Herald
Genoa's Dylan D'Emilio earned a state championship his first three years in high school.
The Comets took the team crown at the individual state tournament in Columbus last season.
Genoa, however, wasn't simply focused on defending titles Saturday. It was thinking about destroying everything in its path.
D'Emilio (138 pounds) took another state championship, along with five teammates, as the Comets stacked 172 points to finish first. They won 30 of 35 matches.
"Winning a state title with five of my teammates is awesome and I couldn't be any happier for them," D'Emilio said.
The old record was 162 points in Division III. There have been three divisions for 46 years.
"We knew we had a special team and we were trying to break the point record," D'Emilio said. "We knew if we would do that, people would remember us. We can say we are the most dominant team in Division III history.
"It was a special night for all of us."
D'Emilio (210-6) is the 10th in Ohio to win 210 matches or more. He's the 32nd to take four state championships.
"Four is special because it's something I've worked for for so long," D'Emilio said. "I've thought about it constantly for 10 years. To finally achieve that goal feels really good."
Oscar Sanchez (120), Julian Sanchez (132), James Limongi (160), Kevin Contos (152) and Dustin Morgillo (145) won championships for Genoa. D'Emilio pinned New Paris National Trail's Peyton Lane in 1:35 in the final.
"All of those state champs were in total control of their matches and never trailed," Genoa coach Bob Bergman said. "It's an amazing group."
Oscar Sanchez beat Edison's Ray Adams 6-2, Julian Sanchez beat Delta's Cole Mattin 3-1, and Morgillo beat Ashtabula's Nick Burgard 5-1 in the finals. Contos beat Ashland Mapleton's Beau Lefever 9-2 and Limongi beat Ashtabula St. John's Ethan Ducca 7-1.
Oscar Sanchez was first in Columbus as a sophomore and second last season.
Mattin earned a state crown last season and beat Julian Sanchez at Medina this season. Burgard beat Morgillo in the state semifinal before taking a championship last season.
"It was very rewarding to watch that," Bergman said of Morgillo. "He dominated."
Julian Sanchez was runner-up at state twice and placed a third time prior to Saturday.
"We all went crazy," Bergman said. "It was a huge release for all of us yelling and screaming and cheering. We wanted it so badly for him. To realize his dream."
Limongi, who battled a foot injury to finish third at state last season after a championship as a sophomore, finished unbeaten in 43 matches this year. He was never taken down.
"He's stoic," Bergman said. "He kept churning out points. He's tough on top cranking people around."
Contos' grandfather, father and uncle captured national championships as high school coaches and/or Division I wrestlers. None, however, won state crowns.
"That's a huge wrestling family," Bergman said. "If you hear the name, you think wrestling. It was an exclamation point for the family and for all of us
Genoa heavyweight Noah Koch beat Elmwood's Kain Brossia 3-2 by tiebreaker to finish third for the second straight season. Koch, in only his fourth year wrestling, beat Delta's Dalton Richard 4-1.
Oscar Sanchez beat Cardington-Lincoln's Draven Hubley 15-0 by technical fall and pinned Gates Mills Hawken's Jackson Reineke in 1:06 on Friday. Oscar Sanchez beat North Lima South Range's Michael Markulin 17-4 by major decision Thursday.
Julian Sanchez pinned Rayland Buckeye Local's Brian Palmer in 3:41 and beat Rootstown's Trent Duvall 14-4 by major decision. Sanchez first beat Columbiana Crestview's Trey Wonner 12-2 by major decision.
D'Emilio pinned Newark Catholic's JT Brown in 3:04 and shut out Rootstown's Niko Chilson 6-0. D'Emilio started with a pin of Orrville's Wyatt Zimmerman in 2:57.
Morgillo beat Troy Christian's Ryan Whitten 5-3 and Massillon Tuslaw's Brier Marthey 10-4. Morgillo also beat Magnolia Sandy Valley's Jacob Newell 7-1.
Contos pinned Massillon Tuslaw's Brennan Shirley in 1:03 and beat Covington's Keringten Martin 11-4. Contos beat Versailles' Cael Bay 16-1 by technical fall.
Limongi pinned Massillon Tuslaw's Kyle Ryder in 1:19 and beat Apple Creek Waynedale's Max Lemon 9-1 by major decision. Limongi pinned Cory Rawson's Deontae Davis in 1:41.
Koch beat Danville's Dylan Wilson 5-1 and pinned Newark Catholic's Liam Kirkpatrick in 3:42. Koch was pinned Thursday by Camden Preble Shawnee's Ty Stevenson in 3:26 before he beat Orrville's Coddie Phillips 8-2.
Genoa's Brian Martin (195) beat Baltimore Liberty Union's Casey Fleahman 14-3 by major decision Thursday after he was pinned in 1:04 by Harrod Allen East's Garrett Neth. Martin fell 6-5 to Oak Harbor's Jake Sage.
"He was one match from placing," Bergman said. "From seventh-grade through ninth, he had zero wins. He had a sub-.500 record on JV as a sophomore. His junior and senior year he was a mainstay.
"No one's come further. It's pretty remarkable."
The Comets' Jacob Stewart (170) lost 3-2 to Bridgeport's Santino Kusil and 6-1 to Mechanicsburg's Jaron Patterson.
Oscar Sanchez, Julian Sanchez, D'Emilio, Limongi, Stewart, Martin, Koch and Alex Duran are seniors. Oscar Sanchez continues his career at Ohio University, Julian Sanchez at West Point, D'Emilio at Ohio State and Limongi at Kent State.
"A bunch of guys that worked together toward a common goal," Bergman said. "You have four going to college on Division I scholarships. That's rare in Division III.
"The four others are journeymen who increased their intensity and commitment to wrestling with those guys."
Genoa wrestling wins state title again with historic performance
By: Mark Monroe ~ Toledo Blade
COLUMBUS — The Genoa wrestling team lived out what seemed like a far-fetched dream sequence at the Division III state tournament on Saturday at the Schottenstein Center.
Led by the historic accomplishment of four-time individual champion Dylan D’Emilio, the Comets set a meet record for most points in the team standings with 172.
D’Emilio became just the 32nd wrestler in the rich tradition of Ohio state wrestling to win a fourth state championship. He finished his senior season with a pin in the 138-pound final and a 57-3 record.
The senior had four falls in Columbus, wrapping up an amazing career with an astonishing four-year record of 210-6.
“It feels great. I’m among a group of legends. It’s pretty cool company,” said D’Emilio, who never finished a season with less than 50 wins, and went 54-3 this year. “It’s something I’ve been working for for a long time, so it feels great to accomplish that.”
The Comets sent six wrestlers to the championship finals and all won titles. Genoa repeated as team champions of the individual and dual meet tournaments.
Senior Oscar Sanchez, (120), his twin brother senior Julian Sanchez (132), junior Dustin Morgillo (145), junior Kevin Contos (152), and senior James Limongi (160) all stood atop the podium.
“Phenomenal,” Genoa coach Bob Bergman said. “We’re all pinching ourselves. Everything clicked. We were running on all cylinders. God shined on us big time. Our kids worked their tails off this year.”
Genoa heavyweight Noah Koch also finished third as the Comets topped the D-III state record for team points of 162 set by Troy Christian in 2008. The all-time record for most points was set by Division I powerhouse Lakewood St. Edward, which had 229, in 2007.
D’Emilio, who will wrestle at Ohio State, won state titles as a senior (138), junior (132), sophomore (113) and freshman (106). He said winning along with five of his teammates made it that much more special.
“It’s so much sweeter. We’re having fun. It’s so much cooler to have eight other guys down here. We all hung out here. It’s been a family atmosphere and, to all be wrestling on this mat, is just really special,” D’Emilio said.
Oscar Sanchez got things rolling for Genoa when he defeated Ray Adams of Edison 6-2 in the final at 120. Sanchez, who was nursing a sprained knee, scored two takedowns over the first minute to take a 6-2 lead after allowing Adams to escape twice.
Sanchez (47-4) said the win provided some redemption after he finished second here last year.
“It feels great to end my career on top,” said Sanchez, who had won it all as a sophomore. “This is sweeter than the first. I really wanted to be a three-time state champion. This is the next best thing.”
At 132, Oscar’s brother Julian then earned his first state title when he beat defending state champion Cole Mattin of Delta 3-1.
Sanchez registered the decisive takedown with 17 seconds left. It was the fourth time in five meetings that Sanchez defeated Mattin, who finished 43-4.
“I just knew I needed that takedown and I pushed through,” said Julian, who had finished second in Columbus two other times. “This have been my goal forever. It feels awesome. This year I came through. There is nothing better than performing on this big stage.”
Junior Dustin Morgillo (50-3) won his 145-pound final in convincing style with a 5-1 decision over defending state champion Nick Burgard of Ashtabula St. John. Morgillo, who placed third here last year, avenged a loss to Burgard here in the state semifinals l ast March.
“It’s pretty sweet to beat someone that beat me last year,” he said. “That was the biggest motivating factor. I watched that video so many times. Every practice I was thinking about beating him. “
Morgillo recorded a takedown with 36 seconds left and rolled to the win with three more points in the third.
“It’s awesome to be a part of this program,” Morgillo said. “Everyone on this team works so hard.”
Junior Kevin Contos made it five for five for the Comets as he won in dominating fashion 7-1 over Beau Lefever of Ashland Mapleton at 152. Contos (48-2) got a takedown with 20 seconds left in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. He then recorded an escape and takedown to seize a 7-0 lead in the second. He added another takedown with 53 seconds left to provide the exclamation point.
“This is one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had in my life,” Contos said. “It’s amazing. I want to do this again. I’ve always heard since I was a little kid that I could win a state championship. I’m so happy to be a part of this family.”
Limongi capped an incredible night for the Comets and finishes his senior season with a perfect 43-0 record. Limongi got a 7-1 win over Ethan Ducca of Ashtabula St. John to become a two-time state champ.
“It’s the best experience of my life hands down,” said Limongi, who also won as a sophomore and was third as a junior. “This sport takes a lot of work and dedication. [It’s great] to see it pay off for me and my teammates. Winning my last high school match is definitely a good note. We came here and took care of business.”
Genoa’s Koch beat Kain Brossia of Elmwood 3-2 in he consolation finals.
Bergman said all of his wrestlers executed all aspects with leg attacks, turns, and escapes.
“This time of year that is hard to do,” he said. “I’m so proud of our kids.”
Bergman called D’Emilio’s accomplishment well deserved.
“The hours, the late nights, the traveling, the early mornings,” he said. “To see all that in this moment in time ... his dream came true. Hats off to him. He’s been a leader, a spark pug, a catalyst for us.”
D’Emilio said getting the pin in the final in the arena where he will compete in college made it even sweeter.“I just tried to stay as focused as I could on wrestling another match and just doing things I’ve done my whole life,” he said. ” I tried not to focus on the other stuff too much. But now that it’s over, I can soak it in. I don’t usually celebrate after my matches so it just kind of happened.
“My family is the biggest part of my success. To have them right there and to give them hugs mats-side is really special to me. I had aunts, and uncles, and a bunch of people out here supporting me from the Genoa community. It’s awesome to feel the love.”
Oscar Sanches - 120 lbs.
Julian Sanchez - 132 lbs.
Dustin Morillo - 145 lbs.
Kevin Contos - 152 lbs.
James Limongi - 160 lbs.
Genoa zeroes in on state record as they tear through wrestling tourney
By: Mark Monroe ~ Toledo Blade
“The kids are going after it,” Genoa coach Bob Bergman said. “That’s what you’ve got to do — you’ve got to trust your instincts and just go after it. It’s been remarkable.”
Genoa 138-pound senior Dylan D’Emilio said, “The goal is to bring a state championship back to Genoa. We are going to try and do it with as much power as we can. We’ve got six guys wrestling in the [finals] and we want to get those six guys state championships for us.”
The Division III state record for most points scored by Marion Pleasant (151½) is within Genoa’s reach.
“The kids want that, and I don’t know if there has ever been six finalists for any Division III school,” Bergman said.
D’Emilio added, “We want to score as many points as possible and hopefully we can get that record for most points scored by a Division III school.”
At 120 pounds, senior and defending state champion Oscar Sanchez (46-4) started it off by pinning Gates Mills Hawken junior Jackson Reineke (43-5) in 1:06. Sanchez will square off with Edison senior Ray Adams (57-6) in the championship.
His brother, Julian Sanchez (26-1), who will be a four-time state placer, won a 14-4 major decision against Rootstown senior Trent Duvall (35-6). Julian goes up against another four-time placer, Delta senior Cole Mattin (43-3), who pinned Creston Norwayne sophomore Austin Shepherd (39-11) in 1:43, in a district final rematch.
D’Emilio (53-3) won a 6-0 decision against Rootstown senior Niko Chilson (43-5). D’Emilio will go for his fourth state title against New Paris National Trail junior Peyton Lane (34-5).
“I took it like any other match,” D’Emilio said. “I went out there and kept the pace going forward and the pressure on. He tried to go out of bounds a couple times, and I had to pressure to keep it inside the mat, and got a couple takedowns and an escape, and rode it out for the third period. In all phases, it felt pretty good and I was able to get the win.”
Morgillo (49-3), who placed third last year at 132, will take on Ashtabula St. John senior Nick Burgard (36-6) in this year’s 145-pound final after Morgillo won a 10-4 decision against Massillon Tuslaw junior Brier Marthey (41-6). To win the match, Morgillo said he had to stay aggressive.
“I stayed on offense right there. I was always on the gas,” Morgillo said.
Genoa junior Kevin Contos (47-2) took down Covington senior Keringten Martin (52-3) in an 11-4 decision at 152 pounds. Contos will improve on last year’s sixth-place finish, going for his first state title against Mapleton senior Beau Lefever (43-2).
At 160, Genoa senior James Limongi (42-0) kept his perfect record intact, winning 9-1 against Apple Creek Waynedale senior Max Lemon (38-11). Limongi will look to win his second state title against Ashtabula St. John junior Ethan Ducca (42-6).
Bergman said, despite being unbeaten, Limongi wrestled one of his best matches this year. Limongi was thrilled by the praise.
“Right after the match, my coaches told me I won every position and did everything right,” Limongi said. “That feels good knowing that I went out there and did everything I could within my control and it turned out perfectly for me.”
Genoa wrestler D'Emilio joins elite group with 200 or more wins
By: Matt Horn ~ Port Clinton News Herald
Only 14 grapplers in Ohio high school history have reached that mark
Winning 100 matches in a career is a special achievement for a high school wrestler.
With 202 victories, Genoa senior Dylan D'Emilio can be twice as proud of himself.
D'Emilio pinned Woodmore's Blake Almroth in 31 seconds in the sectional quarterfinals for No. 200.
"It's cool to be in that group," he said. "I don't know how many have reached 200 wins. (Genoa's) Damian (D'Emilio) got 202. For both of us to be up there is pretty cool.
"(Genoa's) Jay Nino won 205. It's cool to be in that group. Nobody with 200 wins wasn't elite."
D'Emilio wasn't focused on the milestone until his girlfriend told him he had 199 wins after his first match at sectional. He wasn't counting as he considered his Columbus plan.
"I've been lucky to stay healthy, knock on wood," he said. "I've been blessed."
D'Emilio is the 14th in Ohio to reach 200 wins. Archbold's Jordan Cowell won 237 matches to top the list.
"Significant to Dylan's health, durability and consistency," Genoa coach Bob Bergman said. "Only 14 kids in Ohio's tradition-rich history are in this club."
Damian, who is D'Emilio's brother, graduated in 2016.
"He broke into 200 first," D'Emilio said. "He led the way with that. He started a year before me when we were really young. We've been wrestling together since we were 4 or 5.
"We still wrestle together. He's in the room all the time. We're close to the same weight. He's very unselfish and he'll do anything for me. He's been a huge impact on my career."
D'Emilio is 202-6 in his career. He earned his fourth Northern Buckeye Conference and sectional crowns.
"The goals are the same: Win my fourth state title and win state as a team," he said. "The goals are straightforward and they've been the goals for a long time. I'm a senior, so I have a chance at a fourth (state crown)."
D'Emilio is 46-3 as a senior. He lost twice at Ironman and once at Medina to opponents he can't see again.
He has three state and district championships.
"What makes Dylan unique is that he is extremely cerebral and is able to make adjustments while finding weaknesses in his opponents," Bergman said.
Typically, weaknesses are identified through patience. D'Emilio takes control imposing his will, then finds ways to dominate more.
"Do what I do best, which is getting to my offense," he said. "Be aggressive and get my hands on him early with my attacks."
D'Emilio, who continues his career at Ohio State, has a remarkable list of achievements. He works as though he still has to prove something, while making others proud.
"I love wrestling," he said. "I love the aspect of trying to get better. There's off days, but I love the sport. It's not a chore to work hard in practice and I have goals. It's fun.
"My practice partners, coaches and family have been a huge impact and given me a lot in my life in general, especially my wrestling career. They've been awesome."
Iron sharpens iron: Tiny Genoa has grown into a wrestling powerhouse
By: Mark Monroe ~ Toledo Blade
Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
GENOA — The Genoa wrestling room is a cauldron of heat and intensity, a fiery crucible that molds state champions.
The one-on-one battles that take place inside the practice facility are as fierce as any matches across the state. The wrestling program captured the first state title in the school’s history last March and is in good position to repeat in Columbus this weekend.
These Comets burn bright.
ron sharpens iron,” said senior Dylan D’Emilio, who has already won three state championships. “That’s what’s been going on here. Everybody builds off each other. Our toughest matches are in that room. You win 50 percent of them, and you lose 50 percent of them, and that’s where the growth is.”
The Comets won a second straight Ohio Division III state dual meet title Feb 10.
“Our guys don’t have to wonder if they have what it takes,” coach Bob Bergman said. “They know if they can take down a state champion in practice, they can be a state champion. So light bulbs go off. It makes it easier psychologically. That helps all of our weights — top to bottom. A lot of the timing and technique can be tightened up that way.”
Genoa has qualified nine of 14 wrestlers for the D-III individual state tournament — the most of any program in the division.
“We have the best room around,” said senior Julian Sanchez, a three-time state placer who has finished second twice. “We have four D-I guys wrestling in college next year.”
Julian Sanchez, who has a 23-1 record in the 132-pound weight class this season, and his twin brother Oscar have helped lay the bedrock for unprecedented success.
For us, we have good guys at every weight, so every day we are tested. Some of our best matches are in this room,” said Oscar Sanchez, who won a state title as a sophomore. “That makes a huge difference, because a lot of the guys that we wrestle don’t have a room like us.”
College coaches have taken notice. D’Emilio will wrestle at Ohio State, Oscar Sanchez has committed to Ohio University, and Julian Sanchez will attend West Point.
Fellow senior James Limongi, who has earned a scholarship to wrestle at Kent State University, is undefeated (39-0) at 160 this season.
“What makes us so successful is that we’re very consistent,” Limongi said.
Heavyweight Noah Koch has become a two-time state qualifier and finished third in Columbus last season.
“At the end of the year, we really start to rev it up for the state runs,” Koch said. “We go to the harder tournaments. We put in all the hard work in the offseason.”
At this wrestling factory, the Genoa grapplers are often facing the best competition in drills that they could possibly face in any regular-season match.
The Comets went a perfect 25-0 in dual meets this year. They won the Perrysburg Invitational and the Napoleon Gold Medal Duals.
Genoa also won the program’s seventh consecutive Northern Buckeye Conference championship Feb. 23 with eight individual champions. D’Emilio, Limongi, and the Sanchez brothers all became four-time league champions.
The Comets also won consecutive sectional and district individual tournament titles.
Bergman, who has been the head coach for eight years and is in his 10th year with the program, said the dedication and year-round commitment of his seniors have paid dividends.
“They’ve been the catalysts. That spreads to the other kids in the room. They are the barometer,” Bergman said. “It’s been a really special group, and it’s been neat to see them grow together. It’s gone fast for all of us.”
Making history
D’Emilio, who has a 50-3 record this season, is looking to become only the 30th Ohio wrestler to win four individual state titles. D’Emilio, who is competing in the 138-pound weight class, won titles as a freshman in 2016 at 106, as a sophomore in 2017 at 113, and last March at 132.
“It kind of flew by a little bit, but at the same time, it seems like I’ve been with these guys forever,” D’Emilio said. “We’ve traveled a lot together going back to middle school. It’s been a family for a long time. The bond has been there. It seems unreal it’s going to end soon.”
When the Genoa wrestlers gather at the Schottenstein Center on the Ohio State campus, the other grapplers now know the Comets’ maroon and gray singlets.
“It’s pretty cool that we won the first state title for Genoa in any sport last year. That gave us exposure for a small Division III school in northwest Ohio,” D’Emilio said. “When I was younger, people from other schools would be like, ‘You’re from Genoa? Where’s that?’ But now it’s like, ‘Oh, you’re from Genoa.’ So that’s pretty cool.”
The tournament starts on Thursday with preliminary rounds, and the championship matches begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Oscar Sanchez (43-4) and Limongi are looking to become two-time state champs. Oscar won the 106-pound title in 2017 and finished runner-up at 113 last season.
“I really want to leave a legacy for the guys coming in so that they can follow,” said Oscar Sanchez, who is competing at 120 this season. “It’s definitely gone quick.”
Limongi captured the 160-pound state title in 2017 and was third last March in the same class.
“It’s an honor to be a part of something like this,” Limongi said. “We’re just blessed that we’ve had the opportunity to do things like this. We want to keep it going.”
Julian Sanchez looks to get to the top of the podium at 132 after finishing second at state the last two seasons. He was runner-up at 120 as a sophomore and 126 last March as a junior.
“For the guys coming in, they can see they can trust the program,” Julian Sanchez said, “and they’ll know if they stick to it they can get better.”
Koch, who is nicknamed “Cookie Monster,” is 43-3 in the 285-pound weight class.
Juniors Dustin Morgillo (46-3 record at 145) and Kevin Contos (44-2 at 152) also are back at the state meet. Morgillo placed third last year at 138, while Contos was sixth at 152 in 2017.
Seniors Jacob Stewart (17-4 at 170) and Brian Martin (40-10 at 195) are making their first trips to the state tournament.
A lasting legacy
Bergman said his team battled injuries throughout the season and has just been able to put together a full 14-weight class lineup for the postseason.
“It’s a grueling grind,” he said.
Bergman said the main tenet of his philosophy is that his wrestlers must control their attitude and actions.
“These guys are givers, too. They have given back to the program,” he said. “They are high-character kids. You won’t see them pound their chests if they win. They just shake hands, no matter the outcome.”
Bergman said the goal is to put together six full, quality minutes — the length of a match.
“We control those six minutes on the mat. We put in everything we have for those six minutes,” Bergman said. “If they do that we will be proud of them, no matter what.”
D’Emilio said the sport of wrestling has helped him build character and has instilled a work ethic in him.
“I’m really thankful for what the sport has done for me and the places it has taken me,” he said. “I mean, I’m going to Ohio State next year and I couldn’t be more excited for that, and all the credit goes to this sport.”
Oscar Sanchez said the hours on the mat and in the weight room extend into the offseason.
“You have to do it all year round if you want to be the best,” he said.
Limongi, who missed the first few weeks of the season due to injury, said he can feel the wrestling room starting to peak.
“We’re amping it up for sure the last couple of weeks with longer practices and more conditioning,” he said.
Bergman said the system’s youth biddy program has now grown to 90 young participants.
“That has helped us build and sustain our program. Wrestling is a tough sport. So it’s a numbers game,” he said.
Bergman credited the entire coaching staff throughout the system for each bringing something different to the table.
“They are second to none,” he said. “We have coaches that are great motivators, and others that are great at teaching technique. It’s a collaborative effort.”
The wrestlers were able to put on full display their abilities to their classmates during an all-school dual meet wrestling match against Findlay on Dec. 12.
“Our community has been tremendous, rallying behind us. Our administration, our student body. ... Genoa loves its athletics, and they are 100 percent behind you,” Bergman said. “It’s like getting the keys to the Cadillac here at Genoa.
“It’s all about these kids. They’ve been around the country. They’ve established themselves. It’s neat to have them shine and see their hard work rewarded.”
Comet Grapplers Advance Nine to State
It was a record breaking weekend for the Genoa wrestling team as they slotted 8 wrestlers into the District finals, crowned 6 champions and qualified a program best 9 wrestlers to the state tournament. Genoa repeated as district champions as they rolled up 238 points to top second place Edison once again by 85 points. District champions for the Comets were Oscar Sanchez, Julian Sanchez, Dylan D’Emillio, Kevin Contos, Dustin Morgillo, and James Limongi. Earning runner up honors was Jacob Stewart and Noah Koch. Brian Martin finished in 4th while Antonio Quezada took 5th and is a state alternate. Genoa tops all of Division III with the most qualifiers at 9 while besting last year’s record of 7. State wrestling will begin Thursday and continue until Saturday evening. Go Comets!
Genoa secures district wrestling crown
By: Aaron Korte ~ Toledo Blade
KANSAS, Ohio — Genoa rolled to a first-place finish at the Division III district wrestling tournament Saturday at Lakota High School.
A program record nine Comets wrestlers advanced to the state tournament this week in Columbus, including six district champs and two runner-ups, as Genoa repeated as district champion with 238 points.
“It’s a special day,” Genoa coach Bob Bergman said. “The kids rose to the occasion. To take two vans to state [this] week is pretty special.”.
Three-time state champion Dylan D’Emilio (50-3), who pinned Northwood’s Colton Falk in the 138 pound district title match in 3:52, led the way.
“It was a good day,” D’Emilio said. “The team’s been doing good. We [had] eight in the finals and another [finishing] fourth. Nine to state is a school record for us, so that’s exciting. Last year we had seven, so to get two more says something about this team.
“Nobody wants to be the guy left out. It says something about our room. We all practice hard and help push each other, and it elevates everyone’s game. It’s awesome.”
Joining D’Emilio are a pair of former state champs in Oscar Sanchez (120 pounds) and James Limongi (160 pounds), who both won state crowns as sophomores.
Limongi (39-0) said he’s eager to get back and prove himself after a third-place finish at state last year.
“It feels good to be undefeated,” said Limongi, who defeated Lakota’s Trevor Franks in the district final by injury default. “[The key is] not focusing on everything so far into the future and just focusing on what you can do to get better.”
Sanchez won the 120-pound class with a default decision over Eastwood’s Brandon Hahn.
Sanchez’s brother, Julian Sanchez, punched his ticket to state with a 132-pound district title, posting a 3-2 victory against state champ Cole Mattin of Delta (40-3).
“It was a barn-burner,” Bergman said. “It was neat to see him get in on his legs a couple times and finish. I’m really proud of Julian.”
Julian Sanchez said revenge was on his mind.
“It was a pretty good day,” Julian Sanchez said. “I wrestled pretty good. I avenged a loss [to Mattin] from earlier in the year. I knew whoever was able to get a takedown on their feet was going to win that match. I was able to get that takedown in that third period and end up winning.”
Julian Sanchez and D’Emilio started a string of five straight weight classes in which Genoa triumphed.
Dustin Morgillo (46-3) pinned Delta’s Dawson Swicegood in 3:47 at 145 and was followed by teammate Kevin Contos (44-2) scoring a 12-2 major decision against Rossford’s Carlton Roberts at 152 .
Noah Koch (285 pounds) and Jacob Stewart (170 pounds) both finished runner-up in their matches for Genoa.
In a rematch of the sectional final, Koch was pinned by undefeated Noah Price of Fremont St. Joseph (45-0).
Gibsonburg’s Brad Mendoza (41-1) continued his nearly flawless season with a 1:10 pin of Stewart.
Genoa’s Brian Martin (195 pounds) finished fourth to round out Genoa’s state placers. Antonio Quezada will head to Columbus as an alternate for the Comets.
Milan Edison, the team Genoa beat in the state duals championship, finished runner-up to the Comets again with 153 points. Delta was third with 109. Liberty Center (fifth), Gibsonburg (eighth), and Archbold (ninth) rounded out area schools in the top 10.
Delta’s Zack Mattin (103 pounds) won his weight class with a 6-3 decision over Eastwood’s Gavin Owens. Joining the Mattins in Columbus will be Swicegood and Dalton Richard, who beat Kain Brossia of Elmwood 3-1 in the 285-pound third-place match.
Liberty Center’s Caleb Carpenter edged Edison’s Jacob Brewer 4-3 to stand atop the podium at 195 pounds. Patrick Henry’s Wil Morrow took top honors at 220 pounds, beating Elmwood’s Will Bechstein 7-5.
Lake’s Antonio Lecki was runner-up at 126 pounds, falling to Oak Harbor’s Cameron Dickman 7-4.
Comets Romp to 9th Tournament Title
Seven champions propelled the Genoa Comet Wrestling Team to gold at the OHSAA Division III Sectional Tournament. Genoa’s men of the mat compiled 269 points as 13 Comets placed and 11 wrestlers advance to the District Tournament next weekend. Genoa outdistanced runner up Oak Harbor by 78.5 points. Champions for the Comets were Oscar Sanchez, Julian Sanchez, Dylan D’Emilio, Dustin Morgillo, Kevin Contos, James Limongi, and Alex Duran. Earning runner up honors were Noah Koch, Jacob Stewart and Antonio Quezada. Also placing 3rd for the Comets was Brian Martin while Randy Matheny took 5th and Corey Welsh placed 6th. Junior Kevin Contos won his 100th career match while senior Dylan D’Emilio notched his 200th career win. The maroon and grey will travel to Lakota High School next Friday and Saturday to compete in the District Tournament where the top four wrestlers in each weight-class will punch their ticket to State. Go Comets!!
Genoa wrestlers seek state repeat, Rogers to battle Notre Dame
By: Steve Junga ~ Toledo Blade
GENOA SEEKS WRESTLING REPEAT
Coach Bob Bergman’s top-seeded Genoa Comets look to repeat their Division III team dual state wrestling championship on Sunday at Ohio State University’s St. John Arena.
The Comets – with a strong, experienced, battle-tested senior-laden lineup – open with an 11 a.m. quarterfinal dual against No. 8 seed Marion Pleasant.
“Our team’s mindset is to just be who they are, trust their talent and training, and let it flow this weekend,” Bergman said. “No one has to do anything superhuman. We can’t control outcomes, but we can control how much effort we put in.
“Each of our guys is striving to put as much effort in as they can into the six minutes they can contribute to the team. If we do that in all 14 weight classes, the outcome will be something we can all be proud of.”
If Genoa wins the quarterfinal, it would advance to a 3:30 p.m. semifinal against the winner between fourth-seeded Rootstown and fifth-seeded Blanchester.
A Comets semifinal victory would take them to the 7:30 p.m. championship dual. The most likely finals opponent would be No. 2 seed Milan Edison, which was the D-III state champion in 2017.
Genoa has 12 wrestlers on its roster who competed for the Comets in last year’s state team duals.
Leading the way is senior three-time state individual champion Dylan D’Emilio (138 pounds), who won his titles at 106 in 2016, 113 in 2017, and 132 last year.
Fellow seniors Oscar Sanchez and James Limongi were individual state champions in 2017 at 106 and 160, respectively, and Oscar’s twin brother Julian Sanchez was a state runner-up at 120 the past two years.
Senior Noah Koch placed third at 285 pounds at the individual state tourney last year. Limongi (at 160) and junior Dustin Morgillo (at 138) also played third at state in 2018.
Junior Kevin Contos (152), placed sixth in the 2017 Division I state tournament while competing for Clay, but was injured last season and did not advance to state individual competition with Genoa.
Other Comets with state team duals experience are seniors Jacob Stewart (170), Brian Martin (195), juniors Corey Welsh (113) and Antonio Quezada (182), and sophomore Devin D’Emilio (126), who has been battling a shoulder injury.
“Individually, our kids are battled tested, and have competed in some of the state and country’s toughest tournaments throughout the year,” Bergman said. “As a team, we have challenged ourselves in 25 dual meets to prepare for us for this weekend. We are ready and excited to give it our best shot.”
Through wrestling, Genoa's Koch learning to thrive after mother's death
By: Steve Junga ~ Toledo Blade
GENOA — The Christmas of 2016 brought great sorrow, not joy, for Noah Koch.
Then a sophomore student and fledgling athlete at Genoa High School, he had lost his mother nine days earlier.
Connie Koch, who had raised Noah as a diligent and dedicated single mom, died at age 48 from organ failure that had affected her heart and liver.
Noah, who turned 16 on Dec. 30 that year, had been his mom’s primary caretaker for several years as her condition worsened. Sometimes, he had to miss school and sports to do so. But his place was at the side of his loving mother.
Although her passing brought immense heartache and grief to Noah, it also released him from the struggle, and brought him to a crossroads in his own life.
As far as athletics go, that is where the story begins.
After some legal proceedings, custody of Noah was granted to his aunt, Jennifer St. John.
With St. John supporting him, taking up where her sister had left off as his No. 1 fan, Koch used athletics to get through his grieving process. Partly as therapy, he dedicated himself to wrestling, track and field, and eventually back to football.
“My mother had passed away in December in the middle of the wrestling season,” he recalled. “I think staying in this type of sport helped me get through that, and made me want to push myself even more with all the grief. It made me want to kick it into high gear and do the best I can.
“My mother meant absolutely everything to me. She was always there for me, for school, and for sports. She would always come to football games and wrestling meets. When I lost her that December, It made me want to give back to her.”
A basketball player in junior high, Koch never wrestled before reaching Genoa High School. Noticing that Koch did not go out for basketball after his freshman football season, Comets wrestling coach Bob Bergman invited Koch to try wrestling.
“Noah’s an overcomer,” Bergman said. “He’s been through some immense challenges. He lost his mom two years ago, and that was a huge obstacle and struggle for him, and a challenge to recover from.
“Just to see him rise above his circumstances and achieve is inspirational to all of us.”
Koch, with no previous mat experience, made the varsity lineup but struggled to a 9-19 record. In his first junior varsity football game in 2016, a fractured arm ended his season. A few months later, his mom died.
He was about a third of the way through the season, one in which he went 24-16.
The best was yet to come for Koch, who would grow to 6-feet-4 and wrestle as Genoa’s heavyweight (285-pounder). He hit the weight room with a newfound desire, and pursued practices with an all-out passion.
As a junior in 2017-18, Koch was the Northern Buckeye Conference and a Division III sectional champion, was the district runner-up, and ended the season 51-8, placing third in the state tournament.
“I had never wrestled in my life,” Koch said. “It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing. [Bergman] thought I was a pretty good athlete, so he wanted me to wrestle to get better for football. I ended up falling in love with wrestling more.
“After my first two years, I had some life experiences that made me want to get it into high gear for the rest of the year. After that, things just started clicking.”
In placing third at state, Koch was part of Genoa’s first-ever state team championships. The Comets won the team dual state tournament and the individual state tournament team titles.
“In the course of his career, he’s learned how to own the center of a mat,” Bergman said. “He manages matches. He’s learned how to get off the bottom, and he’s learned how to escape and ride. Those three areas have dramatically improved, and that helps him on the scoreboard to get victories.”
Koch followed up that success in the spring in track by winning the D-II regional title in the discus with a throw of 171 feet, and also placed at the state meet.
This fall, with Genoa’s football team ranked No. 1 in the state in Division V and the 10-game regular season nearing its conclusion, Koch got an urge to join the Comets. It was a long shot, but in Week 8 he summoned the courage to ask coach Paul Patterson if he could play.
After his football injury two years ago, Koch decided not to risk further injury that might prevent his pursuits in wrestling and track. But now, he wanted to return and be a part of the special season being enjoyed by his senior classmates.
Patterson asked the seniors if it would be all right with them. After all, it was their team, and Koch had not been there from the start.
His classmates welcomed him with open arms, but there were some other hurdles to clear first.
The next step was becoming eligible to play. State rules require an acclimation period for football which takes about two weeks. By the time Koch did that, all that remained were the playoffs for the 10-0 Comets.
As fate would have it, Genoa lost a starting defensive end to injury before the postseason, and that was about the only position Patterson thought Koch could be expected to play without a large amount of instruction.
In Genoa’s three playoff games — including wins against Lake and Elyria Catholic — Koch was superb, especially considering he hadn’t really played since his freshman year and had little practice time.
Koch had 22 tackles, including three for loss, and broke up two passes. With his size and strength, he was also a disruptive force that enabled the Comets’ other defenders to better execute at their positions.
Last week at the Napoleon Duals tournament, Koch had a special moment on the mat.
He was 5-0 in his matches, collected his 100th career win in the first match, and won the 285-pound class. In addition, he was named the tournament’s outstanding wrestler, no easy task considering the Comets have three past state champions in their lineup.
“This past weekend was pretty special for me,” Koch said. “I was able to capture my 100th win. When I started my freshman year, I never in a million years thought I’d be able to get 50 wins let alone 100.
“I was also voted MVP of the tournament, which is special for me being from a team like this.”
For his career, Koch, who also placed first at the Perrysburg Invitational, has a 104-44 mark.
“Noah’s conditioning makes him stand out,” Bergman said. “I’d say he’s the best-conditioned heavyweight in the state, regardless of division. He’s got a [fuel] tank on him.
“It’s his quickness, his foot speed, his height and leverage, and he’s put a lot of strength on his frame the last couple years in the weight room. That all makes him very dynamic.”
The story, Bergman hopes, is just the beginning for Koch.
His goals are to win the 285-pound individual state championship, and perhaps capture a state discus title in the spring. After that, he hopes to continue wrestling or track, or maybe both, at the college level. He carries a 3.0 grade-point average.
“Noah’s athleticism and his intelligence help him succeed in football, wrestling, and track,” Bergman said. “In track, he’s a force. He’s one of the top throwers in the state. Obviously, in wrestling he’s pretty darn good, and in his football playoff run he really turned a lot of heads as a dominant force on the line.
“He made a lot of huge plays. But I think his ceiling hasn’t been reached yet. He’s still got a lot of potential.”
For now, Koch is busy trying to put the icing on the cake of his special experience at Genoa.
“Playing three sports isn’t the easiest thing for anyone,” Koch said. “But being in this type of environment and being with a great group of people, great athletes, and good friends, I’ve been able to balance everything with my school work and sports.
“This senior class has accomplished so much, especially now that we’re in our last round-about with the sports. Across the board — from football to basketball, wrestling, and baseball — all sports have excelled, and we have one of the best classes in the state.”
First Published January 24, 2019, 1:57pm
Comet Wrestlers Collar 7th Straight NBC Title.
Team Scores:
Genoa Area 227.5
Elmwood 135.5
Otsego 115.5
Eastwood 107
Lake (Millbury) 102
Woodmore 59
Rossford 53.
Fostoria 12.0
Genoa Matmen State Dual Champions
For the second-consecutive year, the Genoa Area Comets are the OHSAA Division III Dual Team Wrestling State Champions. En route to its third-straight OHSAA wrestling tournament state title (2018 Team, 2018 Individual, 2019 team), Genoa broke two OHSAA Division III Dual Team Tournament records. In its quarterfinal match, Genoa defeated Marion Pleasant 72-6, setting the mark for the highest preliminary round point total and margin of victory. The Maroon and Gray continued with a win over Rootstown 55-13 in the semifinals, and victory over Milan Edison 52-23 in the finals. The Comets piled on 86 bonus points in their three state matches; the bulk of which came from 20 Falls. Genoa finishes the dual portion of the season unblemished at 28-0 and are unbeaten in their last 57 duals. The Comets will be in action this Saturday at Otsego High School as they look to capture their 7th consecutive NBC Championship. Go Comets!
Comets SMCC DIII Dual Champions
Genoa’s Men of the Mat shined on the mats at Sandusky St. Mary’s High School Friday and Saturday as eight Comet wrestlers were crowned champions. Genoa went 9-0 with a combined team score of 588 to 100 as they won the prestigious tournament for the third consecutive year. Oscar Sanchez (31-4), Dylan D’Emillio (34-3), Dusty Morgillo (32-3), Kevin Contos (32-2), James Limongi (24-0) Antonio Quezada (32-6), Alex Duran (27-9) and Noah Koch (29-1) were a perfect 9-0 on the weekend. Genoa dominated their pool going 8-0 with wins over Huron, Sandy Vally, SMCC, Northwestern, Hopewell louden, Western Reserve, St. Paul and Coshocton. In the finals of the 18 team tournament, Genoa downed #3 ranked Edison 38-28 to improve their dual record to 22-0 on the season and continue their unbeaten dual meet streak stemming from last season to 51. Brian Martin (26-6) went 8-1 while Jacob Stewart was 7-0. The tournament title is the 4th tournament crown for the Comets this season. Senior Dylan D’Emillio and James Limongi each were voted lower weight and upper weight outstanding wrestlers respectively. Seventeen teams will battle for the top spot in their bid for Columbus as Genoa hosts the OHSAA State Regional Dual Tournament next Saturday at 9am. Go Comets!
Comet Wrestlers Clobber Gold Medal Duals
It was a weekend Senior All-Ohio Heavyweight wrestler Noah Koch (20-1) won’t soon forget as he went 5-0; earned his 100th career win and was voted the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Napoleon Gold Medal Duals on Friday. Genoa won the 8 team tournament outscoring the competition 297-60 to improve their dual meet record to 13-0 on the year. Genoa defeated Liberty Center, Norwalk, Madison Comprehensive, Fairview and Versailles in route to their third team championship this season. Oscar Sanchez (22-4), Dylan D’Emilio (25-3), Dustin Morgillo (23-3), and Kevin Contos (23-2) were also unbeaten in five matches and crowned champions. Darin Muir, Corey Welsh, Alex Duran (18-9), James Limongi (15-0) and Antonio Quezada (23-6) each won 4 bouts for the Maroon and Grey. Genoa will next be in action Friday and Saturday at the SMCC DIII Duals. Wrestling starts at 3pm on Friday. Go Comets!
1. Genoa 5-0
2. Versailles 4-1
3. Liberty Center 3-2
4. Napoleon 3-2
5. Norwalk 2-3
6. Mansfield Madison 2-3
7. Lexington 1-4
8. Fairview 0-5
Genoa MatMen Defend PIT Championship
A program record of six Genoa wrestlers soared to gold under the lights at the 47th annual Perrysburg Invitational Tournament Friday and Saturday. Genoa traded punches all weekend with defending 2018 Division II State Dual Champions Wauseon, however it was Genoa’s men of the mat who prevailed as the Comets won nine out of ten matches in the medal round in route to piling on more than 34 points above the trailing Indians. Oscar Sanchez, Dylan D’Emilio, Dustin Morgillo, Kevin Contos, James Limongi and Noah Koch won individual titles. Brian Martin placed third while Antonio Quezada and Alex Duran took 7th. Devin D’Emilio finished in 8th. Junior Dustin Morgillo collected his 100 career win as he pinned all 5 of his opponents. 4x PIT champion Dylan D’Emilio was voted Most Outstanding Wrestler of the event. The maroon and grey will host Rossford on senior night Tuesday in a dual under the lights. Go Comets!
Genoa Wrestlers Repeat as DIII Champions at M.I.T.
Junior Kevin Contos was crowned champion of “The Greatest Show in Wrestling” going a perfect 5-0 at 152lbs as he decisioned Brian Case of Davison in the finals 3-2. Genoa put a tournament best of four grapplers in the finals as 6 Comets placed all in the top three of the 45 team field. Julian Sanchez, Dylan D’Emilio and Dustin Morgillo finished runner up for the Maroon and Grey while Oscar Sanchez and Noah Koch battled their way to third. Genoa finished third overall behind nationally ranked Wadsworth and Davison (MI). The Comets repeated as the top Division III team in the event. Go Comets!
Wrestlers Shine in Holiday Assembly Dual
Eleven Comet wrestlers notched victories in front of more than 750 students in Genoa's Impact Zone on Thursday afternoon in the school's first Assembly Dual Meet. Genoa clashed with Division I Power Findlay High School showcasing the school's new matlamp. Spotlight introductions echoed throughout the gym by "The Voice of the Comets" Keith Traver. The Comets flexed as Oscar Sanchez, Devin D'Emilio, Julian Sanchez, Dylan D'Emilio, Dustin Morgillo, James Limongi, Sam Beach, Antonio Quezada, Brian Martin and Noah Koch all notched bonus point victories in front of a packed home crowd. Comet reserve wrestlers followed suit as Quinton Banks, Tommy Giles, and Colin Brazelton each won their matches. The frenzy included the wrestlers chosen walk out music by DJ Doug Asher. Comet Crazies were assisted by Cheerleaders, smoke machines and 2,000 student body Glowsticks. Congratulations to the middle school team winning 36-30 to top off the afternoon! Thank you to the many people who made the event possible for our kids!
Genoa Wrestling Update
Two Comets First at Bellevue
Sophomore Devin D’Emilio and senior Brain Martin were unbeatable as they won titles at Bellevue’s Bob Bailey Invitational Saturday December 8th. Genoa as a team finished in 7th place. The Comets split forces this weekend as a contingent of wrestlers competed at the Ironman Tournament at Walsh Jesuit high school. Junior Antonio Quezada and senior Alex Duran took 2nd while Randy Matheny placed 5th. Additionally Sam Beach finished with 6th place honors. The Comets will be in action Tuesday at Woodmore high school as they take on the Wildcats and Lake. Go Comets!
Genoa Competes at Ironman
Four fearsome Comet wrestlers competed at the toughest HS in-season wrestling tournament in the country December 7-8 at Walsh Jesuit HS. All battled with big wins and proved they belong on the national stage.
Oscar Sanchez (120) went 1-2 and battled one of the best in the country from FL.
Dylan D'Emilio (132) took 4th and lost tough match in semi's on last second takedown.
Dusty Morgillo (145) went 2-2 and battled with nationally ranked wrestlers.
Kevin Contos (152) went 2-2 and was one match away from placing and also beat nationally ranked wrestlers.
Comet Grapplers Down Flyers; Wildcats
Genoa wrestlers improved to 4-0 on the year as they defeated Woodmore 71-6 and Lake 46-24. Double winners for the Comets were Devin D'Emilio, Julian Sanchez, Dylan D'Emilio, Kevin Contos, James Limongi, and Noah Koch. The varsity will be in action next Thursday in the schools first all school assembly dual meet vs. Findlay. First match will begin at 1:15. Go Comets!