Bay Wrestling Club Emerges as State Force in 2024

The 2024 Ohio Youth Wrestling Association (OYWA) Grade School State Tournament served as a stage for remarkable achievements in the wrestling realm.

With participation from over 300 clubs during the regular season, the competition featured intense 16-man brackets for the final state tournament held at Glen Oak High School in Canton last month.

Among the standout performers was Cole Sloan from Bay Wrestling Club, who clinched the OYWA State Runner-up title in the 56 pound weight class. Notably, this marked Cole’s second appearance on the podium, following his 5th place finish the previous year. As a fifth-grader, Cole now eyes the prospect of becoming a three-time state placer for the Rockets in the upcoming season, having concluded this year’s regular season duals undefeated.

Shifting focus to the 2024 Ohio Novice State Wrestling Tournament, held on February 10th at the Toledo Glass City Center, the scale of the event was evident with a participation of over 950 grade school wrestlers across various weights and age groups, all vying for the coveted OHIO NOVICE STATE TITLE.

Bay Wrestling Club emerged as a force to be reckoned with, boasting two state champions in their ranks.

In the Boys 8u 85 pound. category, Josue “Sway” Aponte showcased his prowess by standing atop the podium, securing victory by pinning his opponents throughout the tournament. Impressively, this marked Sway’s second appearance on the podium, building on his runner-up finish in his inaugural year. Josue has been winning in a dominating fashion.

Meanwhile, in the 9u 85 pound. class, Calvin Krysty’s debut in the tournament was nothing short of spectacular. Calvin not only claimed the state title but did so with remarkable authority, tech-falling each of his opponents and triumphing 17-1 in the finals matchup. Calvin’s stellar performance in his inaugural year sets an exciting precedent for future competitions, adding to the success story of Bay Wrestling Club.

The Rockets had 2 other placers in Keegan Gauntner who took 6th place and Reagan Rojeck who also took 6th place. Reagan’s younger brother Bo won his division last year in 2023.

Bay Wrestling Club’s prowess in developing talent and fostering a winning spirit is undoubtedly on display, making waves in the Ohio youth wrestling scene.