What a memorable finish to the 2024 OHSAA girls wrestling state championships was had yesterday for Nina K. and Ceci R., as they placed third and fourth, respectively, to earn spots on the podium.
Nina, a junior and three-time state qualifier, dropped her opening match in the 135-pound bracket by fall (5:39) before rebounding with a perfect 5-0 record in the consolation bracket. The first win for Nina came in an 8-3 decision over Andi A. of Lebanon, before she won by fall (2:18) against Janelle D. of Claremont Northeast HS. A quick pin (:53) of Marysville's Addi L. in the third consolation led to a rematch with Sophia A. of North Royalton, who pinned Nina in the first round. But this time Nina reversed the result with a 10-6 decision over Sophia to advance to the third-place match where she pinned (2:09) Kiera D. of Seneca East.
Ceci, a senior, three-time state qualifier and two-time placer, went 4-1 in consolation rounds after suffering a 6-3 defeat by decision in the first round of the 105-pound bracket. A 4-1 decision went in favor of Ceci over Kenzie M. of Celina, before she notched a thrilling 4-2 victory in overtime against Sandusky's Nikera J. Ceci then tallied a 7-3 decision against Emily L. of Gahanna-Lincoln, before again squaring off against Maycee A. of Eaton who defeated her in the opening match. Ceci flipped the script in this semifinal match with a 3-2 decision to advance to the third-place match where she fell 8-4 to Mount Vernon's Ashylnn B., but still secured a spot on the podium.
As a duo, Ceci and Nina posted a team score of 30 and as a result put Columbus Academy in a three-way tie for 16th place overall out of over 100 teams in the girls bracket. Congratulations to Ceci on a stellar prep career and we look forward to following Nina's success next season!