By Bill Bray
PERRYSBURG – It has been 33 years since Fremont Ross wrestling sent at least four athletes to the State Wrestling tournament. 1990 was the last time the team accomplished the feat. 1990 saw Dan Lopez (5thplace finisher), David Boda, Terry Carter and Chad Green qualify for the “Big Show” in Columbus. Fast forward to 2023. Freshman Aidan Autullo, Gage Ross, Bakari Scott and Jayce Frymire made their way through the sectional and district tournaments to qualify to wrestle at the Schottenstein Center next weekend.
Autullo, a freshman, wrestles at 103 lbs. At the district tournament, Autullo defeated Michael Rusinko of Strongsville 8-2 in the first round. In the quarter finals Autullo was pinned by Ethan Timar of St. Edward in40. Autullo was back in action in the second consolation and came back with a win over Sean Gamer of Brunswick with a pin in 2:00. Autullo continued in the consolation bracket by downing Shamus Fogarty of Elyria with his second pin. This time in 4:13. Autullo won in the consolation semifinal when his opponent Jayshawn Eggleton of Maple Heights defaulted. With that, Autullo was on his way to state. Later wrestling for third, Autullo was defeated by Ayden Dodd of Perrysburg with a major decision 9-1. With his fourth-place finish, the young freshman is making his first trip to the State Tournament.
Senior Gage Ross (126 lbs), on his last shot, made it to the State Tournament. Ironically, Gage’s late father, Jamie Ross punched his ticket to the state tournament in 1995. In the Elder Ross’ first round match he beat Kevin Hamel of Toledo Central Catholic 19-6. He then dropped quarterfinals match to Len Lightfoot of Pickerington 10-8. Despite losing in the quarterfinals, Ross came back and finished third to advance. 28 years later, his son Gage, qualified as well making the Ross duo the third father and son team to make it to state in wrestling. The other two, Mike (1985) and Devon Mezinger (2007) the first father son combo, and last year’s state champion Ethan Green and his dad Chad Green (1992) Gage’s first round match was a win over Connor Flores of Rhodes with a pin in 2:00. Ross won in the quarterfinals with a 7-2 decision over Tyler Henderly of Anthony Wayne. In the semifinal match, Ross took a 12-1 loss to Joseph Sanderfer of St. Edward putting him into the consolation semifinals. There Gage won a 4-3 decision over Michael Valeriono of Avon Lake. The win put Ross into the finals where he finished fourth and won the chance to wrestle at the State meet.
At 132 lbs. Bakari Scott was trying one last time to get to the state tournament. In his first match Scott defeated Jacob Kostal of Garfield Heights with a pin at 2:29. Bakari punched his ticket with his 11-4 victory over Austin Smith of Toledo Waite. Scott wound up second in the tournament and joining his teammates to next week’s state.
Jayce Frymire started his tournament with a pin over AJ Heck of Anthony Wayne in 1:38. Frymire, wrestling at 138 lbs. lost in the quarterfinals to Ryan Bennett of St. Edwards with a pin in 3:06. In the second consolation, Frymire was a winner over Joshua Lampa of Normandy with a pin in 2:11. Frymire next win was a decision of 9-2 over Mason Fitch of Avon. He then participated in the consolation semifinals against Nathan Perry of Avon Lake. With Frymire’s 2-0 win, he joined his three teammates as a state qualifier.
“The kids really wrestled hard today,” a happy Chad Hetrick said. “They ended up pulling off some wins in the consolation rounds. Bakari ended up winning in the semifinals. They all showed a lot of heart, determination. It’s pretty cool. I really haven’t grasped it all yet. Getting four guys out that’s a road to the future. We have a young team and are hoping they all buy into what we are trying to accomplish.” Hetrick went on to thank his staff. “My staff really bought into the process. Every coach is at practice every day. They spend time working with the kids, pushing them, motivating them. We work hard in the wrestling room, and we coaches don’t back down. Guenther Haeusser does a really nice job in the weight room. Brian Moreland does well with our mind set mental toughness program on Thursdays. I’m just really happy with the whole team and coaching staff.” Not only did Hetrick’s staff buy into the whole new process, but the kids did also as well. “First at league, second at sectionals and taking third at districts behind to powerhouse programs, I’m really happy for our team.”
Other Ross Wrestlers giving it their all. It will be fun to see them all back next season
Bryce Estep competed at 120 lbs.
Freshman Dayne Howey will be a force to be reckoned with the next three seasons.
Owen Shanahan competed in the 144 lbs weight class.
Even though he went into the tourney as an alternate, Mason Villarreal got his chance and competed well at the District level.