Ohio Wrestling Team Wins First State Title After 18 Years

For 18 years, the Waynedale Golden Bears wrestling team had come heartbreakingly close to winning a state championship, finishing in the top five eight times but never quite breaking through.

That all changed on Valentine's Day when the small Ohio school defeated Archbold 38-18 to win the Division III state duals championship at Marion Elgin High School. The victory marked the first state duals title in both program and Wayne County history.

The championship came down to a stunning moment from senior Lane Troyer. Trailing 14-2 in his 157-pound match, Troyer refused to quit and executed a perfect lateral drop throw that pinned his opponent and clinched the title for his team.

"I was kind of getting my butt kicked, but you can't quit during the state duals," Troyer said. "I knew if I didn't do something, my coaches would be mad, so I went for a throw and got it."

The comeback win was even sweeter for first-year head coach Brenden Stanley, who took over after his father Louie retired following 32 years leading the program. Brenden himself was part of the team's 2012 individual state tournament championship as a junior wrestler.

Waynedale stormed through the tournament with a 28-2 season record, dominating their first two matches before facing Archbold in the finals. After falling behind 12-3 early, the Bears won seven straight matches to seal the victory.

Why This Inspires

This win represents more than just a trophy for Waynedale. Parents who started bringing their kids to practice in second grade finally saw their dedication pay off with tears of joy.

All 14 wrestlers on the roster contributed wins throughout the tournament day, making it a true team victory. From 120 to 150 pounds, the Bears went undefeated, with six wrestlers finishing the day with perfect 3-0 records.

The celebration matched the moment's magnitude. After the final handshake, the Waynedale fan section stormed the floor for hugs, high fives, and happy tears. The local fire department even escorted the team bus back to Apple Creek with lights flashing and horns blaring.

"It's a weight lifted off our shoulders," Coach Stanley said. "Those are the people who were crying because they know how much time and work this program puts in to accomplish something like this."

After 18 years of knocking on the door, the Golden Bears finally kicked it down.