Monroeville takes four to state — again

MONROEVILLE — Just like old times. The Monroeville wrestling team qualified four members to this weekend's OHSAA Division III state championships in Columbus. Two of them have been ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the state for most of the season in the lower weights and are projected state finalists. It's also realistic that the Eagles could be poised for a top-five finish in the team standings. The entire theme sounds quite familiar. "I remember when Logan, Hunter, Cam and Chris won their state titles, and that's what got me into wrestling," senior Hunter Vogus said of Logan and Hunter Stieber, Cam Tessari and Chris Phillips. The four wrestlers each won four state titles from 2007-11, and also finished with a state championship and a runners-up in the team standings in that time. "It's been a goal since I was five and watched them as a little kid," said Vogus, a returning state placer who will compete at 132 pounds. "I've put a lot of work in, and it would be everything to me to be the next Monroeville state champ and realize a lifelong goal. "It's cool and great that four of us are going, which is the first time since 2010 when six went," he added. "It's going to be a fun time." Joining Vogus is another returning All-Ohioan and two-time state placer, junior Ashton Homan (138). Sophomores Landen Roeder (144) and Brencyn Evans are also first-time state qualifiers for the Eagles. "Extremely proud and excited for them, and it's cool to represent that tradition," MHS head coach Tylor Nester said. "Those kids look at those names and see it in the room. Each year we set those goals of making it to state and getting on the podium and get as far as possible. "With Hunter and Ashton, they are able to train and mentor these younger kids," he added. "And in the lower weights, winning is contagious with them all being right next to them." In a season where the Eagles won consecutive Firelands Conference championships for the first time since 1997-98, this weekend inside the Jerome Schottenstein Center on the campus of Ohio State University has a chance to be the cherry on top. Hunter Vogus (42-7) A year ago, Vogus — who has more than 150 career wins and 100-plus career pins — placed seventh at state at 144 pounds. This season, he has been ranked No. 2 in the state for most of the season at 132. He is also the first of the four state qualifiers, who follow each other in short order at most tournaments. "It's nice starting everyone off, winning first and getting the job done — starting that momentum," Vogus said. "I like going first and try to set the tone." As for the pressure of being a projected finalist, Vogus enjoys it. "It gives me confidence that others believe I"m among the best in the state, too," he said. "But it's time to go out there and show them that this weekend." Vogus admits seventh place wasn't what he wanted a year ago. But when he faces Rootstown sophomore Nick Malek (40-13) in the first round on Friday, he has two years of state experience on his side. "I know the feeling of being down there and what it's like," he said. "Nerves won't be an issue, and I'm just excited to get down there this weekend." Ashton Homan (39-5) Speaking of pressure, Homan has been ranked No. 1 in the state for the entire season. But considering he placed third in the state as both a freshman and sophomore in 2021 and 2022, that is hardly a surprise. "It's not a lot of pressure because I believe I put in the work this year, and it's time for it to pay off ultimately," Homan said. "You work hard all year for this, and now it's time to let it fly. "I don't think about (No. 1) too much because when you get to state, none of that matters," he added. "Everyone there is the best in the state and they are all there for one reason — to win a state title. Just bring your best and be confident out there is the biggest thing." At this point, Nester said it's hard to find new ways to describe the constant success of Homan and Vogus. "But they are a godsend to these younger kids to learn and see what it's like to experience and handle that pressure," he said. "We put them in high pressure situations to prepare them, but that only goes so far. The practice room is a big part of that, pushing and grinding on each other and holding each other accountable. "The culmination of experience, mentoring, leadership … the room has been amazing for everyone," Nester added. "It's a combination of everything, but those two set the stage for everybody else. They have high expectations of themselves." Homan opens with Covington freshman Caleb Ryman (41-12) on Friday. "Definitely some things I can improve on, but I'll be ready to go," he said. "Just perfecting some of my mistakes. There are just a couple things to touch up on, but really just being ready to go mentally and physically and being prepared." Landen Roeder (36-13) One of the more difficult paths to state came in Roeder's bracket. For nearly the entire season, the trio of Edison's Marcus Medina, Archbold's Brody Dominique and Ashland Crestview's Hayden Kuhn have been the top three ranked wrestlers in the state at 144 pounds. And Roeder is not only in the same weight class — but found himself in the same district with all three of them. "Knowing those three were there at the district, when you think about it, you got that one open spot essentially," Roeder said. "If you fall down in the bracket, it's a long way back. It's tough, but when that spot is there — you have to take it." Notably, Roeder faced Kuhn — one of 14 four-time Firelands Conference champions — in each of the last three weeks. Kuhn beat Roeder by scores of 9-1 (at FC), 5-0 (at sectionals) and 4-0 last week at the district in the third-place match. "I've seen (Kuhn) three straight weeks and it's gotten better each time," Roeder said. "To be fourth with those three, it's nice being up there with them. It's tough, but it's fun at the same time." Nester said while Roeder had the right draw at the district, it was still a tough path. "More importantly, some of his best wrestling has been in the last two weeks," Nester said. "We're hoping to build on that and get Landen on the podium. "But with those three in that same weight class from the same sectional and district, we've seen them a lot and saw that competition and what it takes to get to their level." Roeder talked about following Vogus and Homan during tournaments. He faces Marion Pleasant's Daxton Chase (47-3) in the first round on Friday. "Ashton and Hunter, they are always getting you pumped and hyping you before the match," Roeder said. "Going into the match to go to state, they were making sure I was ready. "It's nice having all four of us go," he added. "It's great to bring it back to that past level for the school." Brencyn Evans (39-8) As a freshman in 2022, Evans was 42-13 and placed fifth at the district tournament — one spot shy of advancing to state. Throughout most of this season, Evans has been ranked in the 20s, also on the outside looking in. But rankings aren't everything. "We always try and mostly avoid those (rankings) just because it's not good to have in your head," Evans said. "But every once in a while you hear people talk, and I knew I was projected fourth in district. "So to prove that wrong and get above that was a motivator, knowing I can do more than that. It pushes me knowing my level might not be where someone else sees me." For years, Evans has always strived to reach the level of Homan and Vogus, two teammates he's grown up watching. "I've always been around and looked up to those guys," he said. "They've always been a little older, so if they placed at junior high state, I'd try and place at grade-school state. "They are nice guys and good teammates who are very competitive and just great to be around." The sophomore — who faces Centerburg junior Caylan LeMaster (46-8) in the first round — is also proud to be part of a program that is in the midst of another great run of success. "It means a lot, the program is strong," Evans said. "Even the guys who didn't make it to state pushed us every day. We filled all but one weight class this year, which just shows the strength and depth of our room." Asked what a fantasy weekend would look like for the Eagles, Nester had a hard time answering. After all, Monroeville is well-positioned with high expectations, as the borofanohio.net projections have it finishing seventh as a team — and Homan as a state champion. "I'd say everyone is on the podium, but I wouldn't even call that a fantasy, I'd call that realistic," he said. "That's our goal and expectation — to get as high as possible on the podium and take it one match at a time."