Edison's Hermes wins fourth SBC title

NORWALK — Edison senior Abe Hermes was named Most Outstanding Wrestler in the Bay Division after dominating with four pins to win the 138-pound weight class Saturday at the Sandusky Bay Conference championships at Norwalk High School. Hermes — a previous state champion and multi-time All-Ohioan — became the 17th wrestler in SBC history to win four individual titles. He pinned St. Mary Central Catholic standout Ben James in 2:59 in the finals. "My plan going in was to stack the takedowns and build a lead," Hermes said. "He's really good on the mat so I wanted to stay away from that. "I ended up in kind of a scramble position and I always like my odds in those positions. Came out on top and got the pin." The move Hermes (42-6) used to win was one he showed his teammates in practice. "He shot a deep single leg and we kind of scrambled," Hermes said. "I rolled through; it's a move I actually showed the team this week in practice. Nobody else knew how to hit it. I rolled through, caught the cradle and set him up for the pin." Hermes pinned Gibsonburg's Nathaniel Chafin in 1:05; Willard's Jose Lopez in 47 seconds; and Clyde's Linkin Mullins in 1:54 en route to the finals against Ben James. Despite the big win from Hermes, who also became the fifth from Edison to win four league titles, the Chargers were edged out by a half-point in the team standings by Port Clinton, which got a late pin for the program's first-ever SBC title. Also claiming titles at their respective weights at the tournament for Edison included Mason Hermes at 113 and Luke James at 175. Mason Hermes (41-8) also pinned his way through the bracket a 113 and is 2-for-2 with SBC titles. The sophomore pinned Calvert's Dante Fabrizio (46 seconds); Lakota's Carson Quaintance (15 seconds); Perkins' Rajon Randleman (1:21); and Clyde's Heath Norris in 1:12. Meanwhile, the unbeaten and reigning state champion James (35-0) pinned Hopewell-Loudon's Tristan Biller (1:17); Port Clinton's Caleb Spencer (48 seconds); and Sandusky's Ramierion Rollin (51 seconds) before a 13-1 major decision in the finals over Lakota's Grant Bomer. Finishing second for the Chargers was Xander-Gfell King (120, 24-5), while AJ Crabtree (106) and Quentin Cox (126) each placed fourth. Josah Walbom (157) was fifth and Joe Smith (285) was sixth for the Chargers. Host Norwalk was without several key regulars because of illness and injury. Kevin Howard (175, 24-7) placed third and Nick Toth (144, 36-11) was fourth for the Truckers. Caiden Wilson (138) was fifth and Devin Kolanda (215) was sixth as well for Norwalk. Willard was paced by Jose Figueroa (106, 33-7) and Luke Slone (132, 24-5) in third place. Nolan Kilgore was sixth at 120. Perkins (217.5) led the tournament in total points and won the Lake title for a third straight year. Bellevue junior Ben Jacobs was named Most Outstanding Wrestler in the Lake. He defeated two returning state placers, including an 8-7 decision against Perkins' Braxden Martin in the finals. Note: Register sports editor Brian Kollars contributed to this story. --------------------------- SBC championshipsTeam standings1. Perkins 217.5; 2. Bellevue 193.5; 3. Port Clinton 166; 4. Edison 165.5; 5. Woodmore 132.5; 6. Clyde 131; 7. Lakota 90.5; 8. Vermilion 85; 9. Willard 73.5; 10. Norwalk 67.5; 11. Columbian 66; 12. Sandusky 60.5; 13. Gibsonburg 45.5; 14. St. Mary CC 38; 15. Calvert 34; 16. Hopewell-Loudon 26; 17. Margaretta 23; 18. Huron 11.5. First place106: Elijah Ramsey (PC) maj. dec. Marco Muratori (PER), 19-5113: Mason Hermes (EDI) pin Heath Norris (CLY), 3:36120: Owen Sterritt (BEL) dec. Xander Gfell-King (EDI), 4-0126: Sawyer Smith (PER) dec. Joshua Cornell (PC), 9-3132: Dre' Campbell (SAN) maj. dec. Ashton Clifton (VER), 8-0138: Abe Hermes (EDI) pin Ben James (SMCC), 2:59144: Ben Jacobs (BEL) dec. Braxden Martin (PER), 8-5150: Lane Thacker (LAK) dec. Law Davlin (PER), 6-4157: Jeremiah Hash (BEL) dec. Aiden Kyser (VER), 9-3165: Braxton Quaintance (LAK) pin Landon Rich (WDM), 2:33175: Luke James (EDI) maj. dec. Grant Bomer (LAK), 13-1190: Malakii Pinkleton (PC) pin Michael Seeger (WDM), 3:01215: Haiden Bollini (PER) pin Wyatt Crow (HL), 3:48285: Eli Sanchez (PER) pin Taylin Bell (COL), 1:37