By Sam Brauen www.blufftonpirates.com
Bluffton Wrestling turned in a spectacular performance at the Defiance Tri State Border Wars Tournament this weekend.  Deandre Nassar was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Wrestler and won the 182 class.  Despite being one of the smallest schools in the field, the Pirate team finished 7th out of 42 teams from Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.  

Nassar won his semifinal match over Coventry’s Austin Hinzman with a third period pin.  In the final, Deandre earned a sudden victory (overtime) by a 3-1 count over Ottawa-Glandorf’s Danny Rosales.  Nassar won the 195 class last year at this same tournament.  Nassar is now 16-0 on the year.

Tayton Kleman worked a 9-7 sudden victory in his semifinal match with Jamison Zimmerman (Niles).  Kleman finished as runner up in the 106 class as he fell to Wayne Trace’s Jarrett Hornish by an 8-2 count.   Kleman is now 11-2 on the season.

Freshman Kaden Basil earned a seventh place finish in the 113 class.  Basil dropped his quarterfinal match Friday evening but picked up a 4-3 win over Columbia City (IN)’s Austin Dunnuck.  Basil lost his next Consolation Round match but rebounded with an 8-4 decision win in the seventh place match over Dowagiac Union’s Tyler Huston. 

Team Scores
1. Niles 168.5
2. Sandusky 129
3. Sycamore 123
4. Mendon 113.5
5. Findlay 105.5
6. Wayne Trace 104
7. Bluffton 98.5
8. Columbia City 97

What’s Next
The Pirates do not have a scheduled meet until January 15 when they travel to Spencerville for a tri match with Columbus Grove and the host Bearcats.