By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

ATHENS — Step one is complete. Now on to step two.

Three local wrestlers advanced at the Southeast Sectional tournament held Friday and Saturday.

Fairland’s lone senior Cody Swiger finished second and advanced in the 195-pound class of Division II while Chesapeake freshmen Logan McCloud and John McFarland both qualified for the Division III district tournament to be held this weekend at Heath High School.

McCloud advanced in the 106-pound division as he placed fourth following a loss to Alan Shope of Southeastern. McFarland pinned Derek Francis of Southeastern in 1:50 to place third and move on in the 195-pound class.

Also, Fairland freshman Chris Chianesi was the first alternate in the 113-pound division. Chianesi is 33-13 on the season.

Swiger improved to 44-7 on the season and reached a milestone by notching his 100th career victory — only the fifth Dragons to achieve this status. Swiger has won five tournaments this season and placed in every tournament he has entered.

Swiger — who lost a 12-6 decision to R.J. Waugh of Sheridan in the finals — will wrestle at Goshen High School this weekend.

“Cody has been a tremendous leader and inspiration to the team,” said Fairland coach Chuck Wentz.

“He only won eight matches as a freshman and worked very hard to become one of the best in our area. Cody is an example of what hard work and dedication can do for an athlete.”

Fairland finished 16-6 in duel matches this season and had seven wrestlers with 20 or more wins.