Sports

Tyler Bodovetz & Donovan Paes represent Streetsboro at state wrestling meet

Senior finishes eighth and earns All-Ohio honors

Aspen Hanzak, Reporter|April 14, 2021

John Bodovetz captures a moment with senior Tyler Bodovetz at States.

Senior Tyler Bodovetz placed eighth in his 170-pound weight class and earned the title of All-Ohio at the state tournament held March 13 and 14 at Marengo Highland High School outside of Columbus.

His teammate and fellow state qualifier, sophomore Donovan Paes, wrestled a total of three matches, winning his second one in the last 17 seconds.

“We were very proud of how Tyler and Donovan wrestled. They both proved they deserved to be there,” Coach Brady Marlow said.

Bodovetz, having placed eighth in his weight class, won his first match 4-3 and his third 6-5. He then lost his second and fourth matches.

“Tyler was down by one, with five seconds left in his match,” Marlow recalled of the third match. “He hit an unbelievable switch with no time left and got the win. The crowd went crazy.”

This last-second triumph earned Bodovetz the All-Ohioan title and ranked him amongst the best.

“That win meant he placed at state, making it even more remarkable,” said Head Coach Josh Zuppancic.

Bodovetz is now looking forward to his future in wrestling, as he plans to continue the sport throughout college.

“I’m looking forward to committing and hopefully becoming an All-American, wherever I decide to be,” he said.

Bodovetz has not yet announced his college decision, but is currently preparing to make the commitment.

He finished his Streetsboro career with a record of 120-43.

Although Paes did not place at states, his coaches were impressed with his performance.

“Donovan also came from being down five points against a senior to get his first state tournament win,” Zupancic said. “That was the largest comeback I have ever coached at state.”

Paes said he was just honored to make it as far as he did.

“It feels amazing to win, always is and always will, but when you’re at the state tournament you feel something different because you know that you’re competing against the best of the best.”

Aside from qualifying for states, Bodovetz and Paes both earned sectional championships and finished their season with records of 39-4 and 35-7, respectively.