COLUMBUS — Mac Altom ended his career as an Eaton wrestler by placing in the top 12 for the 145-pound weight class in the Division II state tournament held Thursday through Saturday, March 3-5 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus.
The senior grappler fell in the first round of the tournament, giving up the lead in the last minute for a 10-9 loss.
He regrouped after the tough loss to get a pin in 2:41 during the first round of the consolation.
“Mac gave his best effort like always. Dropping that first match 10-9 to returning place winner, then following up with a pin was great for him on the first day. That is something that the kids have to learn – you have 45 minutes to refocus and that is something every wrestler learns, how to get back up when you’ve been knocked down hard,” said Eaton head coach Mark Silvers.
Altom went up against Sid Ohl in the second round of the consolation bracket, getting stuck in the third round with just over 30 seconds left. Ohl went on to place seventh in the tournament.
“(Placing 12 is) a great accomplishment by any standard. His hard work and commitment paid off for him. His work ethic and attitude will carry him to reach high levels of success the rest of his life,” said Silvers.
Being a state qualifier in Ohio also carries a lot of weight, added Silvers. The state is known nationwide as having some of the toughest wrestling around.
“Mac and (other Eaton state qualifier) Wade (Monebrake) can walk away from this season with a sense of accomplishment and pride,” he said.
Altom ends his season with a 31-12 record while placing third in both the sectional tournament at Tipp City and the district tournament at Wilmington.
