Babiczuk, Clear win IVC championships

By Carol McIntire

Editor

Malvern crowned two champions at the Inter Valley Conference (IVC) wrestling tournament, one of whom was named the league’s most valuable wrestler.

Senior Zach Babiczuk, the no. 3 seed, won the 215-pound championship with a hard-fought 3-1 decision over the no. 1 seed, Clayton Downs of Garaway and was voted the MVP. 

 Junior Tyson Clear earned the 175-pound title with a 17-1 technical fall of Cage Miller of Newcomerstown. 

As a team the Hornets placed fourth with 107 points. Indian Valley was the winner with 154 points, followed by Ridgewood 122 and Garaway 113. Sandy Valley placed seventh and Conotton Valley ninth. 

Babiczuk made his way to the top of the podium with first round bye followed by a 5:59 second pin of Baxon Burcher of Indian Valley. 

Clear, the no. 1 seed, received a first round bye. He  posted a 12-4 major decision over Cadyn Riggs of Indian Valley in the semifinal round.

It was the second IVC championship for both wrestlers. Clear won the 157 pounds in 2023 and Babiczuk at 215.

 Placing third for the Hornets were Maggie Cockerham (106) with a bye and Jordan Burrows at 126 with a 15-0 technical fall over Mycah Schlabach.

Dalton Pennington (113), Van Steele (138), Gabe Campbell (144), Matt Pucci (150), Dante Passio (157) and Devyn Crater (190) placed fourth.