Wednesday begins the State Dual Meets for High School Wrestling. In the past, there was always a state tournament for teams, but it was for the top two teams from the district tournament with the most returning qualifiers, which basically meant the top eight teams would advance, but Chillicothe Coach Mike Peck explains the new format will allow more teams to advance in the tournament."This year, they decided if you have at least 8 kids could qualify and enter the tournament."
The Cavaliers drew Hamilton Township with the quarterfinals meet to be wrestled at Circleville's Everts Middle School at 7pm Wednesday. The winner meets #1 seeded Circleville on January 30th.
The Cavs have an 11-2 record in dual meets. In the five seasons prior, Chillicothe had won a dual until last season, which has Peck and his team pretty excited. "It puts the spotlight on the team and not so much on individual and makes everyone be a team player and try to get pins and try to get as many points possible in the dual for your team."
Peck and his staff have pieced together lineups for the dual meets due to illness or injury. "We haven't had the same lineup at all this year. Most years you'd be worried, but with the numbers of kids we've had and the depth we've had... every kid's stepped right up and done their best."
The Cavs wrestle in the McDonald's Classic at Miami Trace High School Saturday.

Hear Dan Ramey's interview with Mike Peck