Wrestling season is upon us.
Last year the Marion area sent 16 wrestlers to the state tournament at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center and five earned medals in their trips.
Hope abounds in 2025-26.
To recognize the excitement that comes with the start of the season, the Marion Star is offering a pair of preseason polls for fans to pick their favorite preseason wrestlers of the year for boys and girls.
The polls at MarionStar.com and its app will be live through the early morning of Dec. 16. Fans are encouraged to vote as often as allowed during that time.
Here are the nominees:
Marion Star Preseason Girls Wrestler of the Year for 2025-26
Emma Bolton: Highland, senior, 190 pounds, 36-13 last year, fourth at district, multi-time state qualifier.
Chanel Kellogg: Marion Harding, junior, 155 pounds, 31-19 last year, sixth at district.
Gabby O’Reilly: Pleasant, freshman, 170 pounds, captain, fifth at Lady Scot Invitational to start her career.
Kylee Sardina: River Valley, senior, 140 pounds, 43-12 last year, third at district, state qualifier.
Hallie Winslow: Elgin, senior, 130 pounds, 35-15 last year, district runner-up, three time state qualifier, former state placer.
Marion Star Preseason Boys Wrestler of the Year for 2025-26
Ben Bonnell: North Union, senior, 150 pounds, captain, 20-plus wins last year.
Carson Campbell: Northmor, senior, 165 pounds, 46-8 last year, KMAC champion, sixth at state, two-time state placer.
Cael Gilmore: Highland, senior, 165 pounds, 53-1 last year, MOAC and district champion, third at state, three-time state placer, former state runner-up.
Karson Jenkins: River Valley, junior, 113 pounds, 41-7 last year, district champion, eighth at state
Cody Meimer: Mount Gilead, 285 pounds, 37-10 last year, KMAC champion, fourth at district, state qualifier.
Cooper Schlaegel: Elgin, sophomore, 132 pounds, 49-3 last year, KMAC and district champion, third at state.
Kile Sentieri: Marion Harding, senior, 175 pounds, 38-7 last year, MOAC champion, fifth at district, state alternate.
Chase VanOosten: Pleasant, senior, 165 pounds, 30-19, third in the MOAC, placed in five tournaments.
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This article originally appeared on Marion Star: You decide! Vote in the Marion Star Preseason Wrestlers of the Year polls
Reporting by Rob McCurdy, Marion Star / Marion Star
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