Albert Gallatin graduate Wallace wins Findlay Open for Kent State
Albert Gallatin graduate and Kent State University freshman Tim Wallace won the Findlay Open on Saturday in Findlay, Ohio.
Wallace, who finished his high school career at 139-14, won two WPIAL titles and placed as high as second in the state his senior season.
Wallace earned a 10-2 major decision over Notre Dame’s (Ohio) Tony Vezzetti in the finals at 184 pounds. Vezzetti is a Division II All-American.
Wallace received a bye in the round of 32 before picking up an 8-0 major decision over Notre Dame’s (Ohio) Logan Hall.
Wallace had another dominant performance in the quarterfinals when he won an 11-1 major decision Ohio Northern University’s Chris Mueller.
Wallace pinned Lake Erie College’s Jesse Pasler in 5:21 to advance to the finals. Wallace outscored his opponents, 29-3, in the tournament.
The former Colonial hasn’t competed in any dual meets for the Golden Flashes, but is enjoying the opportunity to wrestle in open tournaments.
“I feel like I have been wrestling well in the open tournaments,” Wallace said. “I am in good shape and it is going well. I love that you can get riding time in college wrestling. I built up almost 10 minutes of riding time in my first tournament.”
Wallace is not the only WPIAL wrestler on Kent State’s roster, as Waynesburg Central graduate Colin McCracken is a sophomore on the team.
“It’s nice having someone from the area on our team,” Wallace said. “We work out together and it has helped me out a lot. College has been a big adjustment not just in wrestling but overall, but I feel like I’ve gotten into a routine. The practices are a lot tougher, but I really enjoy it.
“In the matches, hand fighting is very important and you have to set up your shots well or you are going to get taken down. I like where Kent State is located because it’s not too far from home, but also not too close.”
Wallace, who wrestled for Duane Dupont at Albert Gallatin, is still in touch with his former coaches and teammates.
“I’ve talked to Coach Dupont and (Mike) Simon and some of the guys at Albert Gallatin,” Wallace said. “It is nice to get to be able to talk with them.”