Solon Wrestler Justin Kresevic Conquers Injury To Reach State Tournament

This time last year, Justin Kresevic wasn't a dominant wrestler headed to the state tournament. He didn't have a 39-6 record. He didn't come in second in his weight class in one of the toughest district tournaments in Ohio.

Last year, Kresevic didn't compete on the mat for the Solon Comets. He was recovering from knee surgery, and working hard to get where he is today.

"I came out a stronger person all around, not just as an athlete," Kresevic said. "You realize your opportunities can be taken away at any time, so every time I step out on the field or the mat I realize it can be my last."

Kresevic's comeback story in his senior season is an inspiring story in a Solon wrestling season filled with triumph.

Kresevic joins juniors Brandon Thompson and Anthony Collica in the state meet. Preliminary rounds begin Thursday night at the Schottenstein Center at Ohio State University.

Thompson and Collica are defending state champions. Kresevic is headed to Columbus for the first time under Coach Tony DiGiovanni.

Kresevic, who also played football for Solon, tore a ligament in his knee in the first football game of the 2010 season. He played the rest of the season with the injury and then had surgery in December 2010, a decision that canceled out his junior wrestling season.

Kresevic, who wrestles at 160 pounds, said his season got out to a strong start when he won his weight class at the first two tournaments of the year and also placed fifth in the Powerade Tournament, one of the toughest wrestling tournaments in the nation.

But Kresevic said he knew he had a real shot at states after he defeated a wrestler who finished fourth in states last year. He remembers Thompson telling him that he was on his way to the state finals.

Kresevic said Thompson and Collica have been a tremendous help for him with their experiences at the state meet last season.

"They have been there before and done it," he said. "They help me out, not so much with wrestling, but with attitude and confidence."

Kresevic finished second in the Mentor District, losing in the finals to Boardman's Nico Graziani. Despite the setback, Kresevic is heading to Columbus feeling ready to go.

"It sounds weird, but losing that match might be the best thing that happens," he said. "Now I know what beats me. I'm ready to turn it up."