Wrestling: North Olmsted’s Matthew Chalkwater showed resilience in punching ticket to OHSAA state tournament
Coming off a strong showing at the 2023 OHSAA Perrysburg Division I District Wrestling Tournament, then-North Olmsted sophomore Matthew Chalkwater put himself on the radar with a 36–7 showing for a potentially big 2024 junior campaign.
After all, he’d made it to the championship semifinals in what would eventually be his second of four consecutive district tournament appearances, and earned the alternate spot at 165-pounds by pinfall in the fifth place match.
For a tough-luck sport such as wrestling, there are injuries, heart breaks and other obstacles. Those resilient enough to overcome the hurdles in front of them aren’t always rewarded.
Chalkwater started strong last winter, but a mid-year injury sidelined him until close to the postseason and he went two-and-out at Perrysburg on March 1 and 2, 2024. He never seemed quite the same coming off the injury, and his senior campaign was around the corner.
Fast forward to 2025, Chalkwater won his first match at the Perrysburg District Tournament held Feb. 28 to March 1 but dropped his second, forcing him to pick up three wins in the consolation bracket — otherwise known as the blood rounds.
Chalkwater won the two matches he needed early on March 1 in order to move one match away from a ticket to Columbus. His third match of the day would prove to be his toughest — as 2024 state qualifier Will Schnabel from Avon Lake was similar in style and aggressiveness. Only one of them would extend their high school careers on the mat for one more weekend with a victory.
Chalkwater managed to pull out a nail biter over Schnabel, a 7–5 decision, in the consolation semifinal match. Putting his junior year struggles behind him, Chalkwater is finally a state qualifier.
“It feels amazing,” Chalkwater said March 4, finally having soaked in the reality of what transpired the weekend prior. “I’ve seen all of my teammates do it, and it’s finally my turn at the big tournament.”
Schnabel was an even match for him. It was win-or-go-home to extend their high school careers on the mat for one more weekend.
“I was just coming out looking to get the upper-hand and be the dominant one,” Chalkwater explained as he walked through his mindset headed into the match with Schnabel. “I needed to take my shots and keep my composure. I really was trying not to give (Will) any easy shots out there.”
The North Olmsted 165-pounder knew that Schnabel, like himself, was a senior. He was going to give it his all and leave no regrets on the mat.
“Sometimes you have a little bit left in your gas tank, but for this match, I was really pushing the pace, wrestling my 101% out there.”
By mere coincidence, Chalkwater’s teammate and fellow senior Phillip Kennedy (138) lost a match against Schnabel’s teammate — Mike Valerino, in their weight class’ consolation semifinal.
“Yeah, we both ran into guys from the same teams at the same time in the tournament,” Chalkwater chuckled. “It was pretty funny how it happened.”
Chalkwater’s trip to the state tournament continues a six-year streak for North Olmsted (excluding the canceled 2020 State Tournament) of sending at least one representative down I-71 for the final weekend of the season.
As long as he wins two matches prior to potentially suffering two losses, Chalkwater will finish in the Top 8 in his weight class and earn All-Ohio honors on the podium. Knowing the tough luck he had as a junior, he’s more grateful for this opportunity after running through the gauntlet and plans to enjoy it.
“This is anyone’s tournament,” Chalkwater noted. “I just have to have a good week of practice and come out swinging.”
Sean Fitzgerald is an award-winning journalist, writer, sports reporter, voiceover talent and podcaster. Tune in to the ‘Fitz On Sports Podcast’ on Voltage Live each Friday and follow him on Twitter/X @fitzonsportsbsr; as well as Bluesky @fitzonsportsbsr.bsky.social for insights, articles and occasional livestreams, as well as columns here on medium.com.
