Martins takes 3rd at states

Johnston senior wrestler Logan Martins put on a show at last weekend’s Rhode Island Interscholastic League Wrestling State Championships, as he finished third overall at 132 pounds after moving up in weight this season.

It was the first time Martins placed third at states after coming in fourth on multiple occasions. The third-place finish qualifies him for this weekend’s New England Championships. 

“I was really proud of how I wrestled. The third-place match has always been a roadblock for me, so to finish third is exciting for me. It’s exciting to be able to compete at New Englands and represent my school,” said Martins, who was also proud to have success at his new weight. “It was much needed. I had an easier weight cut this year which helped me feel strong.”

Martins has been wrestling year-round before he was even at JHS, making him one of the state’s most experienced grapplers. Although he has not thought much beyond the state tournament, he is hoping to use his years on the mat as an advantage at New Englands. 

“I understand what it takes to be ready for each match, go in there and do what you’ve got to do. I was looking more to score points and do enough to win (at states). It doesn’t matter how you do it,” said Martins. “I never really thought about what I wanted to do (at New Englands). Getting to the podium is always the goal, it’s not going to be easy, but that’s the goal.”

Although Martins has one more tournament to go, he has wrapped up his RIIL career and will leave a long-lasting legacy within Johnston wrestling. 

“I’ll look back at how much my family played a part of my success. Bringing me to all the extra practices, helping me get there and be better. I keep track of my stats so it’s cool to look back at the success that I’ve had and I attribute that to my drilling partners and family,” said Martins. 

Bishop Hendricken’s Mikhail Hulkow finished second at 120 pounds while teammate Logan Ross took second at 157 pounds. Toll Gate’s Marcos Ramirez placed second at 126 pounds, while Hendricken’s Matthew Pappas placed second at 165. Gianni Santo took second at 175 pounds for Hendricken as well.

Hendricken’s Michael Quinn took third at 113, while Johnston’s Logan Martins placed third at 132 pounds for the Panthers. Hendricken’s Seth McGrew took third at 144 pounds and teammate Lincoln Tiernan finished third at 190.

Hendricken’s Vincent McAteer took fourth at 215 pounds. 

Michael Owens finished fifth at 106 pounds for Hendricken and Cranston West’s Dylan Bowry took fifth at 126 pounds. West’s Benjamin Jawharjian placed fifth at 132 pounds. Kason Wirtz finished fifth at 150 pounds for Toll Gate.

Gian Richardson reached the podium by placing sixth at 190 pounds for West. 

On the girls side, Allison Patten defended her title at 107 pounds with the win while earning the outstanding wrestler award as she pinned her opponent in under a minute. Toll Gate’s Victoria Salinas took first at 132 pounds to defend her title.

Mila Dy took second at 114 pounds for Cranston East and West’s Giana Espinal Albizu took third at 107 as well.