PERRYSBURG – JP Newton has already successfully wrestled in Columbus, finishing third in the state
meet last season in Division I at 152 pounds.He has also attended some wrestling camps at Ohio State
University.On Wednesday, Newton signed up for four more years in Columbus.The Perrysburg High School senior
signed his national letter of intent to continue his wrestling and academic careers at Ohio State.”It’s
very exciting, I can’t even describe it,” Newton said. ”I just love the sport. I’ve always loved going in
there, and working hard to get better.”I was a little bit nervous. This whole process was kind of
strenuous,” he added.At the state meet last winter, his only loss was to a three-time state champion.
Newton finished 40-7 on the season.Newton was a freshman when Sam Cotterman started as the Perrysburg
wrestling coach.”I know he’s going to be successful at Ohio State, and I can’t wait to watch,” Cotterman
said. ”There is not a day that goes by, no matter what day of the week it is, that he is not doing
something to better himself.”As soon as Newton finishes his current stint as a three-year starting
defensive lineman for the Yellow Jackets football team in the state playoffs, he will hit the mat with hopes
to return to the state wrestling meet this winter.”I knew from a young age he was going to be special,”
Cotterman said. ”Watching him wrestle, I’ve seen his competitive toughness. I’ve seen him wrestling with
kids 20 or 30 pounds heavier than him … He’s a hard-nosed kid that wants to be good, and he’s going to be
good because of the hard work and toughness he has.”Newton said he also had interest from Kent State and
Purdue, but decided on Ohio State.”Growing up in Ohio, I have always been an Ohio State fan. They have
great tradition,” Newton said.At Ohio State, Newton said he will probably wrestle at either 149 or 157.