Logan Paul Heads to States With a Sendoff and a Shiner

Westlake High students took a break Feb. 27 to send off one of their own to states.

As is the tradition in the school, athletes going to represent Westlake in the OHSAA State Tournament get a rousing sendoff through the school, complete with a marching band, cheerleaders and following in the rear—state qualifier Logan Paul. His mother and father, Greg Paul and Pam Stepnick were there, snapping photos before Logan and his coaches headed to Columbus.

Paul, a senior, will represent his high school for the last time in Columbus this week. He is going into the tournament with a 34-2 record.

This marks Paul’s second trip to states in two years. Last year as a state qualifier he didn’t place, but his coach, Mike Antonyzyn, thinks this is the senior’s year.

“I think he’ll be on the podium,” Antonyzyn said.

In the first round, Paul will take on Loveland’s Gunner Lay in the 182 lb. class at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday. If he wins, he’ll move on to a Friday match before Saturday’s finals.  

Paul is not just an exceptional wrestler. He was named a Plain Dealer All-Star Linebacker last year and carries a 4.7 GPA. He has not yet decided on college, and according to his coach, will not say which sport—wrestling or football—he would focus on in college.

Special delivery means coach won’t go to Columbus

In addition to Antonyzyn, Paul is coached by Jed Failor, Tom DeLuca and Jake Percival. Sailor and DeLuca also made the trip to Columbus. Percival, who is also a teacher at Dover School couldn’t make the trip but he had good reason. His wife was busy delivering their second child Feb. 27.