The Delaware Hayes High School wrestling program dealt with the weather conditions the best way it could.

Because of heavy snow, the Rieman Invitational on Feb. 6 had only six of the scheduled 12 teams compete. The weather also kept wrestling fans away in droves.

"It wasn't disappointing at all," coach Josh Heffernan said about the small crowd. "It was a day of great wrestling thanks to strong administrative support, a hard-working group of custodians, and a creative tournament staff that was able to modify the tournament's format and still get most every kid there five matches. I'd say it was highly successful."

The Pacers finished fifth with 32 points behind champion Massillon Perry (162), Cincinnati Elder (124), Olentangy (97) and DeSales (55), and ahead of Bloom-Carroll (12). Teams expected to compete but unable to attend included area teams Hilliard Davidson, Marion Harding, New Albany and Westerville North, as well as Goshen and Springfield Kenton Ridge.

Perry also won the title last season, with Davidson second and Elder third.

Delaware had three third-place finishers in Seth McCurdy (103), Joe Sumner (160/171) and Tyler Daugherty (215). Colton Christner (heavyweight) was fourth.

Perry's Zach Daily (130/135) earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award.

"Our guys competed well," Heffernan said. "We have been seeing steady improvement with everyone's technique and match strategies. We aren't making mental mistakes, getting out of position, or taking unnecessary risks like we did too often in the beginning of the year."

The Pacers, who closed the regular season last Friday in the Bobcat Duals at Ohio University, compete Saturday in the Division I sectional at Watkins Memorial. The top four individuals in each weight class advance to the district on Feb. 26-27 at Hilliard Darby.

Seeded teams in the Watkins Memorial sectional are Marysville (second), Teays Valley (third), Gahanna (11th) and Westerville North (12th). Also joining Delaware and the host school there are Briggs, Brookhaven, Dublin Scioto, Franklin Heights, New Albany, Upper Arlington and Worthington Kilbourne.

"Our sectional is stacked," Heffernan said. "It boasts seven of the area's No.1-ranked wrestlers. For the most part, with the exception of 119 and 125, the sectional seems to be really stacked at the weights where we don't have competitors."