High school wrestling: Highland's Giatis brothers seeking first state berths

Brothers Zisi and Niko Giatis are grateful for the support system they have and the values instilled in them by their father Petros and mother Stamatia. The respectful young men believe their upbringing has laid the foundation for their Highland wrestling careers. Both hope the next step is placing in the top four of the Perrysburg Division I District this weekend and advancing to the state tournament for the first time. "We've got a great community and family in the background supporting us," sophomore Niko said. "We're involved in the church and have strong morals that I feel like have helped us with our wrestling." The support starts with each other and sharing the experiences of the ups and downs that come in wrestling. Zisi wrestles at 144 pounds, while Niko is slightly taller and competes at 150. "We've been trying to help push each other this year and improve," junior Zisi said. "It's that brotherly bond where we can relate to each other, which allows us to push each other because we're so close to each other. "It really helps when you're getting ready for your match and you know your brother is there to support you and he's got your back the whole time." The Giatis brothers are of Greek descent. Zisi is short for Zisimos and is derived from the word Zosimos, which means able to live or survive. Niko is short for Nikolaos, or "the people of victory." "They're both really good kids and hard workers that love wrestling," first-year Hornets coach Dave Habat said. "They're very proud of their background, and I think that's really cool. They are very passionate about their Greek heritage and church. It's cool that they have kept the traditions in their family." Zisi and Niko are part of a contingent of 12 Highland wrestlers who advanced out of the Strongsville Sectional. They will be joined by Brandon Bickerton (106), Austin Bickerton (113), Brennan Kicker (138) and Ryan Zywiec (215) as the six sectional champions that led the Hornets to winning the team title in another step in a breakout year for Highland, which also included the Suburban League American Conference championship. "Highland wrestling has had a complete makeover as a team this year," Zisi said. "Obviously, we had a change in our staff this year, and I feel like it's a lot more of a friendly environment and connected. We're a very well-knit community, and I feel like we're headed in a very good direction these next few years." Habat was hired to lead the Hornets in the offseason, replacing Buckeye alumnus Tim Maxworthy. Before coming to Highland, Habat was head coach at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson. Along with Habat came an influx of talented freshmen that included district qualifiers in the Bickertons, Hoyt Pylypiak (120) and Kicker. Sophomores Michael Rockow (132) and Kallen Whitling (157) and junior Brady Bendau (285) also are making their first district appearances. "There's a good team bond between everyone," Niko said. "The techniques we're learning are helping everyone tremendously. We keep everyone up and support each other in our matches. I feel like that's a big thing." Joining the Giatis brothers in returning to the district tournament are Conner Haney (132), Chase Crutchley (165) and Zywiec. Last year's district was particularly harsh for Zisi, who breezed through the first day but was beat in the semifinals on Saturday by Mentor's Antonio Shelley and then lost to Massillon Perry's Charles Curtis in the consolation semifinals. Shelley and Curtis went on to become two-time state placers. Zisi also lost his state alternate match to Austintown Fitch's Aric Smith. "Last year was rough because I made it the furthest on my team on the first day," Zisi said. "The next day I had a semi slide. It's going to take everything I've got (to reach the state tournament). I have to give everything I've got mentally and physically, because when you get to those placement and blood round matches you've got to put it all together." Niko beat Aurora's Reese Sesny in the first round before losing to Mentor's Nick Blackburn, who finished third at state, in the quarterfinal. He then beat Nordonia's Nathan Miller in his first consolation match before dropping a 9-1 major decision to Solon's Adom Sharpley. "I learned a couple of things from last year's district tournament," he said. "Everyone's gunning for each other because everyone is dying to get that spot at the state tournament. I'm going to rely on all my hard work to push myself to get there." Habat, who credits both brothers for being able to attack the legs of opponents, is confident in their ability to take the next step this weekend. "They're ready to go," he said. "I've got high expectations for both of them and believe they can both place at state. Not to put pressure on it, but I think they are capable of doing it and I want them to reach their goals." Zisi and Niko believe they are ready for this moment as well and are confident the support of their family, teammates and coaches can push them over the top. "I'm feeling very confident," Zisi said. "I feel like I've been paving my way this entire year. I've had tons of support from our teammates and coaches. I feel like it's going to be a very exciting tournament." Contact John Urchek at jurchek@medina-gazette.com.