Wadsworth expanded its 12-team format for the 26th annual Grizzly Invitational Tournament to a 16-team bracket in what should be a wild one-day affair.

The GIT, which takes place Saturday, has invited Hilliard Darby, Lakewood, Ryle, Ky. and Oregon Clay to go along with Ellet, Garrettsville Garfield, Canton GlenOak, North Canton Hoover, Howland, John Adams, Olentangy Liberty and Ravenna Southeast in what promises to be a strong team race.

John Gramuglia

“It took a huge step forward and we’re really excited about that,” Grizzlies coach John Gramuglia said. “We used to have a premier Christmas tournament and we decided to move it back a month. Now, it’s back to that premier tournament in late January.”

With the Clay Eagles, who ended Wadsworth’s two-year run at the Brecksville Holiday Tournament this season, the GIT just got a whole lot tougher.

Add Hoover, which finished third behind the Grizzlies at their own tournament in December and it’s even stronger.

“It’s a huge challenge for us,” Gramuglia said. “We’ve won the last 10 and now you have a team that has beaten us earlier this year. We’ll be tested, but it’ll be good for the kids. It’s something we’re looking forward to.”

A year ago, Wadsworth had 10 wrestlers reach the finals with Kagan Squire (125), Alfredo Gray (130 pounds), Chris Baughman (135), Nate Ball (140) and Sheldon Brandenburg (160) joining Nick Tavanello (215) as champions.

Squire, Baughman, Tavanello, Mathias Zollinger and Brandon Jones return as finalists this year.

Black River

The Pirates return to the East of Chicago Invitational after a third-place finish a year ago.

Mike Hozan (113) took home second-place honors, while Eric Hange (152) and Terry Sas (220) were third. Spencer White (4th, 120) and Jake Maund (4th, 170) also placed for the squad.

Brunswick

When Joey Schmidt, Brett Thomas, Tim Reagan and Zack Taylor found the podium last week at the 25th annual Bill Dies Memorial Tournament it marked the most placers by Brunswick at the tournament since 2008 when the Blue Devils finished eighth as a team with seven placers.

Buckeye

The Bucks return to the Marine Corp Invitational this week at West Holmes High School where they’ve had back-to-back runner-up finishes.

A year ago, Stefon Inman (120) was first, Jake Thayer (170) second, Anthony Kisiday (138) third, David Stepp (113) and Tyler Carrow (195) fourth, while Mike Keith (132) and Alex Wilk (160) were sixth.

Cloverleaf

Budgetary constraints forced a late change in the schedule and the Colts will be headed to Willard for the East of Chicago Invitational instead of the West Virginia Duals like in previous seasons.

“It was the only tournament available to get into with that late of notice,” Cloverleaf coach Evan Hollopeter said. “They wanted more teams. We’re glad they were willing to accept us. At that point, you’re looking for anything that’s open. We’re gracious. It’ll be nice to see a few different teams.”

Highland

With 96 wins, Adam Kluk (170) is about to become the school’s 18th wrestler with 100 career wins. Only Wadsworth (29) and Buckeye (19) have more.

Medina

Matt Hammer keeps moving up the charts. With eight wins last week, the two-time state placer climbed the ladder and is now 19th in all-time wins for Medina County with 137. With six more victories, the 138-pounder will pass 2011 Bees graduate Mike Griffith and become the winningest wrestler at Medina. It will also make him No. 14 in county annals.

Wadsworth

With St. Edward’s Greg Kuhar (knee) out for the season, Tavanello’s toughest competition before state will likely come at the GIT.

The two-time state champ — ranked second in Division I at heavyweight by Intermatwrestle.com’s Josh Lowe before Kuhar’s injury — will have Sandusky’s Mike Brown (No. 3, Division II, 7th in state last year), Liberty’s Luke Fleming (No. 5, D-I), Clay’s Garrett Gray (No. 6, D-I, 6th in state last year) and Glenoak’s Derrick Everitt (No. 7, D-I).

Tavanello eked out a 1-0 win over Fleming in the finals of the BHT.

“It’s going to be a really good mini-state tournament for him,” Gramuglia said. “You couldn’t ask for anything more. We were looking for a featured weight and I think we found it.”

Tickets

Tickets for the 75th annual state tournament will go on sale Monday at any Ticketmaster location or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

The cost for an all-session ticket book (five sessions) is $75 each for the Entry and Club Levels and $55 each for the Terrace Level.

Single session tickets for the tournament, which runs March 1-3 will go on sale Feb. 20 and are $15 each.

Contact Brad Bournival at sports@medina-gazette.com.

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