2010 Merrillville Semi-State Preview

Well we are saving arguably the best semi-state for last. The Merrillville semi-state is once again loaded and returns 20 previous state placers including four state champions. The returning state champions include Frankie Porras of Hobart, Anthony Hawkins and Jason Tsirtsis of Crown Point and two-time state champion Sean McMurray of Portage. On top of that, there are four returning wrestlers that have finished as high as second place in Eric Roach of Crown Point, Ryan Stahl and Christian Lentz of Mishawaka, and Anthony Quiroz of Chesterton. This year looks to be just as good as the past years for this semi-state. Four state placers return at 103lbs with Kyler Ayersman of Lake Central the highest returner. He finished 3rd last year beating Merrillville’s Zach Stevens. Also 7th and 8th place finishers Cameron Halstead of Crown Point and Aurileo Medina of Munster return. Paul Beck is yet another returning placer coming back for Mishawaka, he finished 7th in 2008. Also returning from 112lbs last year is Alex Gregory of Penn, who finished 4th. Another Merrillville Pirate state placer coming back is Anthony Napules who place 4th in 2008. Alex Surma of Munster returns after placing 6th at 140lbs last year. Purdue recruit Braden Atwood of Delphi is looking for an elusive state title after placing 5th last year. Getting to the big guys, Nathan Cleveland comes back at 215lbs for Lowell after finishing 3rd last year. One last Merrillville wrestler rounds out the list of returning placers in James Travis. He finished 5th last year as an undersized heavyweight, but will come back this year a little bigger and meaner.

Along with great individuals come great teams out of this semi-state. Defending champions Crown Point will be pushed by arch rival Merrillville in their regional. TMishawaka will have another strong team this year and will look to avenge their first round exit from team state last year. Delphi and Lafayette Jeff will also battle it out for a spot at team state.

Click here for the rankings