High School News

865 articles in this category

1758
Hoosiers Sign Five in Early Period
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - By sumbmitting their National Letters of Intent, five future student-athletes have signed to be members of the Hoosier Wrestling program starting with the 2015-16 season. Between them, the five wrestlers have seven state championships, three top five finishes at Flonationals and a Fargo Jr. National Champion.
 

TOMMY CASH • 149/152 pounds
Indianapolis, Ind. • Lawrence North H.S.
- 123-4 career record
- Indiana State Champion (138 lbs.)
- Fifth at Flonationals
 

GABE KOONTZ • 165 pounds
Edgewood, Ind. • Edgewood H.S.
- 106-23 career record
- Third at Indiana states (160 lbs.)
- Ranked #1 in Indiana
 
ELIJAH OLIVER • 125 pounds
Memphis, Tenn. • Christian Brothers H.S.
- 130-3 career record
- Three-time Tennessee state champ (120 lbs.)
- Fargo Jr. National Champion
 

GARRETT PEPPLE • 125/133 pounds
Kendallville, Ind. • East Noble H.S.
- 90-7 career record
- Two-time Indiana runner-up
- Fourth at Flonationals
 
DEVIN SKATZKA • 165/174 pounds
Richmond, Mich. • Richmond H.S.
- 141-10 career record
- Three-time Michigan state champ (152 lbs.)
- Third at Flonationals

1754
Evansville Semi-State Preview
2011 Evansville Wrestling Semi-State Preview
 
The competition at the 2011 Evansville Semi-State looks to be top notch this Saturday.  There are a total of 66 top 20 ranked wrestlers, including 4 of which that are ranked #1 in their respective classes. There are 28 returning state qualifiers, 16 of which are returning State Placers.
 
103
 
First round matches to watch:
 
Bailey Schober (9)(Greenwood)(33-7) vs. Tyler Stock (11)(N. Posey)(33-8)
 
Jacob Brown (9)(Castle)(32-13) vs. Michael Thomas (9)(Center Grove)(12-7)
 
Skylar Lykins (9)(Franklin Community)(31-8) vs. Wyatt Seng (9)(Mater Dei)(22-9)
 
#8 Damon Kuhn (10)(Evansville Reitz)(40-1) vs. Tyler Ruble (12)(N. Putnam)(26-3)
 
Likely ticket round matches are:
 
#2 Jacob Boomsma (12)(Bloomington South)(40-0) vs. Tyler Stock (11)(N. Posey)(33-8)
 
Terrance Kennedy (10)(Floyd Central)(31-5) vs. Jacob Brown (9)(Castle)(32-13)
 
Wyatt Seng (9)(Mater Dei)(22-9) vs. Nathan Schitter (9)(Jasper)(31-8)
 
#8 Damon Kuhn (10)(Evansville Reitz)(40-1) vs. Cory O’Neal (10)(Southwestern)(36-6)
 
Likely State Qualifiers:
 
1.       Jacob Boomsma (12)(Bloomington South)(40-0)(8th at 112 in ’10, state qualifier at 103 ’09)
 
2.       Damon Kuhn (10)(Evansville Reitz)(40-1)
 
3.       Terrance Kennedy (10)(Floyd Central)(31-5)
 
4.       Wyatt Seng (9)(Mater Dei)(22-9)
 
112
 
First round matches to watch:
 
Matthew Lahue (11)(Corydon Central)(28-4) vs. Austin Pettijohn (12)(Franklin Community)(27-9)
 
Likely ticket round matches:
 
#18 Anthony Schoettle (10)(Center Grove)(36-6) vs. Sam Goebel (11)(Mater Dei)(35-5)
 
#7 Alonzo Shepherd (11)(Jeffersonville)(45-1) vs. Mathew Mastison (10)(Ev. Harrison)(45-6)
 
Blake Johns (10)(Evansville Reitz)(37-10) vs. Chris Whitely (10)(Floyd Central)(27-11)
 
#8 Luke Schroeder (12)(Southwestern)(45-1) vs. Austin Pettijohn (12)(Franklin Community)(27-9)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Alonzo Shepherd (11)(Jeffersonville)(45-1)(state qualifier at 103 ‘10)
 
2.       Luke Schroeder (12)(Southwestern)(45-1)(3rd at 103 ‘10)
 
3.       Anthony Schoettle (10)(Center Grove)(36-6)
 
4.       Blake Johns (10)(Evansville Reitz)(37-10)
 
119
 
Likely ticket round matches:
 
Robby Taylor (12)(Madison)(37-6) vs. #14 Gideon VanHook (11)(Evansville Reitz)(36-5)
 
#15 Cody Kendle (12)(Pike Central)(37-5) vs. #13 Logan Wedding (10)(Evansville Memorial)(33-4)
 
Nathan Carmichael (10)(Center Grove)(36-8) vs. Austin Jamison (10)(New Albany)(22-6)
 
#10 Luke Welch (10)(Castle)(42-1) vs. Dakota Case (12)(Terre Haute South)(19-4)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Luke Welch (10)(Castle)(42-1)(state qualifier at 112 ’10)
 
2.       Logan Wedding (10)(Evansville Memorial)(33-4)
 
3.       Gideon VanHook (11)(Evansville Reitz)(36-5)(state qualifier at 103 in ‘10)
 
4.       Nathan Carmichael (10)(Center Grove)(36-8)
 
125
 
First round matches to watch:
 
#14 Preston Wilson (12)(Whiteland)(29-2) vs. Joey Resch (12)(Jennings County)(38-5)
 
#7 Alex Griesemer (12)(Princeton)(35-4) vs. Cody Byrer (12)(North Knox)(35-4)
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
Kevim Castro (12)(Jeffersonville)(36-9) vs. Jerald Thompson (12)(Brownsburg)(23-15)
 
#6 Trevor Moody (11)(Evansville Reitz)(39-2) vs. #14 Preston Wilson (12)(Whiteland)(29-2)
 
Brayden Montgomery (10)(Danville)(35-1) vs. #7 Alex Griesemer (12)(Princeton)(35-4)
 
#9 Baron Rieker (12)(Columbus East)(39-6) vs. #5 Zach Henderson (12)(Mater Dei)(35-3)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Zach Henderson (12)(Mater Dei)(35-3)
 
2.       Trevor Moody (11)(Evansville Reitz)(39-2)(state qualifier at 112 in ’09)
 
3.       Alex Griesemer (12)(Princeton)(35-4)(state qualifier at 112 in ’08)
 
4.       Kevim Castro (12)(Jeffersonville)(36-9)
 
130
 
First round matches to watch:
 
Zach Rieker (12)(Columbus East)(38-7) vs. #9 Michael Brown (12)(Castle)(38-5)
 
Connor Montgomery (10)(Jennings County)(36-9) vs. Brendon Kelley (9)(Evansville Central)(35-8)
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
#9 Michael Brown (12)(Castle)(38-5) vs. Derek Lunsford (12)(Pike Central)(37-5)
 
#16 Max Mangold (12)(Mater Dei)(24-6) vs. Cory Neel (12)(Christian Academy)(28-9)
 
Kaleb Chambers (12)(Jasper)(31-7) vs. #8 Jonathon Hoehn (11)(Mt. Vernon)(37-4)
 
#3 Neal Malloy (10)(Danville)(42-0) vs. Brendon Kelley (9)(Evansville Central)(35-8)
 
Likely State Qualifiers:
 
1.       Neal Malloy (10)(Danville)(42-0)(state qualifier at 119 in ‘10)
 
2.       Michael Brown (12)(Castle)(38-5)(state qualifier at 125 in ‘10)
 
3.       Jonathon Hoehn (11)(Mt. Vernon)(37-4)(state qualifier at 125 in ‘10)
 
4.       Max Mangold (12)(Mater Dei)(24-6)
 
135
 
First round matches to watch:
 
Luke Kriech (10)(Franklin Community)(28-8) vs. Derek Dowdy (12)(Evansville Reitz)(38-5)
 
#11 Quinn Schroeder (12)(Mater Dei)(31-7) vs. Kalob Heald (12)(Cascade)(34-4)
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
Bryce Jones (12)(Southridge)(29-4) vs. Derek Dowdy (12)(Evansville Reitz)(38-5)
 
#14 Steven Rieker (12)(Columbus East)(42-2) vs. #11 Quinn Schroeder (12)(Mater Dei)(31-7)
 
#9 Byron Konrath (12)(Mt. Vernon)(33-2) vs. Jordan Gast (11)(Jennings County)(33-7)
 
#3 Ethan Raley (12)(Indian Creek)(26-1) vs. A.J. Kerr (12)(Edgewood)(34-1)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Ethan Raley (12)(Indian Creek)(26-1)(1st - 103 in ’08, state qualifier - 119 in ’09, 2nd - 125 in ‘10)
 
2.       Quinn Schroeder (12)(Mater Dei)(31-7)
 
3.       Byron Konrath (12)(Mt. Vernon)(33-2)(state qualifier at 135 in ‘10)
 
4.       Derek Dowdy (12)(Evansville Reitz)(38-5)
 

 
140
 
First round matches to watch:
 
Will DeWees (12)(Franklin Community)(22-5) vs. Tim Shuler (11)(Columbus East)(30-10)
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
#3 Blake Rueger (11)(Evansville Reitz)(40-1) vs. #8 Jordan Judy (11)(Danville)(34-1)
 
Tre Harbin (12)(Jeffersonville)(40-7) vs. #14 Spencer Boyd (12)(Bloomington South)(37-3)
 
#2 PJ Montgomery (12)(Terre Haute South)(34-0) vs.  #19 Jordan Mann (12)(Castle)(34-10)
 
Will DeWees (12)(Franklin Community)(22-5) vs. #15 Jake Lannert (11)(Mater Dei)(33-6)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       PJ Montgomery (12)(Terre Haute South)(34-0)(5th at 140 in ’10, state qualifier at 145 in ‘09)
 
2.       Blake Rueger (11)(Evansville Reitz)(40-1)(8th at 135 in ’10, state qualifier at 125 in ‘09)
 
3.       Spencer Boyd (12)(Bloomington South)(37-3)
 
4.       Jake Lannert (11)(Mater Dei)(33-6)
 
145
 
First round matches to watch:
 
#4 Renaldo Weekley (12)(Jeffersonville)(45-1) vs. Sam Riggs (12)(Mater Dei)(19-9)
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
#16 Roy Whetstine (12)(Evansville Memorial)(36-1) vs. Dalton Clements (12)(Monrovia)(22-3)
 
#4 Renaldo Weekley (12)(Jeffersonville)(45-1) vs. #7 Ben Farmer (12)(Bloomington South)(18-3)
 
#5 Quincy Richey (11)(Brown County)(28-1) vs. Trevor Appell (11)(Evansville Reitz)(33-13)
 
#13 Donald Helterbrand (12)(Cloverdale)(36-0) vs. Austin Chamberlain (12)(Evansville Central)(37-5)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Renaldo Weekley (12)(Jeffersonville)(45-1)(state qualifier at 135 in ‘10)
 
2.       Quincy Richey (11)(Brown County)(28-1)(8th at 130 in ’09,  state qualifier at 152 in ’10)
 
3.       Donald Helterbrand (12)(Cloverdale)(36-0)
 
4.       Roy Whetstine (12)(Evansville Memorial)(36-1)
 
152
 
First round matches to watch:
 
The clear favorite is Doug Welch but this weight class is loaded with talent and every first round match looks to be competitive. The question is who is going to join Welch at Conseco?
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
#1 Doug Welch (12)(Castle)(42-1) vs. #20 Zach Adams (11)(Madison)(45-5)
 
#18 Austin Bowman (11)(Franklin Community)(33-7) vs. #8 Sam Horrocks (12)(Bloomington South)(34-6)
 
Cory Ingram (12)(Southridge)(36-5) vs. Matt Prasek (12)(Evansville Memorial)(33-10)
 
#16 Tsali Lough (11)(Terre Haute South)(35-2) vs. Evan Weinzapfel (12)(Mater Dei)(20-6)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Doug Welch (12)(Castle)(42-1)(2nd at 145 in ’10, 5th at 135 in ‘09)
 
2.       Evan Weinzapfel (12)(Mater Dei)(20-6)
 
3.       Sam Horrocks (12)(Bloomington South)(34-6)
 
4.       Matt Prasek (12)(Evansville Memorial)(33-10)
 
160
 
First round matches to watch:
 
This is another deep weight class which should be full of great first round matches. The only clear cut favorite is Chad Welch. The question is who is going to punch their ticket to Conseco?
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
#3 John Sims (12)(Mater Dei)(15-4) vs. #14 Clayton Fiddler (10)(Bloomington South)(32-10)
 
#1 Chad Welch (12)(Castle)(43-0) vs. Jacob Hall (11)(Charlestown)(33-8)
 
#13 Gabe Holt (12)(Columbus North)(34-3) vs. #10 Sean Mappes (11)(Center Grove)(36-5)
 
Brandon Marlin (11)(Jeffersonville)(32-15) vs. Tyler Rickenbaugh (12)(Heritage Hills)(44-3)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Chad Welch (12)(Castle)(43-0)(3rd at 152-’10, state qualifier at 140-’09, state qualifier at 135-‘08)
 
2.       Gabe Holt (12)(Columbus North)(34-3)
 
3.       John Sims (12)(Mater Dei)(15-4)
 
4.       Tyler Rickenbaugh (12)(Heritage Hills)(44-3)
 
171
 
First round matches to watch:
 
#9 Dustin Parrish (12)(Plainfield)(26-4) vs. Aaron Haire (12)(Booneville)(36-7)
 
Joe Tucker (12)(Jasper)(30-5) vs. Cory Bland (11)(Columbus North)(22-13)
 
Jeff Spicer (12)(Edgewood)(41-4) vs. Ethan Bowen (12)(Charlestown)(35-6)
 
Garrett Shepard (11)(Paoli)(37-6) vs. Joey Todd (12)(Bloomington South)(18-11)
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
#9 Dustin Parris (12)(Plainfield)(26-4) vs. #18 Brock Wathen (11)(Jennings County)(42-2)
 
Joe Tucker (12)(Jasper)(30-5) vs. #14 Austin Warren (11)(Castle)(34-9)
 
#7 Jacob Underwood (11)(Martinsville)(32-2) vs. Jeff Spicer (12)(Edgewood)(41-4)
 
#1 Drake Stein (12)(Princeton)(38-0) vs. Joey Todd (12)(Bloomington South)(18-11)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Drake Stein (12)(Princeton)(38-0)(1st at 171 in ’10, 8th at 152 in ‘09)
 
2.       Dustin Parrish (12)(Plainfield)(26-4)(6th at 152 in ’10)
 
3.       Jacob Underwood (11)(Martinsville)(32-2)
 
4.       Austin Warren (11)(Castle)(34-9)
 
189
 
First round matches to watch:
 
Dalton Halbig (11)(Princeton)(25-13) vs. Colton Bridges (12)(Bloomington South)(31-12)
 
#17 Elijah Curtley (11)(Jeffersonville)(28-3) vs. Mike Kernodle (12)(Franklin Community)(27-13)
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
#6 Josh Boots (12)(Mater Dei)(36-1) vs. Zach Faith (12)(New Albany)(28-8)
 
#4 Garrett Goldman (12)(Bloomington North)(33-0) vs. Cyle Hill (12)(Cascade)(33-3)
 
#2 Aaron Stevenson (12)(Indian Creek)(34-0) vs. Colton Bridges (12)(Bloomington South)(31-12)
 
#17 Elijah Curtley (11)(Jeffersonville)(28-3) vs. #7 Ryan Sandwith (12)(Evansville Memorial)(35-5)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Aaron Stevenson (12)(Indian Creek)(34-0)(3rd at 189 in ‘09)
 
2.       Garrett Goldman (12)(Bloomington North)(33-0)
 
3.       Josh Boots (12)(Mater Dei)(36-1)(4th at 171 in ’10)
 
4.       Ryan Sandwith (12)(Evansville Memorial)(35-5)
 
215
 
First round matches to watch:
 
Jesse Vermillion (12)(Greencastle)(27-3) vs. #6 Iyan Bass (11)(Jennings County)(19-1)
 
Dalton Young (12)(Madison)(38-8) vs. Justin Helmick (12)(Cascade)(33-4)
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
#20 David Knight (12)(Terre Haute North)(35-0) vs. Nathan Wright (10)(Mater Dei)(22-12)
 
#1 Trey Reese (12)(Indian Creek)(24-0) vs. CJ Andry (10)(Paoli)(36-8)
 
Jared Boehm (10)(Heritage Hills)(43-5) vs. #6 Iyan Bass (11)(Jennings County)(19-1)
 
Jimmy Pratt (12)(Jeffersonville)(29-4) vs. Justin Helmick (12)(Cascade)(33-4)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Trey Reese (12)(Indian Creek)(24-0)(5th at 160 in ‘10)
 
2.       Iyan Bass (11)(Jennings County)(19-1)
 
3.       David Knight (12)(Terre Haute North)(35-0)
 
4.       Jimmy Pratt (12)(Jeffersonville)(29-4)
 

 
285
 
First round matches to watch:
 
#13 Jake Stevenson (12)(Indian Creek)(26-4) vs. Ryan DeWitt (12)(Jeffersonville)(37-8)
 
Beau Judd (12)(Northview)(31-11) vs. Edward O’Connell (12)(Mt. Vernon)(34-7)
 
Jacob Mudd (12)(New Abany)(11-4) vs. Brian Snyder (11)(Avon)(24-9)
 
Likely Ticket round matches:
 
Ryan DeWitt (12)(Jeffersonville)(37-8) vs. Thomas Emmitt (12)(Columbus East)(35-10)
 
#3 Kaden Suter (11)(Martinsville)(16-0) vs. Edward O’Connell (12)(Mt. Vernon)(34-7)
 
#15 Mark Collett (12)(Jennings County)(41-3) vs. Trevor Phillips (11)(Mitchell)(27-1)
 
#14 Justin VanWinkle (12)(Mater Dei)(33-0) vs. Jacob Mudd (12)(New Albany)(11-4)
 
Predictions:
 
1.       Kaden Suter (11)(Martinsville)(16-0)(state qualifier at 285 in ‘10)
 
2.       Justin VanWinkle  (12)(Mater Dei)(33-0)
 
3.       Mark Collett (12)(Jennings County)(41-3)(state qualifier at 285 in ‘10)
 
4.       Ryan DeWitt (12)(Jeffersonville)(37-8)

1754 5
2022 Folkstyle Nationals Entries
Here are the current entries for Folkstyle Nationals, the Recruiting Showcase, and Bill Farrell World Team Qualifier
 
Division Weight Name Club 10U 120 lbs Calavito Hoskins Merrillville Pirates Wrestling Club 10U 56 lbs Haley Guard Princeton Wrestling Club 10U 63 lbs Kullen Eckley Valparaiso Wrestling Club 10U 63 lbs Oscar Obregon Merrillville Pirates Wrestling Club 10U 67 lbs Jon Luke Austin Contenders Wrestling Academy 10U 77 lbs Paxton Turner Princeton Wrestling Club 10U 84 lbs Lane Kolb Princeton Wrestling Club 12U 70 lbs Jeremy Carver Delta Wrestling Club Inc. 12U 82 lbs Alexander Ponce   12U 98 lbs Azarius Overstreet Peacock Wrestling Club, LLC 14U 106 lbs Braylon Reynolds Red Cobra Wrestling Academy 14U 110 lbs Gavin Lewis Peacock Wrestling Club, LLC 14U 136 lbs Lucas Boe   14U 149 lbs Benjamin Clark Bulldog Premier Wrestling Club 14U 165 lbs Zachary Clark Bulldog Premier Wrestling Club 14U 165 lbs Jett Goldsberry Patriots Wrestling Club 14U 187 lbs Ceasar Salas Merrillville Pirates Wrestling Club 14U 71 lbs Alex Huddleston Red Cobra Wrestling Academy 14U 71 lbs Cameron Schofield Red Cobra Wrestling Academy 14U 77 lbs Karson Kahalekomo Daleville Broncos Wrestling Club 14U 97 lbs Colin Strayer Bulldog Premier Wrestling Club 16U 106 lbs Jude Heaston Indian Creek Wrestling Club 16U 113 lbs Matthew Maldonado Merrillville Pirates Wrestling Club 16U 120 lbs Terry Easley Warren Wrestling Academy 16U 126 lbs Oscar A Baca III Bulldog Premier Wrestling Club 16U 132 lbs Silas Foster Legends of Gold 16U 132 lbs Christian Arberry Warren Wrestling Academy 16U 132 lbs Jarred Harlow Greenfield Wrestling Club 16U 138 lbs Kristian Blake Warren Wrestling Academy 16U 145 lbs Terran Williams   16U 152 lbs Hunter Wagers Warren Wrestling Academy 16U 152 lbs Brenton Russell Warren Wrestling Academy 16U 160 lbs Anthony Rinehart Contenders Wrestling Academy 16U 182 lbs Brilyn Smith Warren Wrestling Academy 16U 182 lbs De'Alcapon Veazy Legends of Gold 8U 49 lbs Sophia Gatewood Princeton Wrestling Club 8U 56 lbs Cory Buckley   8U 56 lbs Braxton Whitlow Contenders Wrestling Academy 8U 70 lbs Collin Hoskins Merrillville Pirates Wrestling Club HS Recruiting Showcase 113 lbs Jackson Heaston Indian Creek Wrestling Club HS Recruiting Showcase 126 lbs David Maldonado Merrillville Pirates Wrestling Club HS Recruiting Showcase 126 lbs Kyrel Leavell Warren Wrestling Academy HS Recruiting Showcase 138 lbs Lucas Clement Merrillville Pirates Wrestling Club HS Recruiting Showcase 160 lbs Cody Goodwin Bulldog Premier Wrestling Club HS Recruiting Showcase 182 lbs Gunner Henry Red Cobra Wrestling Academy HS Recruiting Showcase 195 lbs Connor Barket Red Cobra Wrestling Academy HS Recruiting Showcase 285 lbs Trey White Portage Wrestling Club Masters A 88 kg Cory Graham Legends of Gold Masters B 100 kg Christopher Myers Carroll Wrestling Club Masters B 100 kg Michael Burke Yorktown Wrestling Club Open High School 100 lbs Brady Byrd Maurer Coughlin Wrestling Club Open High School 120 lbs Tanner Tishner Western high School Open High School 120 lbs Nasir Christion Merrillville Pirates Wrestling Club Open High School 126 lbs Joshua Johnson Red Cobra Wrestling Academy Open High School 126 lbs Dawson Brooks Daleville Broncos Wrestling Club Open High School 126 lbs Christopher Bohn Region Wrestling Academy Open High School 138 lbs Julius Gerencser Daleville Broncos Wrestling Club Open High School 145 lbs Isaiah Holden Greenfield Wrestling Club Open High School 145 lbs Gavin Phillips Greenfield Wrestling Club Open High School 152 lbs Cohen Hager Greenfield Wrestling Club Open High School 152 lbs Manolo Hood Portage Wrestling Club Open High School 160 lbs Cameron Crisp Merrillville Pirates Wrestling Club Open High School 160 lbs Gage Gulley   Open High School 160 lbs Cody Goodwin Bulldog Premier Wrestling Club Open High School 170 lbs Clay Guenin Greenfield Wrestling Club Open High School 182 lbs Orlan Foster Legends of Gold Open High School 182 lbs Michael Durham Warren Wrestling Academy Open High School 195 lbs Connor Barket Red Cobra Wrestling Academy Open High School 220 lbs James Veal   Open High School 220 lbs William Clark Bulldog Premier Wrestling Club Open High School 220 lbs Caleb Asa Warren Wrestling Academy Open High School 220 lbs Gregory Johnson Warren Wrestling Academy Open High School 285 lbs Paul Clark Bulldog Premier Wrestling Club Open High School 285 lbs Dominic Burgett Legends of Gold Bill Farrell        Freestyle 86 kg Santos Cantu Indiana RTC Freestyle 86 kg Dylan Lydy Indiana RTC Freestyle 65 kg Henry Porter Indiana RTC Freestyle 70 kg Deondre Wilson  
1735 3
Bulldog Breakdown: Rout vs. Avon Rolls Brownsburg Into Ironman
By Anna Kayser
 
As the rumble of the crowd simmered following a palm to the mat in favor of acting 126-pounder Jake Hockaday on Tuesday night, the usual boom of speakers announcing 132-pound No. 4 Brady Ison took the tone of another.
 
With nine points already on the board in favor of those joining him in the purple and white singlets, the smoke cleared to reveal freshman Tommy Gibbs – winner of Brownsburg’s coveted “pin chain” following last week’s dual vs. Westfield as he boasted the second of three consecutive falls by the Bulldog lineup.
 
“It was a big confidence booster,” Gibbs said of his season-opening win by fall. “I thought I was going to win, but I didn’t think I was going to win that fast and make a statement.”
 
Facing Avon’s No. 11 Seth Syra, Gibbs’ confidence rolled him to a 6-1 win via decision.
 
“Tommy’s a coach’s dream, he just does everything right – in the hallways, in the classroom, and then in his approach,” head coach Darrick Snyder said. “He doesn’t care about rankings… or anything like that. He’s just trained so hard that he can wrestle the entire match and he feels even better in the third period than he does in the first.”
 
Behind Gibbs’ standout win, a gritty 3-1 decision by No. 2 Revin Dickman over No. 4 Nathan Rioux and five pins, the Bulldogs clinched their seventh consecutive victory over the Orioles, 62-3, continuing the tone they have set and elevated to a now 7-0 record through the first week of official competition.
 
Dickman’s 3-1 decision put an exclamation point on a strong dual performance in which Brownsburg took 13 of 14 bouts for their second-largest victory over Avon since Snyder’s coaching career with the Bulldogs began, second only to last season’s 65-3 win. Since losing to Avon, 28-26, in Snyder’s first year as a coach, the Bulldogs have outscored the Orioles in regular-season duals, 326-91.
 
“They’ve wrestled 100 times and they’re both really talented,” Snyder said. “Revin’s always been able to kind of gain the advantage – he did get away from Revin, and not many people can get away from him so I know that bothered him.
 
“Fortunately or unfortunately, I think we’re going to see that match several more times throughout the year.”
 
Brownsburg’s lone loss on the evening came from the weightiest battle of the dual at 138 pounds, featuring No. 4 Parker Reynolds against No. 3 Cheany Schoeff, freshman against a senior.
 
Reynolds kept his pace with Schoeff, dropping the match by a 5-2 decision.
 
“We told him, he’s going to come out and bully you,” Snyder said. “Parker gave up that early takedown and then did a nice job battling for positions. I liked how he responded – that kid’s going to get some more mat time in high school varsity matches so we’re going to try to correct some things, but I liked his energy and effort.”
 
Rolling through the dual with falls were Hockaday, 145-pound Mason Day, 170-pound Tyler Jones, 182-pound Caden Brewer and 113-pound Kye Callahan. The Bulldogs put up bonus points in nine total matches, including a forfeit at heavyweight against Leighton Jones.
 
This weekend, eight representatives from Brownsburg’s lineup will take on arguably their biggest competition this season at the nationally recognized Ironman Invitational in Ohio. With representatives joining the gauntlet from across state lines, the highly-ranked Bulldogs are set to battle some of the best high school wrestlers in the nation.

1717
Indiana Tech Announces 2014-15 Recruiting Class
Zach Shore Indiana Tech Sports Information
 
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Indiana Tech wrestling team and Head Coach Mike Ester are proud to announce the 2014-15 recruiting class.
 
Of the 23 recruits, 12 are from the state of Indiana, including three local stars. The other 11 all hail from Michigan. The class has at least one athlete at each weight class with the most being four at 141-pounds while only one athlete is coming in at 174-pounds and 197-pounds.
 
?"We are excited about this group of young men coming into the Warrior wrestling family," exclaimed Ester. "This class not only is highly credentialed on a state and national level with their wrestling accomplishments, but is loaded with guys who are strong leaders. Many of them will make an immediate impact in our starting line-up as well as push the solid group of returning wrestlers we have to new heights. We are looking forward to these guys coming in to help us improve on our eighth-place finish at the NAIA national championships."
 
The 125-pound weight class features two athletes from Fort Wayne in Enrique Early and Logan Aldrich as well as a Traverse City, Michigan native, Zachary Shaub.
Early is a Snider High School graduate where he was a two-time team MVP, Fargo Junior Nationals Qualifier, Indiana/Illinois Senior All-Star Duals Team and two-time Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) state medalist, finishing fourth and eighth. He plans to major in Business Management.
 
Aldrich graduated from Northrop High School where he was a 2014 IHSAA State Finalist, Summit Athletic Conference Champion and sectional champion. He may see time at the 133-pound weight class too.
 
Schaub is a St. Francis High School grad who could see time at 133-pouds as well. He was a three-time Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) qualifier, including a third-place finish in 2014. He was a two-time nationals representative for NUWAY All-American and Brute. The freshman plans to major in Electrical Engineering.
 
The 133-pound weight class is represented by Allegan, Michigan native, Zane Corey, and Fort Wayne native, Robert Humphrey III. Both recruits could also see time at the 141-pound class.
 
Corey is an Allegan High School alum who was a four-time conference champion, three-time state qualifier and 2014 MHSAA runner-up at 130-pounds.
 
Humphrey III comes to Tech from Snider High School where he was a team captain and two-time semi-state qualifier.
 
The largest class is at 141-pounds with three Michigan natives, Matt Miller, Da'Vion Williams and Collin Busing and one Indiana native, Jake Gross.
 
Miller is a Davison native and was a four-time MHSAA state medalist for Davison High School finishing fifth, fourth, second and fourth in his career.
 
Williams, a Southfield native, was a MHSAA state qualifier for Southfield High School. He was a regional runner-up, two-time district runner-up, Oakland county fourth-place finish at 140 pounds and the freshman will major in Energy Engineering.
 
Busing comes to Fort Wayne from Bryon Center where he was an OK Green Conference champion for Byron Center High School. He was a two-time All-District performer, team captain and 2014 team state appearance. He graduates with 88 career high school wins.
 
Gross is a Lowell Senior High School grad in Lowell, Indiana where he was a three-time NCC Conference champion, two-time IHSAA sectional champion and semi-state qualifier while also being a regional champion.
 
At 149-pounds, Thomas Gary of Davison, Michigan and Seth Ferguson of Martinsville, Indiana have signed to join the Warriors next season.
 
Garty joins Davison teammate Miller at Tech after being a four-time MHSAA state qualifier including a third-place finish. He was a three-time district champion, two-time regional and Genessee County champion as well as earning Academic All-State at 149- and 157-pounds.
 
Ferguson is a Martinsville High School graduate where he was a two-time IHSAA state qualifier, Indianapolis Nationals champion and IHSAA Evansville semi-state runner-up. The freshman plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.
 
Two Michigan natives, Jared Elliott and Alonta Chapman along with Decatur, Indiana native, Logan Neher, make up the 157-pound class.
 
Elliott is a Birch Run native where he was a three-time captain at Birch Run High School. He was a four-time Saginaw County champion, two-time MHSAA state runner-up and 2014 Academic All-State. He intends to major in Mechanical Engineering and could see time at 165-pounds this season.
 
Chapman is a Jackson native where he was a two-time captain at Jackson Northwest High School. Chapman is a placer and runner-up at the EMU National Open as well as being a Michigan Monster Medal runner-up. He plans to major in Psychology.
 
Neher is a Decatur native who was a 2014 state qualifier for Bellmont High School. He was a two-time placer at the Mishawaka Al Smith Memorial Tournament as well as earning 2014 Academic All-State honors. He will be majoring in Computer Engineering.
 
At 165-pounds, Michigan Grappler's No. 23 rated senior class prospect, Jake Johnson, highlights the class. The Macomb, Michigan native was a four-time MHSAA state qualifier for Dakota High School and placed three times (4th, 4th, 3rd). He was a two-time Greco State champion, Freestyle state champion and two-time central regional Greco champion. He was also a 2013 Grappler Fall Classic All-American and plans to major in Computer Science.
 
Joining Johnson is Carson Whaley, a Grand Blanc, Michigan native who could also see time at 174-pounds. While at Lake Fenton High School he was a three-time MHSAA state qualifier taking sixth in 2013 and third in 2013. He was a league and regional champion while being named a three-time team captain. He graduates with 174 career wins and plans to major in Business Management – Marketing.
 
Andy Donaho is the lone recruit at 174-pounds. The Lake Fenton, Michigan native was a 2013 MHSAA state finalist and 2014 state champion for Lake Fenton High School. He was also named Tri-County Wrestler of the Year.
 
The 184-pound weight class features an IHSAA state champion, a team captain and a semi-state qualifier all from Indiana.
 
Damien Chambers of Ellettsville, Indiana headlines the group having won the IHSAA state title at 182-pounds in 2014. The Edgewood High School grad is a three-time Western Indiana Conference champion and 2014 IHSAA Evansville semi-state champion. He graduates as the record holder for most consecutive wins in a season with 44.
 
Stone Neese of Brownsburg, Indiana was a team captain and two-time semi-state qualifier for Brownsburg High School while also earning Disney Duals All-American honors. He will be majoring in Fashion Merchandising.
 
Griffith High School grad, Ryan Dunlap was a 2014 semi-state qualifier while also being runner-up at Lake County Conference and Sectional. The Griffith native plans to major in Criminal Justice.
 
Tieshawn Johnson is a two-time conference and IHSAA sectional champ while also being a semi-state champion and IHSAA fifth-place medalist for Elkhart Memorial High School. The Elkhart, Indiana native plans to major in Business and Marketing while competing at 197-pounds.
 
Andre Porter and Eric Ousley, both Indiana natives, round out the class in the heavyweight division.
 
Porter comes to Tech from Hamilton Heights High School in Cicero, Indiana where he was a team captain. He was a two-time USA Wrestling Iowa Nationals All-American and an ISWA Folkstyle state champion. He will major in Psychology.
 
Ousley is a Noblesville, Indiana native who is transferring from Harper Community College. He is a three-time ISWA Greco state champion, national duals and Fargo national team member while also being a two-time freestyle state placer at Hamilton Southeastern High School.

1712
Purdue Announces 2019-20 Schedule
Full 2019-20 Schedule

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue wrestling head coach Tony Ersland announced his 2019-20 schedule Thursday, unveiling three tournaments and 17 dual contests for the Boilermakers this season. Purdue will compete at home five times, hosting the Boilermaker duals in the non-conference slate and welcoming four Big Ten foes to West Lafayette in 2020.
 
"We're excited about the opportunities that lay ahead," said Ersland. "We feel like this year's schedule features some great challenges and will have us ready to succeed come March at the Big Ten and NCAA Championships."
 
The Boilermakers open 2019-20 at the Michigan State Open on Nov. 2, and will send the majority of their roster to East Lansing to get the season underway. They'll remain on the road the next couple weeks, set to compete in a trio of duals at the 2019 Journeymen Classic at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York on Nov. 9 and heading to Fargo, North Dakota to face North Dakota State on Nov. 17.
 
Purdue will square off with Buffalo, Utah Valley and Arizona State in the Empire State, and meet the Bison for the second time in the last three years, defeating NDSU 26-6 on Jan. 26,2018.
 
The first home meet of the season is scheduled for Nov. 24 as the Boilermakers welcome Clarion, Northern Illinois and Indianapolis to Holloway Gymnasium, and will wrestle a round-robin set of duals in front of a home crowd.
 
The Boilermakers return to Las Vegas in early December for the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, with another star-studded field awaiting in the desert. Purdue finished 10th in 2018 behind place-winning performances from Griffin Parriott, Devin Schroder, Dylan Lydy and Christian Brunner, including a runner-up finish from Parriott at 157 pounds.
 
The last two non-conference dates are set for a Dec. 19 dual at SIU Edwardsville and the 2019 Midlands Championships. Purdue last met the Cougars in 2017, beating SIUE 31-9 at Holloway Gymnasium. Northwestern will host Midlands at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, as the Boilermakers return as a full team after finishing seventh with 84 points in 2017.
 
The Big Ten schedule begins Friday, Jan. 10 with the Boilermakers heading back to Northwestern for the conference opener, and returning home Sunday, Jan. 12 to host Iowa. Purdue's annual rivalry bout with Indiana follows Monday, Jan. 20 in Bloomington.
 
Purdue has two duals in each of the following weekends, heading to Maryland and Rutgers on Jan. 24 and 26, respectively, and then hosting Minnesota and Wisconsin on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2. The Boilermakers' homestand continues Feb. 7, hosting Nebraska for the final home dual of the season and the conference slate wraps up on the road Sunday, Feb. 16, heading across the state line to face Illinois for the Big Ten finale.
 
The postseason opens with the Big Ten Championships on March 7, hosted by Rutgers at the RAC in Piscataway, N.J. and the Boilermakers return six national qualifiers with plans to head to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the 2020 NCAA Championships.
 
Purdue awaits word of potential television broadcast matchups from the Big Ten Network, and all duals are subject to change based on that schedule.

1711
Karl's Komments on the Rochester Regional
Take 'em as gospel or take 'em with a grain of salt but here they are:
 
106 – A potential Mishawaka sectional sweep here with Penn’s junior Kory Cavanaugh leading the way for the flyweights. South Bend Adams frosh Vincent Calhoun will likely meet Cavanaugh in the finals for a second week in a row. I like St. Joe’s Matt Cysewski in a close one over Culver Military’s Spencer Penrose in the 3rd/4th match.
 
113 – Penn’s Austin Slates is clearly the top dog at 113. The Best match in the bracket might be the semi final battle between Wawasee’s freshman, Braxton Alexander and Adams’ Joey Zahl. Alexander was very impressive in winning the Plymouth sectional title and Zahl is a proven tough competitor. Culver Academy should get their 2nd semistate qualifier in junior Robert White.
 
120 – A strong class for the Plymouth Sectional with a trio of former semistate qualifiers looking to return to the region. CMA’s Adam Davis, Triton’s Malachi Greene, and Plymouth’s Zane DeVault all have enough firepower to make the trip to East Chicago but all three together might be needed to slay Penn’s mighty Drew Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt has gone wire to wire as the state’s top ranked 120 pound wrestler.
 
126 – The fab four out of the Mishawaka sectional stand a great chance of moving on to East Chicago. Mishawaka’s Ryan Hardesty has put together an excellent senior season and won last week versus rival Jarrett Selis of Penn. An all Catholic clash will probably make up the 3rd place match with St. Joe’s Jared Kazmierczak and Marian’s Nick Blasko.
 
132 – The Green will be mean at 132. South Bend Washington’s Tondrew Tyler comes in with an excellent 38-1 record and a state ranking of 14th. His likely finals opponent, Tristin Ponsler of Wawasee has been under the radar all season but has state level talent. I like Mishawaka’s Preston Risner and Rochester’s gritty senior Aaron Orr to move on as 3rd and 4th place finishers.
 
138 – This should be a fun weight class to keep an eye on this Saturday. Warsaw’s Kyle Hatch is the clear favorite based on his two state medals but he should be challenged by Clay’s exciting Rishod Cotton in the semis. Penn’s Trace Manspeaker squeaked a victory out over Cotton last week and it set him up well in the regional bracket. I like CMA’s Steven Muthart to be the fourth to move on.
 
145 – I may be biased but I think this is the strongest weight class at the Rochester regional. Two state qualifiers are here in Riley’s Austin Laughlin and Culver’s Triston Rodriguez along with a senior from Penn that has beaten both of them in Cameron Beam. I like Plymouth’s Bodie Neidig to be the fourth qualifier. This regional will create some bad draws for the other regionals at East Chicago.
 
152 – If 145 is not the strongest class then 152 might be. The top five here are all excellent and someone will be ending their season much sooner then they would have liked. The first round tilt between Bremen’s Alex Bollenbacher and South Bend Adams’ Tavris Evans will be a slobber knocker. Penn’s Denzyl Prentice would love a rematch with rival Kassius Breathitt of Riley but first must overcome the ‘rastlin’ Rockie’, Micah Calhoun of Plymouth.
 
160 – These middle weight classes at Rochester will be worth the price of admission and the rivalry between Adams’ Tavonte Malone and Penn’s Jarod Swank will highlight this division. Both are serious threats to be on the podium in a couple of week at Banker’s Life. With Triton’s Gage Waddle added into the mix, there are three legitimate studs at 160.
 
170 – South Bend Riley’s Tristan Goering is the clear favorite here. He has followed up last year’s magical post season run (finishing 4th in the state) with an outstanding junior campaign. No serious challengers to the junior Wildcat have emerged in the regional area.
 
182 – A trio of grapplers have separated themselves from the rest of the field in the 182 weight class. Austin Faulkner won a pair of tight matches last Saturday to put himself in a great position this weekend. He has the easier path to the finals where he will probably meet either conference rival, Mason Cao of Clay or Jeremy Splix of Plymouth. Young Max Chaffee will likely be the fourth qualifier.
 
195 – Wide open would the way to describe the 195 pound class at Rochester. Penn’s Cedrick Vakalahi and Plymouth’s Nate LaFree are the likely finalists but no wrestlers in this weight class have particularly distinguished themselves this season and upsets could likely occur here.
 
220 – The big boys should provide some entertaining wrestling for the fans at Rochester. State champion and Purdue recruit, Kobe Woods is the headliner but there are four other studs that have state level talent. One will be heading home. Bremen’s Tyler Moser has put together an excellent 34-2 record and a sectional championship. Marian’s Patrick Ernst and Culver Academy’s Simon Griffith will square off in a great first round match. Warsaw’s Andrew Brock is the other likely qualifier.
 
285 – South Bend Washington’s Isaiah McWilliams is the favorite here with his 36-3 record and sectional championship. On the other side of the bracket is Rochester’s big man, Dan ‘#TRUCK’ Clark, along with an interesting match up between St. Joe’s veteran Michael Koebel and Culver’s young Alecks McBee. Will Vakalahi, the undersized Penn heavyweight is the other likely semistate qualifier here.

1708
Hoosiers with Five Top-5 Finishes at MSU Open
Freshman Fletcher Miller goes 4-0 to become MSU Open Champion.
 
 
Michigan State Open
 Open Results | Freshman/Sophomore Results
 Next Event: Harold Nichols Open (Ames, Iowa) -- November 8, 2014
 Follow On Social Media: Twitter | Facebook
EAST LANSING, Mich. - This past weekend, 13 Hoosier wrestlers competed in the Michigan State Open,five of whom earned top-five finishes in their divisions.
There were two divisions in each of the weight classes, Open and Freshman/Sophomore. Redshirt sophomoresJonathan Edwards (141), Trevor Moody (149), Gideon Van Hook (149) and redshirt junior Joe Randazzo (149) competed in the Open division. In the Freshman/Sophomore, sophomores Sean Brown (141), Luke Blanton(157) and Jake Masengale (184), along with freshmen Jake Danishek (157), Bryce Martin (165), Samuel Thomas (165), Brandon Joest (197), Fletcher Miller (HWT) and Gavan Jolley-Little (HWT) all made appearances.
The 157-pound Freshman/Sophomore weight class saw two Hoosiers place in the top five. Luke Blantonfinished with a 4-1 record, winning the consolation match for a third place finish. Jake Danishek, lost after winning his first two bouts, but Danishek, winning three straight, wrestled back for fifth place. Fellow freshman, Bryce Martin had a similar day to Danishek, wrestling back for fifth in the Freshman/Sophomore 165-pound class. After coming out on top in his first two bouts, Jake Masengale lost his final two, yet still finished in fourth.
Fletcher Miller was a MSU Open champion, going 4-0. He won his first match with a 15-2 major decision to advance to the quarter-finals where he won in a close 8-7 bout. In the semis, Miller won again with an 11-2 major decision. In the finals, Miller won handily, 6-1, against Logan Rimmer of Notre Dame College to claim first.
The Hoosiers will compete in the Harold Nichols Open on November 8, 2014 in Ames, Iowa.

1705
June Wrestling Recap
As the old saying goes, Summer wrestling makes Winter champions and that was proven over the course of June. Four major events took place with many wrestlers from the state facing the toughest competition from around the country. Here is a recap of the major events and their top wrestlers.
 
Schoolboy Duals at Warren Central High School
 
The top wrestlers in the 6th-8th grades took on the best from around the country in their own backyard once again. Indiana entered two teams in both Greco and Freestyle and came away with many great wins over the course of the week. In Greco, Indiana Blue finished in 28th place out of 35 teams despite giving up four forfeits throughout the event. Indiana Gold finished in 16th place for the event. In the freestyle portion Indiana Blue once again had an uphill battle with forfeits to start each match. The team went 1-4 over the two days, but had some outstanding wrestlers. Indiana Gold earned team All-American honors with a 7th place finish. They won their initial pool going 3-0 and then went 1-3 in the final Gold championship pool. All-Tournament wrestlers for the event were Brayden Curtis, Devon Stikes, and Jacob Obst in freestyle and Tucker Coffman, Kyle COrnwell, and Manny Cheam in Greco-Roman.
 
Freestyle Results
Greco-Roman Results
 
Cadet Duals in Daytona Beach, Florida
 
The first trip to Florida this month proved to be very good for many Indiana wrestlers. Another extremely talented Cadet team took on the top teams in the nation. In the Greco portion Indiana finished 10th. They were one point from defeating the eventual runner-up in Ohio Red on the first day. In Freestyle, the team finished as All-American for the second straight year. After losing to Ohio Red in the initial pool, Indiana took 7th in the finals. All-Tournament honors went to Alec White in freestyle and Joe Lee and Kobe Woods in Greco-Roman.
 
Freestyle Results
Greco-Roman Results
 
Junior Duals in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
 
With 14 of the state’s top teams heading to Disney our Junior duals team had the deck stacked against them. The Greco team, with five forfeits, won one match, but was lead by feisty Super Charger Ben Cauffman going 6-1. On the Freestyle side, injuries throughout the first day made for a rough time past the first pool. On the second day was forfeiting up to six weights. The Warrior Brock Hudkins lead the way with a perfect mark and earned All-Tournament honors.
 
Freestyle Results
Greco-Roman Results
 
[table id=59 /]
 
Disney Duals in Orlando, Florida
 
[caption id=attachment_6698" align="alignleft" width="300] Community 2 Champions Yorktown[/caption]
 
Fourteen teams from the Hoosier state made the trek to see Mickey Mouse and get some great wrestling experience last week. Indiana had a great showing in the Community 1 division with Avon making the championship finals. Other top 8 teams included Perry Meridian 4th, Penn 6th, and Brownsburg 8th. All of those teams earned All-American status.
 
In the Community 2 division, Yorktown swept the field with ease for their 6th title in 7 years. They defeated Ohio’s Oak Harbor in the finals. Evansville Memorial made the championship bracket, but fell just short in the placing round. Terre Haute North was the lone representative in the Developmental division and placed in the top 12.
 
Lastly, Penn once again entered a team in the super tough All-Star division. This year’s team was filled with tough Penn kids and other top wrestlers from across the state. That team finished 15th out of 47. Leading the way was Drew Hughes going undefeated, while Drew Hildebrandt, Jose Champagne, Joey Mammoletti, Blake Rypel and Kobe Woods all had one loss.
 
Links to Results
Community 1
Community 2
Developmental
All-Star
 
[table id=58 /]

1704
Bulldog Breakdown: State Finals Consolation Medal Round Recap
By Anna Kayser
Two Bulldogs win third place matches
 
The Brownsburg Bulldogs emerged victorious in two of their three consolation medal matches to begin the third session of wrestling at the 2023 IHSAA State Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon.
 
Ahead of four finals matches by Bulldogs tonight, Preston Haines and Gunner Henry each earned bronze medals in the center mat of the consolation matches. The two wins brought Brownsburg (117.5 team points) within 10 points of Center Grove, which is currently in second place with 127 points. Crown Point leads the team race with 145 points.
 
No. 1 Preston Haines – Third Place Finisher at 113 Pounds
 
Following a heartbreaking loss with a last-second reversal in the semifinal round, No. 1 Preston Haines dominated in his final match to finish in third place at 113 pounds in the 2023 IHSAA Wrestling State Finals on Saturday afternoon.
 
Haines started on his offense early while facing No. 8 Isaac Ash of Monrovia and never let up, tacking on takedowns in each of the three periods for a 7-1 decision.
 
The bronze medal finish by the junior follows his first, second and third place finishes at conference, regionals and semi-state, respectively. During the 2022 state series, Haines broke through to the finals and lost to 2023 120-pound finalist Ashton Jackson – a dominate opponent who will face Brownsburg’s Jake Hockaday later tonight.
 
No. 17 Landen Haines – Sixth Place Finisher at 126 Pounds
 
No. 17 Landen Haines finished in six place at 126 pounds in the 2023 IHSAA Wrestling State Finals on Saturday afternoon to cap off an impressive freshman campaign full of ranked upsets this weekend.

In his final match against No. 6 Jackson Bradley of Cowan, Haines fell behind 3-0 early in the second period and trailed for the remainder of the match, dropping the battle for fifth place 5-3.
 
No. 2 Gunner Henry – Third Place Finisher at 195 Pounds
 
With a win over No. 3 Reid Schroeder of Southridge on Saturday evening, No. 2 Gunner Henry earned his second third-place finish at the IHSAA State Finals in two seasons with Brownsburg’s wrestling team.
 
Henry was dominant in his 9-4 consolation victory, never surrendering his offense through the final seconds of the match. In the final minute of the third period, Henry grabbed a single led for a strong takedown to finish off the match.

1703
Toe to Joe with IHSAA Assistant Commissioner Bobby Cox
What do feel the state of wrestling is in the state of Indiana?
Currently our participation numbers are steady. I have not seen a dramatic decrease or increase over the past few years. With that said I have concerns regarding the health and safety of our student athletes and issues related to competition.
 
What can be improved with the sport of wrestling in the state?
It is my belief that student athletes who participate in wrestling are no different than their counterparts in other sports. Students wish to participate in front of their peers, their parents and fans that support their efforts. All day individual tournaments where the fans and even the participants have little idea of the status of the meet throughout the day do nothing to grow the sport of wrestling. While the notion of a student wrestling 40-50 bouts throughout a season in a collection of individual tournaments may be attractive from an experience and development standpoint, it decreases general interest and attention from the common sports fan. I firmly believe in our society today, if coaches want to increase the numbers of wrestlers on their squads, they have to demonstrate that while wrestling is a very demanding sport, it can be fun and rewarding. Part of that is the concept that those kids will compete in front of a large gathering of fans, parents, classmates and peers and be recognized for their efforts.
 
What is your athletic background - playing/coaching?
In high school I participated in track and cross country at Carmel High School with moderate success. I continued my running career at Butler University competing in long distance events such as the 5,000 and 10,000 meter runs. I was fortunate to have two outstanding coaches during my running days in Chuck Koeppen at Carmel and Stan Lyons at Butler. I began teaching and coaching in 1979. I taught health, physical education and driver's education and I coached cross country, basketball and track and field. After 11 years in those roles, I became an athletic director. I served as an athletic administrator at the middle school and high school levels for 10 years.
 
How he became involved with IHSAA?
I was the athletic director at Carmel High School when Bob Gardner announced that he was resigning as Commissioner to become the Chief Operating Officer for the National Federation. Blake Ress was an Assistant Commissioner at the time and was appointed as the new Commissioner in April of 2000. I received an application for the vacated Assistant Commissioner's position and decided that I would apply for the position. Prior to that as the A.D. at Carmel, we hosted the state softball tournament for several years and one year the state cross country meet along with various sectionals and regional events. Through the hosting of those events, I developed some relationships with the staff at the Association and a basic understanding of what the Association was about.
 
What is the function of IHSAA?
Our purpose as written in our by-laws is to encourage, regulate and give direction to wholesome amateur interschool athletic competition between the schools who are members of the Corporation.
 
What are your responsibilities with the IHSAA?
My primary responsibilities are the administration of five of the IHSAA's 20 sports. Those sports are football, wrestling, boys' track and field, girls' track and field and boys' golf. Additionally, I rule on approximately 1200 student transfers annually, oversee the insurance programs of the Association, oversee the coach education program for the Association, serve as the staff liaison to the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and sit ex-officio on the Commission on Sports Medicine which is an outreach of the Indiana State Medical Association. I have served a four year term as a member of the NFHS Coach Education Committee and currently sit on the NFHS football rules committee, serving as the Chairman of the Research subcommittee. Finally, anything else the Commissioner deems necessary.
 
What are your general views on wrestling as a sport (what it teaches kids)?
Of all sports the IHSAA sponsors, I believe that wrestling is the most demanding activity we offer. There is no question as to the value wrestling provides to the students that participate in the sport. All the commonly known attributes such as dedication, hard work, sacrifice, teamwork, mental discipline and physical development are easily observed. Wrestling, not unlike our other sports also provides the opportunity to teach sportsmanship and a sense of fair play. These tenants must stand at the forefront if we are to continue our pursuit of education based athletics.
 
What are your views on weight management plans since adoption (any bugs to still work out?)?
The IHSAA weight management plan has been in existence now for 10 years. It is hard to believe it has been that long. Generally, I am pleased with the fact we have implemented the program and how it has developed over time. With that being said I believe I need to ramp up my efforts in education for our coaches. Coaching as well as athletic administration experiences a great deal of turnover. I would estimate that over half of the head wrestling coaching positions in our state has changed over the last ten years. That turnover causes a need for focused communication with coaches regarding the provisions of our weight management program. I believe that the vast majority of coaches are making honest efforts to adhere to the principles of the program. I also believe that we still have a few individuals associated with wrestling that see weight management as a nuisance and dismiss it. Those individuals are doing their student athletes a grave disservice and are out of touch with today's sport.
 
What is the importance of relationship between IHSAA and coach's associations?
With all our coaches' associations, I believe the relationship between the IHSAA and those groups are important. The coaches' associations should be representing the desires of their constituents and have the ability to articulate those aspirations to the IHSAA staff and Executive Committee.
 
What is in store for the future of high school athletics (pay to play??)?
I have serious concerns regarding the future of education based interscholastic athletics. I phrase it in that manner because I believe that high school athletics will still be around, it just might not be in the style that educators can live with. The budget cuts that school corporations are facing span across all areas of programming and it appears that interscholastic athletics sits squarely in the crosshairs. When programming is cut, that reduces opportunities for young people to gain experiences that might not be enjoyed otherwise. In my opinion, student athletes, parents and coaches along with athletic administrators need to speak loudly and clearly in their local communities to the values of athletics and what those experiences provide outside the traditional classroom. If school boards fail to see the positive values provided by interscholastic athletics, I believe those programs are in jeopardy.
 
Wrestlebacks: Why do you think the coaches have been pushing so hard for them and what is preventing them from being passed?
My sense is that coaches push for wrestlebacks for a couple of primary reasons. Initially, it is part of the wrestling culture and those matches occur throughout the regular season. Many wrestling coaches would like the IHSAA tournament series to mirror some of those regular season events. Additionally, coaches feel that in some situations, a wrestler could get caught in a move during a bout and lose when in their mind the losing wrestler was really the best wrestler and should have the opportunity to "wrestle back" to a better position. The IHSAA individual tournament series is about determining a state champion in 14 weight classes. Adding wrestlebacks is nothing more than adding matches to an already long program to determine something that is already being determined. When the individual tournament concludes at Conseco on Saturday night, I believe we have accomplished our goal in identifying the best wrestler in 14 weight classes. Finally, wrestlebacks have been proposed on no less than three separate occasions to the Executive Committee and there has been no support from the Committee to entertain this proposal.
 
What would have to happen for Indiana to sanction women's wrestling like a few other states do?
Our current by-laws require that for a sport to be offered, 50% of the membership must be participating in that sport during the same season and a championship tournament series proposed by the Commissioner. Girls' Wrestling would be the sport and 206 schools would have to field females in their current wrestling programs for there to be any consideration.
 
Who have been your favorite wrestlers to watch at the state finals?
There have been many. It is always interesting to me to see how kids develop throughout their careers and how they handle success. I really enjoyed watching Alex Tsirtsis from Griffith in how he simply dominated his opponents. I admired Blake Maurer from Evansville Mater Dei not only because of his wrestling prowess but the fact he was a great three sport athlete. I watched him play football and his 4 x 800 meter relay team made the state finals his senior year. Not bad for a 171 pounder. Reece Humphrey from Lawrence North was entertaining and good. His patented back flip after a big victory probably prompted the NFHS wrestling rules committee to outlaw that stunt. Finally I really liked Angel Escobedo from Griffith because he seemed so humble and humility is an endearing trait.

1701 5
2023 Carnahan Memorial Invitational Finals
1700
Blake Mulkey to Head South
The last of the big four seniors for Brownsburg has announced his college choice. Two-time state placer Blake Mulkey has decided to take his talents to Boiling Springs, North Carolina. He projects to be a 141lber for the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs. 
Mulkey chose Gardner-Webb for a variety of reasons. The connection with the coaching staff and the current freshman class made him feel at home. It didn't hurt that he would be in warm North Carolina during the winter. The coaching staff is excited to land a recruit like Mulkey who is likely to make an immediate impact. 
Congratulations to Blake on his decision.

1678
Fargo Women's 16U and Junior Preview
Last summer was quite boring for many of us in the wrestling community and without Fargo it felt like the longest summer ever. This year Fargo is back and it looks to be better than ever with USAW allowing more entries per state. Thousands of wrestlers from across the country will converge upon Fargo July 17th through July 23rd for the biggest tournament in the country. This week we will feature write-ups on each age group and the top contenders from Indiana.
 
Women's wrestling continues to grow within the state and this year it is most evident with 19 women making the trip to Fargo. Without and event last year, the credentials are a little limited past state level events. However, we have a great group that should be in contention for numerous medals over the course of the 16U and Junior age groups. We will have a handful of women doubling up wrestling both divisions that will equate to 27 entries over both divisions.
 
At the 16U division Indiana has some hammers that will look to bring back a coveted stop sign. Leading the way is Rianne Murphy. She was the champion at this year’s Women’s Nationals at the 15U age group and runner-up at the UWW Cadet(17 and under) age group. She is from Valparaiso, but goes to school at Wyoming Seminary in Pennsylvania. Another one to keep an eye on is Northeastern’s Heather Crull. She was second at Middle School State this year against the boys. She also was second at the 15U Nationals falling to Murphy in the finals. At the UWW Cadet age level she was 5th. 
 
Munster’s Trinity Malave was a 2020 IHSGW champion and also has had some success at the national level. She was a double placer at Women’s Nationals this year placing 7th at UWW Cadet and 8th at UWW Junior(20 and under) age groups. Another one to watch at the 16U age group will be Joy Cantu who was 7-2 at the national duals in June.
 
State champions Kaylie Petersen, Torieonna Buchanan, Cailin Campbell, Catie Campbell, Aulani Davis, Kiersten O’Neill, and Riley Dempewolf also will be representing the state at Fargo. Cailin Campbell was 6-3 this June at the national duals, while Dempewolf was undefeated at 9-0. Three wrestlers will return with previous placements at Fargo. Kiersten O’neill, Torieonna Buchanan, and Riley Dempewolf all placed 6th in 2019 at the 16U age group.
 
Schedule
Friday, July 16th
16U Women Freestyle Medical Check and Weigh-in
5:30 PM
 
Saturday, July 17th
16U Women Freestyle: Session I – Preliminaries and Consolations
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
 
16U Women Freestyle: Session II – Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Consolations
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
 
Saturday, July 18th
16U Women Freestyle: Session III – Consolation Semifinals (IF NEEDED)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM\
 
16U Women Freestyle: Session IV - Finals, Medal Matches & Awards
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
 
Monday, July 19th
Junior Women Freestyle Medical Check and Weigh-in
6:30 PM
 
Tuesday, July 20th
Junior Women: Session I - Preliminaries and Consolations
(FargoDome - Main Floor)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
 
Junior Women Freestyle: Session II - 1/8 Championship, Quarterfinals and Consolations
(FargoDome - Main Floor)
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
 
Wednesday, July 21st
Junior Women Freestyle: Session III Semifinals and Consolation
(FargoDome - Main Floor)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
 
Junior Women Freestyle: Session IV Finals, Medal Matches & Awards
(FargoDome - Main Floor)
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
 
Entries from Indiana
Age Weight Name School State Duals 16U 100 Makenzie Smith Heritage Hills 2021 2nd at 106lbs   16U 106 Rianne Murphy Wyoming Seminary(PA)   8-1 16U 106 Heather Crull Northeastern   9-0 16U 112 Joy Cantu Merrillville   7-2 16U 112 Sydney Delois New Palestine 2021 4th at 113lbs   16U 122 Rose Kaplan West Lafayette 2021 2nd at 113lbs   16U 127 Hannah Seitzinger Indian Creek     16U 132 Kyra Tomlinson Noblesville 2021 3rd at 132lbs   16U 138 Josie Hause Monrovia   2-6 16U 144 Kaylie Petersen Evansville Central 2021 1st at 138lbs 2-0 Junior 100 Makenzie Smith Heritage Hills 2021 2nd at 106lbs   Junior 106 Rianne Murphy Wyoming Seminary(PA)   8-1 Junior 112 Trinity Malave Munster 2020 1st at 113lbs   Junior 112 Makenzie Smith Heritage Hills 2021 2nd at 106lbs   Junior 117 Torieonna Buchanan West Vigo 2019 1st at 106lbs
2020 1st at 106lbs
2021 1st at 113lbs   Junior 122 Cailin Campbell North Montgomery 2019 2nd at 120lbs
2020 1st at 120lbs
2021 1st at 120lbs 6-3 Junior 122 Rose Kaplan West Lafayette 2021 2nd at 113lbs   Junior 127 Hannah Seitzinger Indian Creek     Junior 127 Anna Krejsa Center Grove 2020 4th at 126lbs
2021 2nd at 120lbs   Junior 127 Catie Campbell North Montgomery 2019 1st at 126lbs
2020 2nd at 132lbs
2021 1st at 126lbs   Junior 132 Kyra Tomlinson Noblesville 2021 3rd at 132lbs   Junior 138 Aulani Davis Kokomo 2020 1st at 132lbs
2021 1st at 145lbs   Junior 138 Sierra Pienkowski Mount Vernon (Fortville) 2019 8th at 145lbs
2020 7th at 138lbs
2021 2nd at 138lbs   Junior 138 Josie Hause Monrovia   2-6 Junior 144 Kaylie Petersen Evansville Central 2021 1st at 138lbs 2-0 Junior 152 Kiersten O'Neill Wabash 2019 1st at 160lbs
2020 2nd at 160lbs
2021 1st at 152lbs   Junior 200 Riley Dempewolf McCutcheon 2019 1st at 195lbs
2020 1st at 195lbs
2021 1st at 195lbs 9-0
1657
Hoosiers Fall Against Bison
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.– The Indiana wrestling team fell against North Dakota State, 26-12 on Friday at Wilkinson Hall
 
Notes
• The Hoosiers fall to 0-1 on the season and North Dakota State improved to 2-1.
• Graham Rooks got the first win for the Hoosiers at 149 lbs. Rooks scored on a reversal in the second period that proved to be the difference in his 2-1 decision.
• No. 18 Jacob Covaciu dominated in match and led 5-1 after the second period. Covaciu added two takedowns in the third period for an 11-4 decision with 4:21 of riding time.
Covaciu improved to 7-1 on the season for the Hoosiers. Rooks now has a 1-1 record on the season.
• Rudy Streck battled tough against No. 26 Brandon Metz. Streck narrowed the gap to 2-1 going into the third period, but was called for stalling with 57 seconds left to give Metz a 3-1 decision.
• Jake Hinz at 184 lbs led his bout 2-1 after the first period, 4-4 after the second, and went into sudden victory with the score 6-6 at the end of the third period. His opponent Noah Cressel scored on a takedown in sudden victory.
• North Dakota State had two wrestlers ranked in the top-10 who each secured pins in the match. No. 7 Cameron Sykora at 133 lbs. and No. 10 Andrew Fogarty at 165 lbs.
 
IU Head Coach Angel Escobedo
"I thought the fans had some energy behind the matches. We were in a lot of close matches. We didn't capitalize on a couple of techniques we have been working on in the room and as far as getting to our offense. I felt like there were opportunities where we could have scored to win the match and turned it in our favor. It's back to work and focusing on those opportunities and helping them identify them when they come up in matches and how we can capitalize on them."
 
"I thought Graham's first match back in a while. For him I thought he did a great job. His conditioning looked good. He was attacking till the end. For him to get a win for not having as many matches as the other guys was good. It showed some toughness for him. For Covaciu, he is a worker. He is looking to score points. He had the most points of anyone on the team. He was getting after it, trying to dominate and get bonus points for the team, which is huge."
 
Indiana vs. North Dakota State Results
125: Liam Cronin (IU) forfeit (NDSU) (IU 6, NDSU 0)
133: #7 Cameron Sykora (NDSU) technical fall Jonathan Moran (IU) 15-0/4:45 (IU 6, NDSU 5)
141: Sawyer Degen (NDSU) dec. Kyle Luigs (IU) 13-10 (NDSU 8, IU 6)
149: Graham Rooks (IU) dec. Jaden Van Maanen (NDSU) 2-1 (IU 9, NDSU 8 )
157: Jared Franek (NDSU) dec. Fernando Silva (IU) 5-4 (NDSU 11, IU 9)
165: #10 Andrew Fogarty (NDSU) fall Davey Tunon (IU) 5:28 (NDSU 17, IU 9)
174: #18 Jacob Covaciu (IU) dec. Jimmy Noel (NDSU) 11-4 (NDSU 17, IU 12)
184: Noah Cressel (NDSU) SV-1 Jake Hinz (IU) 8-6 (NDSU 20, IU 12)
197: Cordell Eaton (NDSU) dec. Spencer Irick (IU) 12-5 (NDSU 23, IU 12)
285: #26 Brandon Metz (NDSU) dec. Rudy Streck (IU) 3-1 (NDSU 26, IU 12)
 
Final NDSU: 26, Indiana: 12  
Attendance: 1,501
 
Up Next
Up next the Hoosiers travel to Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for the UNI Open on Dec. 14.

1651
Bulldog Breakdown: 2023 State Finals Championship Round Recap
By Anna Kayser
Brownsburg Crowns Three Individual Champions
 
After sending its most wrestlers to the IHSAA finals round in school history, Brownsburg crowned three individual state champions for the first time in program history on Saturday night.
 
Revin Dickman and Jake Hockaday started things off for the Bulldogs in the final round of the tournament, with Hockaday earning his second state title in as many years. Leighton Jones capped things off in a big way with the final match of the 2023 season and his high school career.
 
106 Title Match – No. 2 Revin Dickman over No. 4 Nathan Rioux (Avon), 3-0
 
Freshman Bulldog Revin Dickman secured Brownsburg’s first individual state championship on the night with a 3-0 win over friend and well-known opponent Nathan Rioux. Dickman, who had won the previous five meetings between the two wrestlers, jumped on his offense to score all the points of the match in the second period.
 
A takedown in the second period secured the win, and Dickman didn’t let up, nearly turning Rioux for back points as time expired. Defense was the name of the game in the third, and Dickman rode out to become the second Brownsburg freshman to win state in school history – just one season after teammate Jake Hockaday became the first.
 
120 Title Match – No. 2 Jake Hockaday over No. 1 Ashton Jackson (LaPorte), 6-3
 
Sophomore Jake Hockaday became a two-time state champion with a strong showing of both offense and defense to defeat Ashton Jackson, 6-3.
 
After an outpouring of offense in the first period with  Hockaday leading, 4-1, the two wrestlers leaned on their defense in a gritty battle through the second period. The third period featured more fireworks, with Hockaday tacking on a takedown to offset two escapes.
 
132 Title Match – No. 2 Joey Buttler (Whiteland) over No. 3 Brady Ison, 6-3
 
In a match that came down to one four-point move by Joey Buttler, Brownsburg’s Brady Ison battled and never let up to place second in the 132 state title match on Saturday evening.
 
Ison had a one-point lead in the second period before Buttler scored a takedown and back points to turn the tides, 4-1. The Brownsburg junior was able to execute his shots in the final 30 seconds of the match to narrow the score.  
 
285 Title Match – No. 1 Leighton Jones vs. No. 5 Kelton Farmer (Evansville Memorial)
 
After a heartbreaking loss in the semifinals last season, Leighton Jones made it look easy as he defeated Kelton Farmer for the heavyweight state title in his final high school match, 7-2.
 
Jones got on his offense early, taking Farmer down twice to jump out to an early lead. The offense continued throughout the match, and Jones fared off shots by Farmer to hold his opponent to just two escapes. 

1647
2014 State Finals: Rankings Breakdown
Overall
 
There will be 224 wrestlers gracing the mats on Friday night with one goal in mind. Of those 224 wrestlers 171 of them were in our final Panko Strength and Speed Individual Rankings. Another 22 were on our watch list. On average each weight class has 12.2 ranked wrestlers. The best weight class was 160lbs where we had 15 of the 16 wrestlers ranked. Note that our rankings are finalized before sectional and do not take into account regional or semi-state draws. Thus there are many match-ups that cause ranked kids to lose in the ticket round. 106lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Jaron Katzer- Goshen
Kyle Hatch- Warsaw ***Watch List***
Mason Kaufer- Corydon Central ***Watch List***
Noah Franklin- New Washington
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#19 Ryan Hawkins- Perry Meridian vs. #3 Will Egli- Evansville Mater Dei
#1 Paul Konrath- Mt. Vernon vs. #14 Karl Wilhelm- Carmel
#15 Nathaniel Weimer- East Noble vs. #6 Drew Hildebrandt- Penn
#5 Colton Cummings- Lowell vs. #9 Hunter Langeloh- Columbia City
113lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 10
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Austen Laughlin- South Bend Adams
Colton Dawes- Southwood
Edward Loraine- Leo
Jacob Skaggs- Greenwood
James Pritchett- Ben Davis
Tyler Flood- Pendleton Heights ***Watch List***
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#20 Jon Becker- Bellmont vs. #8 Austin Holmes- Hamiliton Southeastern
#14 Austin Slates- Penn vs. #3 Tyler Ferguson- Evansville FJ Reitz
120lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 15
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Tristan Dembowski- Valparaiso ***Watch List***
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#7 Brock Hudkins- Danville vs. #20 Jake Hartman- South Bend Clay
#10 Jacob Cottey- Perry Meridian vs. #3 Forrest Glogouski- Fairfield
#6 Jake Sinkovics- Mishawaka vs. #13 Alex Johnson- Evansville Mater Dei
#11 DeLawerence Gayfield- Concord vs. #9 Matthew McKinney- Warren Central
#1 C.J. Red- New Palestine vs. #15 Brad Laughlin- Yorktown
#18 Ruben Rodriguez- Hammond Morton vs. #2 Bailey Lahue- Corydon Central
#5 Connor Knapp- East Noble vs. #19 Endrece Stansberry- Hamiliton Southeastern
126lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 11
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Anthony Vaughn- Elkhart Memorial
Austin Bethel- Mt. Vernon
John Hunting- Rochester
Logan Aldrich- F.W. Northrop
Quinton Harris- Avon
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#14 Elliott Molloy- Danville vs. #9 Clarence Johnson- Merrillville
#4 Cael McCormick- Yorktown vs. #8 Aidan Kenny- Perry Meridian
#7 Erique Early- F.W. Snider vs. #17 Rylan McCarty- New Palestine
132lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 10
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Clayton Moore- Manchester ***Watch List***
Devin Childers- Tippecanoe Valley
John Devine- Indpls. Cathedral ***Watch List***
Kegan Kern- Peru ***Watch List***
Logan Campbell- Yorktown ***Watch List***
Scott Warner- South Bend Riley
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#5 Blake Jourdan- Evansville Mater Dei vs. #2 Brandon James- Perry Meridian
#20 Lance Syverson- Fishers vs. #9 Joshua Davis- Evansville FJ Reitz
#1 Deondre Wilson- Warren Central vs. #16 Mitch Anderson- Mooresville
138lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Dominic Garrett- F.W. Bishop Dwenger
Jake Ruberg- Lawrenceburg
Mike Krzyston- Andrean
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#5 Zachery Krumlauf- DeKalb vs. #16 Ross Abram- Bloomington South
#18 Steven Lawrence- Portage vs. #8 Trent Pruitt- Warren Central
#1 Drew Hughes- Lowell vs. #17 Dillon Eldred- Westfield
#10 Dustin Hinkle- Western vs. #4 Tyler Fleener- Center Grove
#15 Wyatt Seng- Evansville Mater Dei vs. #13 Derek Ellinger- Adams Central
145lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Alexander Arney- Carroll (FW) ***Watch List***
Jake Sebahar- Lake Central ***Watch List***
Parker Fritz- West Central
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#2 Tommy Forte- Mishawaka vs. #14 Ryan Baxter- Northridge
#15 Zach Batts- Cascade vs. #3 Ben Harvey- Indpls. Cathedral
#9 Jordan Lile- Fishers vs. #20 Korbin Karges- Princeton
#1 Cody LeCount- Perry Meridian vs. #5 Josh Pierre- Evansville Mater Dei
#19 Logan Neher- Bellmont vs. #4 Isaac Rentas- Merrillville
#11 Bailey Schober- Greenwood vs. #12 Kellen VanCamp- Lebanon
152lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 11
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Andrew Jones- Columbus North ***Watch List***
Austin Bauer- Angola
CJ Damler- Brownsburg ***Watch List***
Nathaniel Ryan- Alexandria
Willie Armstrong- Merrillville ***Watch List***
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#1 Brendon Kelley- Evansville Central vs. #7 Alex Rinehart- Penn
#10 Michael Steele- Westfield vs. #17 Tylor Willms- Fremont
#13 Chad Gaddis- Kokomo vs. #8 Eli Carlson- Carmel
160lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 15
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Luke Decker- New Castle ***Watch List***
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#7 Joseph Mammolenti- Penn vs. #16 Maximilian Dole- East Central
#18 Shaun Johnson- F.W. Wayne vs. #6 Jordan Partee- Madison
#1 Vinny Corsaro- Indpls. Cathedral vs. #11 Adam Dodson- Glenn
#8 Isaiah Kemper- Evansville Central vs. #4 Kyle Jolas- Huntington North
#14 Gabe Koontz- Edgewood vs. #9 Bryce Baumgartner- Bellmont
#5 Rhett Hiestand- Yorktown vs. #15 Ashton Forzley- Evansville Mater Dei
#13 Edmond Hogan- Culver Academies vs. #3 Nick Borta- North Montogmery
170lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Bennet Kempf- Evansville Mater Dei
Hunter Mote- Delphi
Jimmy Fisher- Columbus East ***Watch List***
Wade Young- New Prairie ***Watch List***
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#3 Jacob Stevenson- Franklin Community vs. #17 Tristen Tonte- Perry Meridian
#16 Kaine Luginbill- Adams Central vs. #15 Michael Bates- South Bend Washington
#4 Chase Osborn- Penn vs. #12 Keair Ross- Kokomo
#2 Jake Rickenbaugh- Heritage Hills vs. #8 Colton Gonzalez- Connersville
182lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Daniel Wright- Harrison (WL)
Evan Smith- Goshen ***Watch List***
Myron Howard-Anderson- Yorktown ***Watch List***
Tristin Anglin- Columbia City
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#2 Ryan Jankowski- South Bend St. Joseph vs. #14 Andy Fischer- Southridge
#12 Evan Elmore- Avon vs. #7 Jeffry Wiseman- Penn
#5 Corey Hinkle- Western vs. #11 Ben Elliot- Noblesville
#8 Timothy Schoonveld- Kankakee Valley vs. #6 Michael Petrole- Franklin Community
195lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Bo Davis- Garrett ***Watch List***
Nick Cress- Peru
Noah Schrader- Indpls. Bishop Chatard
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#2 Morgan Kral- Crown Point vs. #13 Randy Scott- Mooresville
#5 Dakota Thacker- Bloomington South vs. #3 Kobe Woods- Penn
#15 Mitchell Sandlin- Madison vs. #18 Kevin Winkle- Twin Lakes
#12 Tyler Scott- Hanover Central vs. #14 Blake Brown- Evansville Memorial
#9 Jacob Aven- Zionsville vs. #6 Kanez Omar- F.W. Wayne
220lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Christian Warner- Zionsville
George Brantley- Hamiliton Southeastern
Kasha` Wilder- Ben Davis ***Watch List***
Steven Potosky- Crown Point ***Watch List***
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#7 Brandon Joest- East Noble vs. #12 Ben Schoolcraft- Martinsville
#13 Gunnar Larson- Avon vs. #10 Eliseo Guerra- Elkhart Central
#3 Connor Tolley- Franklin Community vs. #8 Bradley Sadilek- Carroll (FW)
#11 Clayton Stohler- Penn vs. #6 Seth Vaughn- Franklin Central
285lbs
 
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Caleb Coffel- Bremen
Chet Maxey- Hamiliton Southeastern
Guss Dajani- Bloomington South ***Watch List***
Owen Perkins- Oak Hill
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#6 Nathon Trawick- Richmond vs. #8 John Duvall- West Lafayette
#14 Landon Blackburn- LaPorte vs. #11 Tyler Beeson- Greenfield Central
#16 Jacob Smith- Southwood vs. #15 Guy Henson- Avon
#7 Gavan Jolley-Little- Jeffersonville vs. #17 Darrius Connell- Muncie Central

1646
This week in wrestling December 29th- January 4th
Dual Schedule
Date/Time Event Jan 02 06:00 pm Switzerland County at Batesville Jan 02 06:00 pm New Palestine at Lawrence Central Jan 02 06:30 pm Indianapolis Cathedral at Greenfield-Central Jan 03 07:30 am Crown Point at Hobart Jan 03 07:00 pm New Albany at Floyd Central Jan 04 08:30 am Plymouth at East Noble  
Multi-Dual Schedule
 
Date/Time Event Teams Jan 02 09:00 am STM New Year`s Challenge at Saint Thomas More(IL) Teams: Attica Covington Eastbrook Saint Thomas More(IL) Seeger Southwood Jan 02 11:00 pm Cub Classic at Madison Teams: Corydon Central East Central Jeffersonville Lawrenceburg Madison New Albany Oldham County(KY) Rushville Tri-West Washington Jan 03 08:00 am Scottsburg 10 Way at Scottsburg Teams: Jennings County Milan North Harrison Providence Scottsburg Southport Southwestern (Hanover) West Washington Jan 04 04:00 am Salem Invitational at Salem Teams: Borden Crawford County North Knox Pike Central Salem Silver Creek Jan 04 09:00 am IHSWCA Team State 3A at IHSWCA Teams: Avon Brownsburg Carmel Carroll(Fort Wayne) Columbus East Evansville Mater Dei Indianapolis Cathedral Mishawaka Penn Perry Meridian Roncalli Warren Central Jan 04 09:00 am IHSWCA Team State 2A at IHSWCA Teams: Bellmont Columbia City Edgewood Garrett Jay County Leo North Montgomery Norwell Oak Hill Wawasee West Vigo Western Jan 04 09:00 am IHSWCA Team State 1A at IHSWCA Teams: Adams Central Attica Centerville Churubusco Eastern (Greentown) Manchester North Posey Prairie Heights South Adams Southridge Tell City Wabash Jan 04 09:00 am Summit Athletic Conference Duals at Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger Teams: Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger Fort Wayne Bishop Luers Fort Wayne Concordia Fort Wayne North Side Fort Wayne Northrop Fort Wayne Snider Fort Wayne South Side Fort Wayne Wayne Jan 04 09:00 am Twin Lakes Duals at Twin Lakes Teams: Cass Faith Christian North White South Bend Clay Twin Lakes Jan 04 09:00 am John Willems Memorial Super Duals at Hanover Central Teams: Hanover Central Jan 04 10:00 am Griffith Super Duals at Griffith Teams: East Chicago Central Griffith Hammond Clark Highland Portage River Forest South Bend Washington Whiting Jan 04 10:00 am St. X Duals at St. Xavier(KY) Teams: Floyd Central St. Xavier(KY) Tournament Schedule
Date/Time Event Teams Jan 04 10:00 am Anderson County at Anderson County(KY) Teams: Decatur Central
1638 4 1
Indiana heading back to the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic
Official Press Release from the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic
Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic 2022 Date Announcement Press Release 1 v1 12-10-2021.pdf
 
The Steel City is known for having great sports teams and the Rose Bowl of Wrestling the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic. For the second time Indiana has been invited to participate and take on the WPIAL. A team of 12 seniors will face off with a team from Pennsylvania on March 25th in Pittsburgh. This is a first-class event from start to finish with a banquet on Thursday night and team activities planned for during the day on Friday. As coach Trent McCormick said after the event in 2016, “Our wrestlers were treated like royalty leading up to the dual.”
 
As organizer of this once again I am extremely excited to take another group of Indiana hammers to this event. The organizers are some of the best people in the sport and profits from the event go to charity. The kids are treated great with a nice banquet on Thursday evening with team announcements along with a guest speaker. On Friday plans are being worked out for a team activity. The last time we were there we had a boat ride and lunch along the river and got to see the city of Pittsburgh.
 
Our seniors this year are loaded from top to bottom. We will have matches in 12 weights that we are working together with the PWC committee to align in the best way possible. Pennsylvania high schools currently utilize 13 weights with the major differences from 170 on up.
 
Last time out we lost the WPIAL beat us 27-18 winning 7 matches by two points or less! I think it’s time we roll into Pittsburgh looking to dominate and come away with a big win in hostile territory. That was on top of having to make a couple last minute replacements due to injuries the week of the event.
 
In the main event Indiana is 8-1 with wins from greats like Alex and Jason Tsirtsis, Stevan Micic, Blake Mauer and more! This year both Jesse Mendez and Zeke Seltzer are likely both on the short list for an invitation to wrestle for Team USA in the event.
 
Once tickets are on sale I will post information on the website. The last time we brought a big contingent and the PWC committee was extremely impressed with how well we traveled. I told them we want to fill up half the gym and make it a home match this time!
 
Stay up to date with Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic information on social media and their website. Web site is www.papowerwrestling.com/pittsburgh-wrestling-classic/
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PWrClassic and Twitter @PWrClassic
 

2016 Indiana vs. WPIAL
WPIAL 27, Indiana 18
113: Aaron Burkett (WPIAL) dec. Geoffrey Davis (Indiana), 2-0 OT.
120: Ethan McCoy (WPIAL) dec. Drew Hildebrandt (Indiana), 7-4.
126: Chris Eddins (WPIAL) dec. Gaige Torres (Indiana), 6-3.
132: Mike Heinl (WPIAL) dec. Owen Doster (Indiana), 6-4.
138: Shaun Wilson (WPIAL) dec. Evan Eldred (Indiana), 8-4.
145: Damon Greenwald (WPIAL) dec. Jordan Vaughn (Indiana), 5-4.
152: Steven Lawrence (Indiana) FALL Derek Verkleeren (WPIAL).
160: Mitch Hartman (WPIAL) dec. Cael McCormick (Indiana), 2-1.
170: Drew Hughes (Indiana) FALL Anthony Welsh (WPIAL), :33.
182: Blake Rypel (Indiana) dec. Milton Kobaly (WPIAL), 10-5.
195: Jake Kleimola (Indiana) dec. Drew Phipps (WPIAL), 4-3.
220: Mike McAleavey (WPIAL) dec. Nick Fox (Indiana), 2-1.
285: Hayden Rice (WPIAL) dec. Sean Galligar (Indiana), 2-1.
 
Past Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic participants and their results
2016 285- Shawn Streck (USA) vs. Jacob Beistel (PA), 8-4.
2016 132- Luke Pletcher (PA) tech fall Owen Doster (USA), 23-8.
2016 160- Drew Hughes (USA) dec. Jake Wentzel (PA), 6-0.
*Hughes won the Turning Point award for winning the match that sealed the dual for Team USA
2014 126 - Stevan Micic Hanover Central, Indiana MD Zeke Moisey, Bethlehem Catholic 13-4
*Micic was selected as the Outstanding Wrestler for Team USA
2012 113- Jarred Brooks Warsaw, Indiana DEC Billy Rappo, Council Rock South 8-5
2021 145- Jason Tsirtsis Crown Point, Indiana MD Zach Beitz, Juniata 13-4
2004 140- Alex Tsirtsis Griffith, Indiana DEC Isaiah Britton, Loyalsock 6-4
2004 171- Blake Maurer Mater Dei, Indiana DEC Kurt Brenner, Freedom 8-6
1998 130- Steven Bradley, Beech Grove, Indiana, DEC. Mark Conley, Dennington, 5-3

1626 7
Indiana Natives to Watch at NAIA Nationals
By Drew Hughes
 
The 2021 NAIA Wrestling National Championships are set to take place March 5-6 in Park City, Kansas. There are 12 Indiana natives that will be competing at this tournament with 5 of the 11 being ranked in the top 8 of the latest NAIA rankings. Listed below are the NAIA National qualifiers.
 
Name
School
Hometown/High School
Weight
Ranking
Ty Haskins
Marian (Ind.)
Valparaiso, Portage High School
125
19th
Matt Gimson
Indiana Tech
Elkhart, Jimtown High School
133
2nd
Connor Gimson
Indiana Tech
Elkhart, Jimtown High School
133
7th
Blake Mulkey
Marian (Ind.)
Brownsburg, Brownsburg High School
141
5th
Bailey Moore
Marian (Ind.)
Indianapolis, Beech Grove High School
149
9th
Brice Coleman
Indiana Tech
Indianapolis, Warren Central High School
157
18th
Tristan Sellmer
Campbellsville
Jeffersonville, Floyd Central high School
157
NR
Elliott Rodgers
Marian (Ind.)
Noblesville, Cathedral High school
165
15th
Kolby Ferris
Indiana Tech
Fishers, Hamilton Southeastern High School
174
7th
Jarod Swank
Cumberlands (Ky.)
Granger, Penn High School
165
9th
Sam Osho
Marian (Ind.)
Avon, Avon High School
184
9th
Jack Servies
Marian (Ind.)
Indianapolis, Perry Meridian High School
197
13th
Ethan Bunce
Marian (Ind.)
Indianapolis, Lawrence Central High School
285
8th
 
For those that may be unfamiliar with how NAIA works, a team can enter 2 individuals at a weight for 2 different weight classes. With that being said, that is how brothers Matt and Connor Grimson both qualified at the same weight and took 1st and 2nd at their conference. Also winning conference titles where Blake Mulkey, Brice Coleman, Elliot Rodgers, Kolby Ferris, Jack Servies, and Jarod Swank.
 
With the exception of Jarod Swank, who competed in the Mid-South Conference, all of the other Indiana Natives competed in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. This was the first year of this conference where Indiana Tech beat Marian in the team race by a score of 163.5 to 144.
 
With in person attendance likely limited, the tournament will be on trackwrestling where you can follow the brackets and even watch live for a fee.
 
Click here for TrackWrestling brackets

1622
IHSWCA Senior Academic All-State
Congratulations to all the young men who have earned this honor.
 
Ben Branson   Alexandria
Jon Blanton   Alexandria
Josh Blanton   Alexandria
Jon Blanton   Alexandria
Brooks Faurote   Bellmont
Dewey Melcher   Bellmont
Alex MacDonald   Bishop Dwenger
Michael Zehr   Bishop Dwenger
Michael Nix   Bishop Dwenger
Carter Delaney   Bishop Dwenger
Ethan Farmer     Bloomington South
Connor Ennis   Boonville
Abraham Hall   Bremen High School
Luke Huston   Brownsburg High School
Kalia Clark   Calumet High School
Graham Redweik   Caston
Graham Redweik   caston
kyle Harvey   caston
Brian Harvey   Cathedral
Levi Kinney   Cathedral
Michael Venezia   Cathedral
Brock Warner   Center Grove
Adam Boggess   Churubusco
Bryce Forrester   Columbia City
Eric Shepherd   Columbia City HS
Ryan Bean   Crawfordsville HS
Hudson Miller   Crawfordsville HS
Cameron Halsted   Crown Point High School
Tyler Kral   Crown Point High School
Josh Swope   Crown Point High School
Jason Tsirtsis   Crown Point High School
Pascal Brun   Culver Academies
Carlos Salinas   Culver Academies
Jake Hammel   DeKalb High School
Aaron Mason   DeKalb High School
Jeff Mason    DeKalb High School
Alex Mix   DeKalb High School
Tanner Lynde   Delphi
Kevin Offutt   Delphi
Blake Rodenbeck   East Noble
Clint Hoffar   East Noble
Clint Hoffar   East Noble
Kristopher Roberts   Elkhart Memorial
Jarrod Clouser   Elwood
Hunter Oakley   Evansville Central
Jake Lannert   Evansville Mater Dei
Alex Bassemier   Evansville Mater Dei
Logan Folz   Evansville Mater Dei
Dane Maurer   Evansville Mater Dei
Ben Johnson   Evansville Memorial
Jackson Colavecchia   Evansville Memorial
Brian Hayhurst   Evansville Memorial
Louis Funke   Evansville Memorial
Louis Funke   Evansville Memorial
Gideon Vanhook   Evansville Reitz
Trevor Moody   Evansville Reitz
Blake Rueger   Evansville Reitz
Aaron King   Evansville Reitz
Daltyn Backes   Evansville Reitz
Trevor Moody   Evansville Reitz
Gideon Vanhook   Evansville Reitz
Dillon Hinen   Fairfield HS
Jeff Gasper   Fishers High School
Eli Moore   Fountain Central
Colton Bane   Fountain Central
Luke Vaughn   Fountain Central
Andrew Mitchell   Fountain Central
CJ gerald   Frankfort
Brian Murr   Franklin Community High School
Spencer Hessman   Franklin Communty High School
Nolan Feller   Franklin County High School
Ryan Ntende   Goshen High School
Nathan Epler   Greenwood Community High School
Matt Rivas   Guerin Catholic
Matt Rivas   Guerin Catholic
Paul Petrov   Hanover Central
Charlie Mavros   Hanover Central
Lucas Lager   Hanover Central
Peter Konieczny   Harrison (WL)
Caleb Bettag   Heritage Hills
Kody George   Homestead High School
Derek Sanders   HSE
Hayden Janney   HSE
Matt Irick   HSE
Charles Snodgrass   Indian Creek High School
Elijah Curtley   Jeffersonville
Alonzo Shepherd   Jeffersonville
Brandon Weinkauf   Jimtown
Brandon Weinkauf   Jimtown
Alex Skipper   John Adams High School
Logan Short   Knox Community High School
Blake Brutus   Kokomo
Brandon Minton   Kokomo
Cameron Colby   Kokomo
Jesse Goodnight   Kokomom
Adrian Brown   Lafayette Jefferson
Sam Ensign   Lafayette Jefferson
Jordan Maxey   Lapel
Clay LaBarr   Lawrence Central
Jacob Henry   Lawrence North High School
Trent Eliason   Lawrenceburg High School
Clayton Campbell   Lebanon High School
Isaac Greeson   Maconaquah
Brian Dick   Macquancah
Payton Sorg   Manchester High School
Gabriel Flores   Marion High
Seth Lloyd   Marion High
Tanner Williams   Marion High
Ethan Dale   McCutcheon High School
Gregory Kosel   Mishawaka Marian High School
Thomas Stachowiak   Mishawaka Marian High School
Stephan Blanford   Mt. Vernon (Posey) High School
Scott Kohler   Muncie Central
Brenden Campbell   New Castle
William Clinkscales   North Central
Melvin Graham   North Central
Hunter Wells   Northfield HS
Drew Miller   Northwestern
Raymond Monroe   Northwestern
Drew Miller   Northwestern
Mitchell Wilson   Norwell High School
Thomas Linna   Oak Hill
Joe Tuell   Paoli
Jake Stilwell   Pendleton Heights
Kyle Babb   Pendleton Heights
Andrew Foley   Pendleton Heights
Jordan McCool   Pendleton Heights
Jacob Davis   Penn High School
Ben Varner   Penn High School
Reed Holcomb   Prairie Heights High School
Jeff Koberstein   Princeton
Leven Tomey   Princeton
Brennan Gregory   Providence
Bryce Roberts   Rochester High School
Joe Ardizzone   Roncalli High School
Brennan Ellis   Roncalli High School
Parker Leisure   Rushville Cons. H. S.
Caleb Cole   Scottsburg High School
Cody Clark   Shelbyville
John Slivka   Shenandoah High School
Dean Fites   Shenandoah High School
Nathan Miller   Sheridan
Alex Padgett   Sheridan
Jared Wilson   Snider
Austin Whisler   Snider
James Starks   Snider
Mason Meling   Snider
Aaron Bender   Snider
Charlie Hirschy   South Adams
Jordan Landers   South Adams
Isaac Werst   South Adams
Dkhari James Turner-Smith   South Bend Riley
Andrew Waters   South Putnam High School
Hunter Wetzel   South Spencer High School
Alexander Zachariah Thomas   South Vermillion High School
Nolan Fenwick   Southport High School
Matt Miller   Southport High School
Brian Boucher   Southport High School
Joseph Gilham   Sullivan
Erik Brown   TC Howe Communtiy HS
Blake Alvey   Tell City Junior/Senior High
Trent Bauters   Tippecanoe Valley High School
Cole Warner   Tipton High School
Christian Winkle   Twin Lakes
Anders Douglass   Twin Lakes
Dyrek Chowning   Warren Central High School
Brad Penning   Western High School
Cody Cyr   Western High School
Max Juarez   Westfield
Lucas Rooney   Westfield
Lukas Schaeffer   Westfield
Cody Zink   Woodlan High School
Logan Buuck   Woodlan High School
Dylan Smith   Yorktown HS
Cody Smith   Yorktown HS
Michael Conner   Zionsville
Karl Anliker   Zionsville
Spenser Simpson   Zionsville
Donovan McCloskey   Zionsville
Adam Kern   Zionsville

1614 1
Top 5 Storylines for #INWRState19
1. Team Race
This will be a good one. We have many teams that could take home the gold here and every match from Friday to Saturday night will matter. Bonus points will matter, getting kids to the semi-finals will matter...oh and don't get team points deducted either. Brownsburg and Mater Dei will bring nine horses to the race, while defending champs Cathedral could have 3-5 finalists. Don't count out Cooper's crew in Columbus as they made a very good run last year. Roncalli surprised many at New Castle and have some very tough title contenders that could pose a threat. Merrillville could be a sleeper team with some guys in solid spots and even Perry Meridian is one to watch. There are so many matches that could win or lose the title and it starts with Friday night.
2. The freshmen
This is a very talented freshman class and for many of us it will be the first time seeing them against top level competition. The Culver three will be fun to watch and we have all heard rave reviews about them. Add to that guys like Jesse Mendez and Zeke Seltzer who are more than battle tested. Look for the freshmen to have great showings this weekend.
3. Will Silas get gold?
He is our top ranked junior and also very highly ranked nationally, but has yet to win gold in the state tournament. This should be his time, but if he looks past any of the competitors h
4. Big guys up for grabs
The 220lbs and 285lbs weights are going to be fun to watch with so many that could bring home a title. There are some team race implications also up here with Brownsburg, Columbus East, and Roncalli to add some spice to the mix. 
5. Tonte's Suit
When I think of fashion I ask myself, would Jim Tonte wear this? If the answer is yes, then I know I'm hip and going to look good. Tonte pulls out all the stops with his suit collection. What will he wear this weekend? Who knows, but it will look good!

1584
Hoosiers Release 2019-20 Schedule
Click here for the full schedule
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.– The Indiana wrestling team under second year head coach Angel Escobedo have released their 2019-20 schedule.
 
In the Hoosiers first season with Escobedo at the helm, Indiana picked up a victory over No. 12 North Carolina at the South Beach Duals. It was the first win over a top-15 opponent since 2008. Indiana also took down No. 25 Stanford, to achieve multiple ranked wins in a season for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

In the upcoming season, the Hoosiers will match up against four teams that finished in the top-10 at the 2019 NCAA Championships. 
 
"I'm looking forward to another great competition season," IU head coach Angel Escobedo said. "We have a tough schedule, but you have to compete against the best and beat the best to be the best."
 
The Hoosiers will open the season at the Michigan State Open on Nov. 2 in East Lansing, Mich. Following that competition, they will go to New York for the Journeyman on Nov. 10 and the Black Night Invite at West Point on Nov. 17.
 
Indiana will host its first dual meet of the season as they welcome North Dakota State to Wilkinson Hall on Nov. 22.
 
Following the NDSU dual, the Hoosiers will compete in the UNI Open on Dec. 14 and the Midlands tournament Dec. 29-30.
 
January 10 will be a date to circle on the calendar as the Hoosiers host Iowa in their Big Ten opener at Wilkinson Hall. Another key home match will be Monday Jan. 20 when the Hoosiers host Purdue.
 
Other home matches include Wisconsin (Jan. 31), Minnesota (Feb. 2), Nebraska (Feb. 9) and SIUE (Feb. 16).
 
The Big Ten Championships will be hosted by Rutgers (March 7-8) and the NCAA Championships will be in Minneapolis at U.S. Bank Stadium, the home of the Minnesota Viking, March 19-21.

1582
2014 State Finals MEGA Preview
by Chad Hollenbaugh
 
The fireworks will begin around 6pm Friday night on south Pennsylvania street. Approximately three and a half hours later, dreams will be dashed for 112 young men... but the dream will continue for the 112 winners on the four mats of fun. Some very interesting story lines have emerged over the course of the season and all wrestling eyes will be focused this weekend to see how they play out.
 
[caption id=attachment_6275" align="alignleft" width="300] Gelen Robinson(right) could face a rematch with Fletcher Miller(left) in the 220lbs finals this year.[/caption]
 
BIG STORY #1 – THE ATTACK OF THE FROSH (106)
Talented freshman always make themselves known at the lightest weight class but the sheer number of highly skilled freshmen in this year's class is not normal. Nine of the sixteen finalists are in their first year of high school. A quick look at the rankings will show that the top five ranked kids are all frosh.
 
BIG STORY #2 – THE BIG RED MACHINE (120)
 
If you are as old as me, you remember “The Big Red Machine” was the nickname of the 1970s Cincinnati Reds. They got the nickname because they were a dynasty that won two World Series an were a yearly contender. Last season, freshman Chad Red burst on the scene and was dominant on his way to a state title at 106. As this young Dragon from New Palestine grows, will he develop into a one man grappling dynasty?
 
BIG STORY #3 – MICIC VERSUS LEE....OMG (126)
 
Stevan Micic is a two time state champ with various national wrestling credentials and scholarship to attend Northwestern University next season. You would think that he would be stone cold lock for his third state championship. However, a storm has been brewing in Evansville in the name of Nick Lee. This freshman from Mater Dei has plenty of credentials and has yet to be tested in his high school career.
 
BIG STORIES #4 & #5 – THE REMATCHES (132/145)
 
At 132 the entire state has the chance to be treated to round three of the rivalry developing between Warren Central's Deondre Wilson and Perry Meridian's Brandon James. Wilson has come out on top at the both the regional and semi-state, both by the slimmest of margins. The other big rematch could happen at 145 between a couple of state champs. Perry's Cody LeCount narrowly edged Mishawaka's Tommy Forte last month at Bellmont's Main Event. This rivalry has a chance to continue at the collegiate level as LeCount has signed with Central Michigan and Forte will join his former coach at Buffalo.
 
BIG STORY #6 – BIG CHIEF'S FINAL TOUR (220)
 
I have an admitted bias to three sport athlete's and the top dog at 220, Gelen Robinson, is one of the finest all around athlete's the state of Indiana has ever seen. A scholarship to play football at Purdue is Robinson's future but there is no doubt in my mind that if he focused on wrestling in college he could be a national champion. He is also an elite track athlete and one of few Hoosier high schoolers to ever toss the discus 200 feet. In this era of specialization, Gelen is a national level athlete in three sports. A rare competitor that should be appreciated this weekend. WEIGHT CLASS BREAKDOWNS
 
106 - As mentioned earlier this class is packed full of young talent and that talent is spread throughout the state. Evansville semi-state champ Paul Konrath of Mt. Vernon has separated himself from the other talented southerners by a slim margin. Cathedral's Breyden Bailey has shown he is the class of the Indy area this season and Griffith's Jeremiah Reitz has risen to the top in the North. Other talented lightweights are certainly capable of upsetting the frontrunners. Drew Hildebrandt is a returning medalist at this weight, Colton Cummings of Lowell and Will Egli of Mater Dei are just a tick behind their respective area rivals, and coming onto the radar fast is Lukas Long of Lakeland.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fight – Lukas Long vs. Kyle Hatch – Long surprised the field at Fort Wayne on is run to the title and the veteran senior grappler from Lakeland High School does not have much tournament experience. He must face the highly talented Hatch of Warsaw; who placed fourth in the deep field at Merrillville. Upset Alert.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfests – – Colton Cummings vs. Breyden Bailey and Will Egli vs. Jeremiah Reitz – Are you serious? These two battles are semifinal or final quality and we get to see them on Saturday morning. The crystal ball is telling me the region boys will reign supreme here.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Cummings vs. Paul Konrath – Two super frosh from different corners of the state should be very entertaining for the fans of Indiana.
 
113 – There will be no shortage of excitement at the second weight class this weekend. A great mix of veteran studs and young guns will make this an exciting and unpredictable class to forecast. The veteran studs will be led by Franklin's DJ Smith, East Noble's Garrett Pepple and Merrillville's Michael Garza. Young guns and new faces on the state wide scene will be led by Evansville Reitz' Tyler Ferguson and Munster's Jason Crary. No clear cut frontrunner will make this an exciting class to keep an eye on.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fight – Austin Slates vs. Tyler Ferguson – Ferguson is the clear favorite in this match up but this will be no walkover. Slates has wrestled one of the states toughest schedules and has performed well in the post season. Ferguson is seen by some as a state title contender....a solid win over Slates would make a believer of me.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfests – – Skylour Turner vs. D.J. Smith and Tyler Ferguson vs. Garrett Pepple – Turner is flying under the radar at this point in time and he is talented enough to sneak up and beat some of the higher profile names in this weight class. Ferguson and Pepple should be an epic battle of two legitimate studs.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Jason Crary vs. D.J. Smith – Crary has some legit wins against the studs of the north and this potential semifinal match up with Smith should be excellent. Smith is a super strong veteran of the two day state tournament looking to be a state champion and also helping his team fight for a state title. Crary is a slick freshman with potential to be a multi time finalist.
 
[caption id=attachment_6276" align="alignright" width="300] Chad Red(right) will bump up two weights in search of his second title.[/caption]
 
120 – Chad Red is the headliner here and most definitely the odds on favorite to win his second state title. However this class is one of the deepest and most talented group of sixteen to take the mats this weekend. I could see at least six other grapplers with a legitimate shot at the top spot if Red were to falter. The mix of styles and athletes will make this class very fun to watch.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Jacob Cottey vs. Forrest Glogouski, DeLawerence Gayfield vs. Matthew McKinney and Ruben Rodriguez vs. Bailey Lahue – These matches should really start Banker's Life cooking Friday Night and all three could go either way. Lahue was a pre-tournament favorite to make the finals but was tripped up at semi-state. Gayfield and Cottey are former medalists but have drawn studs for their first matches.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfests – – Brock Hudkins vs. Forrest Glogouski and Chad Red vs. Bailey Lahue. Two awesome matches potentially await the fans Saturday morning. Hudkins and Glo should be a low scoring grind it out affair with some tough riding throughout. Red vs. Lahue is a finals quality match up with contrasting styles that should provide lots of fireworks.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Glogouski/Hudkins winner vs. Jake Sinkovics – Sinkovics talk was all the rage last year at this time and the young caveman had a disappointing weekend. This season Sinko has had a much lower profile but he has been no less dominating. The winner of Glo vs. Hudkins will come into the match with confidence and momentum.
 
126 – If the state association had any sense of drama, they would have adjusted the brackets so that the main event of the entire weekend, the potential match up of Stevan Micic and Nick Lee would have happened in the finals and not the semis. Oh well, this is the big one that has been the talk of the Indiana wrestling world this winter. Both old man Micic and young gun Lee seem to wrestling their best right now so lets all enjoy.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Elliott Molloy vs. Clarence Johnson, Cael McCormick vs. Aidan Kenny, AJ Belden vs. Anthony Vaughn. Molloy has the name recognition in this first key battle on Friday night but never underestimate a relative unknown from Merrillville. Coach Maldonado and staff have made old habit of having their kids peak at the right time of the season. The second match up of McCormick vs Kenny might have implications in the team race. Belden and Vaughn are evenly matched veterans.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfest – Erique Early vs. Molloy/Johnson winner. Fort Wayne Snider's Erique Early is a former state medalist who has been largely forgotten despite having an unblemished 26-0 record. He also has a strong wrestling bloodline as both his dad and uncle were former state champions. If Early can stay unbeaten he puts himself in position to possibly wrestle under the spotlight.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Early vs. Zach Davis – OK, OK. Everyone knows that the big one is on the other side of the bracket but I am also interested in a potential Early/Davis match. Davis' strong run and tough battle with Micic last year put him on the radar for 2014. The future Midshipman from Penn is a clear favorite here but I'm feeling nutty....going with Early in an upset.
 
132 – This could be the most anticipated match under the lights Saturday night if both Brandon James and Deondre Wilson hold chalk. They have already battled the past two weekends with Wilson winning both in nail bitting fashion. These two studs are obviously evenly matched and both are very well coached. Don't leave for a shave ice during this tussle.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Blake Jourdan vs. Brandon James, Sam Lovejoy vs. Devin Childers, Daniel Hesch vs. Clayton Moore. Jourdan versus James sounds like an NBA argument but this battle Friday night will have implications on the team title race. James must be ready to go Friday night or he could be upset. Childers vs. Lovejoy is an interesting match up as both of these juniors are extremely strong, stout competitors. Hesch, from state power Mishawaka, has put together a very nice post season this year squares off against the very talented Moore, who hails from the virtually unknown North Manchester.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfest – Josh Davis vs. Seth Carithers. Carithers must survive a tough Friday night clash with Kegan Kern to match up with Davis, a seasoned tough southerner from Reitz. Can Carithers conjure up some Alex Griffin magic and make a run similar to his former teammate a couple of years ago.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Devin Broukal vs. Deondre Wilson. Broukal of Bloomington South is one of those athletes that seems to have been around forever. That's a compliment because he is a multiple time state qualifier. I haven't seen Bloomington South wrestle much this year but if they coached as well as they were under Royce Deckerd, Broukal has a chance to slow the Tasmanian devil that is dressed as Deondre Wilson.
 
138 – The depth at the 138 is impressive but I am having a tough time getting real excited about any of the potential match ups. I'm not really sure why because there are plenty of talented grapplers in the field of sixteen. Three contenders stand out as having the best shot for the top of the podium: Drew Hughes of Lowell, Tommy Cash of Lawrence North and Skyler Lykins of Franklin.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fight – Jake Ruberg vs. Jacob Covaciu and Steven “Bam” Lawrence vs. Trent Pruitt. These two Friday night clashes involving three sophomores and one freshman might be glimpse into the future of middleweights in Indiana. Ruberg is a virtual unknown out of Lawrenceburg who impressed at Evansville. He will square off against Jacob Covaciu of Merrillville. Covaciu had a defining ticket round win over Jake Fuqua of Crown Point. “Bam” surprised me at semi-state and looked very strong. Pruitt is an up and coming stud from Warren Central looking to take the next step.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfests – – Tommy Cash vs. Wyatt Seng and Tyler Fleener vs. Drew Hughes. The bottom of the bracket serves up a couple of potentially interesting match ups. Cash is long and funky. How that style will play with the solid Seng will be fun to watch. Fleener is one of Indiana's premier brawlers who can score in bunches. Hughes is slick and hammer on top.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Hughes vs. Cash. These two talented underclassmen should provide plenty of entertainment if they both reach the semis.
 
[caption id=attachment_6277" align="alignleft" width="300] Cody LeCount will look to capture his second state title.[/caption]
 
145 – Two division 1 titans dominate this bracket and if all goes to plan, they will face a second time. Cody LeCount and Tommy Forte are quite simply two of the states premier wrestlers. Their match in mid January was awesome to watch. Grab your popcorn and enjoy.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Evan Loe vs. Parker Fritz and Logan Neher vs. Isaac Rentes. Loe is a semi-state champ and Fritz is an unknown on the state level but I have a hunch this might be a heck of a match. Loe is solid but Fritz is a powerful and explosive athlete.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfest – Tommy Forte vs. Ben Harvey. Harvey has been ranked third for the entire season and got the unfortunate draw into Forte at the quarter bracket level. Harvey certainly won't be intimidated by the mighty Caveman and is certainly talented enough to pull off the upset if Forte is not on his game.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Tommy Forte vs. Evan Loe. I'm not sure how close this will be but it appears to be the more compelling of the two semifinal matches. Similar styles could lead to a tight match but if Forte has his game right he just wrestles at a different level than most kids in the state.
 
152 – Another weight class where a threesome has appeared to separate themselves from the rest of the field. Top ranked Brendon Kelley of Evansville Central is on the same side of the bracket as second ranked Tristan Macri of Mishawaka. These two met last year in the state finals with Kelley losing to Macri in the 3rd/4th clash. Whomever wins the semifinal clash this year will likely face the ultra talented Chandler Carroll, who already has three state medals on his resume.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Willie Armstrong vs. Seth Ferguson and Michael Steele vs. Tylor Willms. The first Friday night clash pits the Pirate from Merrillville against the Artesian from Martinsville. This opener is made most interesting because the winner has to like his chances to make it to the semifinals. The second battle features Steele, who has been battle tested, against Willms. Willms represents tiny Fremont high school in the far northeast corner of the state. The Willms name is well known in that area of the state but 2014 is the first time in ten years that the Eagles have had a state qualifier.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfest – Darden Schurg vs. Brendon Kelley. Contrasting styles again should make this battle highly entertaining. The exciting and funky Kelley has been a joy to watch the past few years and he will have to deal with one of the thirty-four Schurg boys, all of whom are technically sound and rarely find themselves out of position.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – The aforementioned potential clash between #1 Kelley and #2 Macri is the highlight match of this bracket. Will Macri be able to neutralize the funk that Kelley will bring to the table? I'm not sure but it will be awfully fun to watch.
 
[caption id=attachment_6278" align="alignright" width="300] Vinny Corsaro has dominated all his opponents this season.[/caption]
 
160 – There is much chatter about the 160 state class despite the fact that the number one ranked wrestler, Vinny Corsaro, has been the undisputed number one guy all season. For some reason, wrestlers like Kenny Hughes of Lowell, Nick Borta of North Montgomery, Kyle Jolas of Huntington North and Joey Mammolenti of Penn are being spoken of as possible contenders for the crown. I am not buying it.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Isaiah Kemper vs. Kyle Jolas and Edmond Hogan vs. Nick Borta. Kemper, out of Evansville Central is a real goer and could catch the more hyped Jolas off guard on Friday night. Hogan should know best to keep the match with Borta on his feet and off the mat. Friday night in this weight class has plenty of great match ups throughout the bracket.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfests – – Rhett Hiestand vs Nick Borta and Jordan Partee vs. Joey Mammolenti. Borta has had his way with Yorktown's Hiestand in two previous match ups this year. An upset here could propel Yorktown into the team race title talk. Partee has quietly fashioned one of the best seasons in Madison's wrestling history but will he be able to stand up to the peaking Mammolenti of Penn.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Kenny Hughes vs. Nick Borta – Will this be the year that three time qualifier Hughes lives up to his press clippings and makes a run for the state title or will the hard nosed Borta grind his way to a win and another match up with Corsaro in the finals.
 
170 – This class is as wide open as any weight class I have seen in some time and that makes it very difficult to project and predict. Couple that with the fact that there are some legitimate dark horses who might have slipped slightly at semi-state and it should make for interesting wrestling up and down the class.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Jacob Stevenson vs. Tristen Tonte and Jake Rickenbaugh vs. Colton Gonzalez. The first match up is particularly interesting because it could definitely impact the team race. Stevenson is the clear favorite here but if I know Tonte, I know there is a side headlock that could come from any angle. The second clash pits two wrestlers with a combined 92-2 record. The winner has a realistic shot at making the finals.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfests – – Jacob Stevenson vs. Tristan Wilson and Chase Osborn vs. Jake Rickenbaugh. Stevenson is the top ranked wrestler in the state but the top eight in this weight class are so closely bunched an upset is possible at every level. Wilson is not talked about a lot but his resume matches any in the bracket. Chase Osborn of Penn just keeps getting better and a projected match up with Rickenbaugh should be most entertaining.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Dillon Jackson vs Chase Osborn – Osborn has one of the quietest one loss season I have ever noticed and he must win two tough matches to reach the semis but I like his chances. Who knows.....He has a legitimate shot to be Penn's first state champion in a long time. His potential semifinal foe would be Dillon Jackson of Yorktown. Jackson is peaking at the right time for the Tigers.
 
182 – As we move up the weight classes, I get into more familiar territory when it comes to prognosticating. I see the 182 class as a three man race for the title. South Bend St. Joe's Ryan Jankowski, Edgewood's Damien Chambers and Cathedral's Blake Rypel appear to have separated themselves from the field. Edgewood and St. Joe are not exactly wrestling powerhouses so I would give the coaching edge to Rypel who might be wrestling for team state title as well.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Nathan Warman vs. Myron Howard Anderson and Timothy Schoonveld vs. Michael Petrole. Warman of Perry Meridian versus Howard - Anderson of Yorktown is another Friday night match up of state title contending teams which will give it a little extra juice. Schoonveld and Petrole will match up two of the stronger athletes in this class.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfests – – Blake Rypel vs Jeffrey Wiseman and Corey Hinkle vs. Timothy Schoonveld. Cathedral and Penn are two other teams that have an eye on the big team trophy so Penn's staff will have a gameplan ready for Cathedral's Rypel. I have been extremely impressed with Penn's preparation of their wrestlers this post season. Hinkle comes in as the semi-state champ and is the decided favorite but the physicality that Schoonveld will bring might just be enough to propel the KV Kougar into the semis.
 
Semifinal Smackdown – Ryan Jankowski vs. Damien Chambers. Both of these studs have experience at Banker's Life as Jankowski was 6th last year and Chambers was a qualifier. Both are elite multi sport athletes. Jankowski is probably a little more unpredictable and this could either work for him or against him. Chambers has been under the radar all season but has big victories over numerous studs the past two seasons.
 
195 – This bracket looks extremely lopsided to me with the top half being a serious meat grinder. The entire bracket is filled with veteran toughness and young talent that his hitting its stride at the right time of the season. If New Palestine's vet Ryan Wagner can survive the minefield in front of him this weekend he deserves to be the champ. We will see this weekend if Wagner has been severely under ranked all season.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Morgan Kral vs. Randy Scott, Dakota Thacker vs. Kobe Woods and Jacob Aven vs. Kanez Omar. Friday night will be very fun at the 195 class with multiple key match ups. Kral of Crown Point will take on Scott of Mooresville. Kral is a tough physical match up with just about anyone in the state due to his 6'5” frame. Scott is the freestyle phenom who burst on the scene last summer. Two juniors to keep an eye on. Thacker and Woods might just be the premier Friday night battle in any weight class. Thacker is strong and seasoned with a Division 1 ride waiting for him at Indiana. Woods is a slick sophomore who surprised the Merrillville semi-state by qualifying last year. The last key battle in this class pits Purdue signee Jacob Aven against Fort Wayne Wayne big man Kanez Omar. Omar's only loss on the season was to top ranked Tieshawn Johnson.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfests – – Ryan Wagner vs. Kobe Woods and Tyler Scott vs. Kanez Omar. Wagner first test will be against the winner of Woods and Dakota Thacker. I project Woods to be man Wagner will be facing. Wagner's combo of strength and positioning will prove to be too much for the younger Woods. The second key match up pits Scott against the the super long Omar. Scott learned how to wrestle the long lanky types and this will serve him well against the Fort Wayne big man.
 
Semifinal Smackdowns – Tieshawn Johnson vs. Ryan Wagner and Katrell Moss vs. Tyler Scott. Johnson has been ranked #1 most of the season and has key wins over many top names. Wagner has more experience at this level where the pressure starts to mount. On the other side of bracket, Moss combines great strenth and athleticism in a difficult package to deal with. Scott is well coached and will come ready to do battle.
 
220 – “Outlined against the ruby red wrestling surface, the Four Horsemen rode again. In dramatic lore their names are Death, Destruction, Pestilence and Famine. But those are aliases. Their real names are: Robinson, Miller, Tolley and Faulkenberg....” The four horsemen of Indiana wrestling inhabit the 220 class and might just make up the most intimidating group of big men the state has ever produced. Robinson is the returning state champ but there are those that claim its any one of the other three's turn to shine.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Gunnar Larson vs. Eliseo Guerra and Christain Warner vs. Seth Meyer. I will have my eye on Avon's Larson in his match up with the Elkhart Central big man. Larson appears to be the next in a long line of quality Oriole big men. I underestimated Lafayette Harrison's Meyer last week at semi-state so I want to take a closer look this week to see if he has the potential to make a run for the top next year. Zionsville's unknown Christian Warner will be his foe. One thing I do know about a Zionsville wrestler is that he will be extremely well coached.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfest – Connor Tolley vs. Christian Warner. The four top dogs are prohibitive favorites to make the semifinals but something tells me an unknown like Warner might have the combination of skill and coaching to give a big dog a scare. Tolley is no ordinary favorite, he is the 13th ranked 220 in the country.
 
Semifinal Smackdowns – Dylan Faulkenberg vs. Gelen Robinson and Connor Tolley vs. Fletcher Miller. Faulkenberg, the big man from small Cardinal Ritter High School, is the least well known of the four horsemen and that might be to his advantage. He has put together an impressive 99-1 record over the past two years but a narrow loss in ticket round at New Castle last year prevented him from making it to state. What more can be said about Robinson... I simply think he is the best athlete the state has produced in my 30 plus years of participating, watching and coaching high school sports. Tolley and Miller should be an old fashioned barnburner. The fans will certainly get a treat to watch finals quality matches during the afternoon.
 
[caption id=attachment_6280" align="alignright" width="199] Big Wes Bernard is one of the big dawgs looking for a title at heavyweight.[/caption]
 
285 – Onward to big boys. Unlike many wrestling fans, I really enjoy watching quality big man wrestling and this year's group of sixteen has plenty of quality. I do think that three heavyweights have clearly made themselves contenders for the crown. Cathedral's Wes Bernard has been around the block and is nationally decorated, Jay County's Eric Hemmelgarn owns a victory over last year's state champ, and Merrillville's young Shawn Streck was a medalist as a freshman, a rare feat indeed.
 
Projected Key Match Ups
 
Friday Night Fights – Nathon Trawick vs. John Duvall and Gavan Jolley-Little vs Darrius Connell. Trawick of Richmond and Duvall of West Lafayette will square off in a battle of Red Devils. Both are physical specimens that should lead to a high scoring affair. The second match up will be interesting to see if Jolley-Little can parlay some his freestyle success into a medal at the state level.
 
Saturday Morning Slugfest – 'Stormin' Norman Oglesby vs. Tyler Beeson. Oglesby is still just a junior who surprised the semi-state field at Evansville last year where he was the champ. A narrow lost to state runner up Joe Garland prevented the Purple Giant from medaling. If he can storm his way into the semi's I think he becomes a real threat for a state title in 2015.
 
Semifinal Smackdowns – Eric Hemmelgarn vs. Norman Oglesby and Wes Bernard vs. Shawn Streck. A great final four with this year's top two seniors battling it out with the top two underclassmen. Hemmelgarn will use his massive frame and height to try to neutralize the Ben Davis big boy and retain his state (#2) and national (#18) ranking. The other side of the bracket has Cathedral's top ranked Bernard facing off against Streck, who despite being just a sophomore will in no way back down from the Rutgers signee. I think Bernard's age and experience will be too much for Streck in this exciting battle.

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2023 Fort Wayne Semi-State Pickems
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