High School News

864 articles in this category

531
Class of 2013 College Signings
This is the section where you will find out where Indiana high school seniors will be going to college next year to wrestle. Good luck to these seniors as they take their skills to the next level.
 
Date Name High School College Choice Projected Weight 11/16/2012 Anthony McHugh Culver Academies Air Force 141 5/23/2013 Juwan Bartlett Lawrence North Ashland 149 6/3/2013 Nathan Carmichael Center Grove Ashland 141 3/18/2013 Landon Nave Southmont Calumet College 149 4/26/2013 Dalton Baysinger Yorktown Cumberland 133/141 6/10/2013 Matt Hurford Culver Community Ellsworth 184 4/24/2013 Robbie Elsea New Palestine Elmhurst 149 4/26/2013 Schuyler Phillips Yorktown Findlay 125 2/28/2013 CJ Bostwick Bishop Dwenger Heidelberg 174 10/17/2012 Neal Molloy Danville Indiana 149 10/17/2012 John Tatom Hamilton Southeastern Indiana 157 10/17/2012 Jake Masengale Perry Meridian Indiana 184 1/9/2013 Luke Blanton Alexandria Indiana 141/149 2/5/2013 Andrew Roberts Bedford North Lawrence Indiana Tech 184 4/26/2013 Mitch Roadruck Lowell Indiana Tech 149 12/9/2012 Luke Kriech Franklin Community Indianapolis 157 3/18/2013 Nick Crume Jimtown Indianapolis 125/133 4/17/2013 Joe Kieffer Roncalli Indianapolis 149 5/2/2013 Angelo Robles Decatur Central Indianapolis 133 4/26/2013 Taylor Fee New Palestine Indianapolis 125/133 5/23/2013 Jared Boehm Heritage Hills Indianapolis 197 4/18/2013 Isaiah Bradley Muncie South Limestone 157 5/14/2013 Nick Stewart Jeffersonsville Lindenwood-Belleville 141 10/17/2012 Mitch Sliga Fishers Northwestern 197 5/7/2013 Tom Gettinger Connersville Pratt CC 133 5/7/2013 Kyle Webster Shenandoah Pratt CC 165 11/25/2012 Riley McClurg Perry Meridian Purdue 157 7/2/2012 Luke Welch Castle Purdue 125 2/5/2013 Josh Farrell Greenfield-Central Purdue 149/152 4/26/2013 Kaleb Hammersley Peru Virginia Military Institute 157 6/18/2013 Hunter Hickman Rensselaer Central Virginia Military Institute 141/149 11/23/2012 Riley Lefever Carroll Wabash 174 2/28/2013 Nick Bova Perry Meridian Wabash 141/149 2/28/2013 Connor Brummett Dekalb Wabash 157 2/28/2013 Alex Sparks Lawrence North Wabash 125 3/18/2013 Levi Moss Ben Davis Wabash 133/141 5/2/2013 Allen Betts Culver Community Wabash 125 5/8/2013 Mark Maldonado Highland Wabash 165 5/13/2013 Austin Jamison New Albany Wabash 133 5/14/2013 Daniel Thompson Jeffersonville Wabash 174 5/14/2013 Mitch McClure Carroll Wabash 141 6/11/2013 Jasi Coureur Jeffersonville West Virginia Tech 125
385
2013 Pick'ems Results
Here are the results for the pick'ems from Semi-State and State. You can click each column to sort by the value in that column.
 
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356
2013 IHSAA State Finals Information Central
Site: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | Website
Admission: $8 per session or $20 both days.
 
Friday, Feb. 15, 2013
First Round | 6 pm ET.
 
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013
Quarterfinals | 9:30 am ET with semifinals to follow.
Consolations | 5 pm ET.
Finals | 7:30 pm ET.
 
TrackWrestling.com Link
 
Rankings Breakdown
 
State Finals Pick'ems
 
The Three Headed Monster: State Finals Preview
 
@Indiana_Mat Twitter with all match results
*use the hashtag #INStateFinals13 for state finals related Tweets
 
IHSAA Program

Video Coverage Links
FloWrestling.com Coverage
 
BroadcastSport.net Coverage
 
IHSAA Coverage(Finals only) approx 7:30pm Saturday

739
Three Headed Monster: State Finals Preview
106





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Jake Sinkovics-Mishawaka
Hayden Lee- Garrett


2
Hayden Lee-Garrett
Jake Sinkovics- Mishawaka


3
Chad Red-New Palestine
Chad Red- New Palestine


4
Brock Hudkins-Danville
Garrett Pepple- East Noble


5
Terrence Kennedy-Floyd Central
DJ Smith- Franklin


6
Garrett Pepple-East Noble
Brock Hudkins- Danville


7
Mike Garza-Merrillville
Terrence Kennedy- Floyd Central


8
Matt McKinney -Warren Central
Cael McCormmick- Yorktown



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Chad Red, New Palestine
Jake Sinkovics- Mishawaka


2
#2 Jake Sinkovics, Mishawaka
Chad Red- New Palestine


3
#3 Hayden Lee, Garrett
Hayden Lee- Garrett


4
#7 Garrett Pepple, East Noble
Brock Hudkins- Danville


5
#5 D.J. Smith, Franklin Community
DJ Smith- Franklin


6
#8 Brock Hudkins, Danville
Garrett Pepple- East Noble


7
#9 Matt McKinney, Warren Central
Terrence Kennedy- Floyd Central


8
#4 Terrance Kennedy, Floyd Central
Matt McKinney- Warren Central


Dingo’s Breakdown
If it’s not Red, it’s: Lee or Sinkovics. Honestly, take all three and throw them in a hat and pick one. I chose Red by an eyelash, as Lee has been money in rematches and Sink
 
Darkhorse(s): it’s hard to call SInkovics and Lee darkhorses, but on paper neither is the favorite. This weight really is a three horse race.
 
Upset alert: Mike Garza over D.J. Smith (returning state qualifiers meet in a pick ‘em), Drew Hildebrandt over Terrance Kennedy (Hildebrandt’s record is deceiving—he’s wrestled EVERYONE), Brett Johnson over Garrett Pepple (same thing for Johnson as Hildebrandt) and Cael McCormick over Matt McKinney
 
Inside Y2’s Mind
Why: Serving up some home cookin’ with these picks, but when they materialize I will look like a genius. This weight class has three wrestlers enter with zero losses and three others with only a single loss. It will be a barn burner from beginning to end and when the dust settles it could go down as the most exciting weight class of the weekend.
 
Bracket Busters:
Terrence Kennedy- He is the lone senior in the group and may give Red all he can handle on Saturday morning.
 
Cael McCormmick- He has the pedigree, he has the skills, and he has the intangibles to break many people’s brackets
 
Karl's Komments
 
The little guys should provide big fireworks this weekend as the four semi-state champs are a combined 143-1. Mishawaka's Jake Sinkovics (42-0) and Garrett's Hayden Lee (36-1) are both juniors who have a lot of high school experience. Sinkovics owns a victory over Lee this season but Lee has experience at the state finals. The other two semi-state champs both come in with unblemished records. Freshmen Brock Hudkins (21-0) and Chad Red (44-0) have dominated this season.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Mike Garza (39-3) 11 Merrillville vs. DJ Smith (38-5) 11 Franklin
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Brock Hudkins (21-0) 9 Danville vs. Garrett Pepple (40-1) 10 East Noble
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Chad Red (44-0) 9 New Palestine vs Hayden Lee (36-1) 11 Garrett

113




1
Stevan Micic-Hanover Central
Stevan Micic- Hanover Central


2
Jacob Cottey-Perry Meridian
Jacob Cottey- Perry Meridian


3
Sawyer Miller-South Adams
Damon Kuhn- Evansville Reitz


4
Gaige Torres-Portage
Connor Knapp- East Noble


5
Zach Davis-Penn
Zach Davis- Penn


6
Damon Kuhn -Evansville Reitz
Sawyer Miller- South Adams


7
Conner Knapp-East Noble
Gaige Torres- Portage


8
Charles Baker-Ind. Crispus Attucks
DeLawrence Gayfield- Concord



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Steven Micic, Hanover Central
Stevan Micic- Hanover Central


2
#3 Jacob Cottey, Perry Meridian
Jacob Cottey- Perry Meridian


3
#9 Damon Kuhn, Evansville Reitz
Damon Kuhn- Evansville Reitz


4
#4 Connor Knapp, East Noble
Connor Knapp- East Noble


5
#5 Jack Chastain, Hamilton Southeastern
Zach Davis- Penn


6
#7 Gaige Torres, Portage
Jack Chastain- Hamilton Southeastern


7
#11 Matt Mastison, Evansville Harrison
Jacob Brown- Castle


8
Charlie Baker, Crispus Attucks
DeLawrence Gayfield- Concord


Dingo’s Breakdown
If it’s not Micic, it’s: Cottey, but realistically, it’s Micic and no one else. This is one of just a few mortal lock weight classes.
 
Darkhorse(s): There really is no darkhorse to win the weight, but Zach Davis got red hot last year at State, and could do so again.
 
Upset alert: Mastison over Davis, Torres over Brown (this is a pick’em), Miller over Chastain (Chastain already beat Miller this year, but it was a tight one), Baker over Gayfield (Baker has some pretty solid leg defense)
 
Inside Y2’s Mind
Why: Micic is the class of the field and him getting beat would rank up with some of the biggest upsets in state finals history. Of course anything can happen, but Micic hasn’t broken a sweat this year and could put on an Andrew Howe type performance this weekend.
 
Bracket Busters:
Zach Davis- This is his third trip to state, he is no stranger to the big matches.
 
Sawyer Miller- He was in the semi-finals last year and a tough competitor that will not go down without a fight.
 
Karl's Komments
 
Region rats continue to crow about the quality of wrestler produced by Lake County. They will get no argument from me when they mention Hanover Central's Steven Micic. A state champion last year, this junior is currently ranked #2 in the country. It appears to be a one man race with everyone else chasing. Reitz' senior Damon Kuhn is battle tested and a semi-state champ. Perry Meridian would love to see junior Jacob Cottey make a deep run to help their team's chances of a title. East Noble's Conner Knapp has quietly put together an awesome season.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Sawyer Miller (40-2) 10 South Adams vs. Jack Chastain (37-1) 10 Hamilton Southeastern.
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Jacob Cottey (37-1) 11 Perry Meridian vs. Zach Davis (42-6) 11 Penn
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Conner Knapp (40-0) 10 East Noble vs. Jacob Cottey (37-1) 11 Perry Meridian.

120





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Drew Hughes-Lowell
Drew Hughes- Lowell


2
Adam Garcia-Merrillville
Bailey LaHue- Corydon Central


3
Schuyler Phillips-Yorktown
Schuyler Phillips- Yorktown


4
Bailey Lahue-Coydon Central
Deondre Wilson- Warren Central


5
Deondre Wilson-Warren Central
Adam Garcia- Merrillville


6
Andrice Martin-Franklin Central
Andrice Martin- Franklin Central


7
LJ Moser-South Adams
Josh Davis- Evansville Reitz


8
Josh Davis -Evansville Reitz
LJ Moser- South Adams



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Schuyler Phillips, Yorktown
Deondre Wilson- Warren Central


2
#5 Adam Garcia, Merrillville
Schuyler Phillips- Yorktown


3
#3 Drew Hughes, Lowell
Drew Hughes- Lowell


4
#7 Bailey Lahue, Corydon Central
Bailey LaHue- Corydon Central


5
#2 Deondre Wilson, Warren Central
LJ Moser- South Adams


6
#6 Andrice Martin, Franklin Central
Josh Davis- Evansville Reitz


7
#14 L.J. Moser, South Adams
Andrice Martin- Franklin Central


8
Preston Mantel, Zionsville
Adam Garcia- Merrillville


Dingo’s Breakdown
If it’s not Phillips, it’s: Hughes (The Lowell freshman has been lights out all year and is certainly capable of winning it all. Only his youth gives me pause), Deondre Wilson, Adam Garcia (highest returning placer at this weight).
 
Darkhorse(s): Moser has a postseason win over Phillips, which shows that he can go with anyone. Martin is a talented and dynamic wrestler and could pose problems for Phillips
 
Upset alert: Mantel over Davis (Davis beat Mantel in OT earlier, but Mantel is wrestling his best now), Eldred over Lahue (Eldred had one regular season loss and Westfield has a tough schedule. He is going to be special before it’s all said and done in high school)
 
Inside Y2’s Mind
Why: This weight has been the one filled with lots of opinions on who and why certain wrestlers will come out on top. The top five wrestlers are all contenders for the blue medal. Drew Hughes has had a phenomenal freshman campaign and looks to cap it off on top of the podium. He will have to go through a battle tested senior in Schuyler Phillips and then get through one of what seems a dozen contenders in the bottom bracket.
 
Bracket Busters:
Adam Garcia- He was a top four finisher last year and has the tools to get to the finals. He is no sleeper, but one that many are writing off.
 
Bailey LaHue- Coming from a school not exactly a wrestling power house he is as legit as they come. He already has one state medal and don’t blink if he is under the lights and on top of the podium.
 
Karl's Komments
 
The quality and depth at 120 rivals any weight class in the state this year. Yorktown senior Schuyler Phillips rebounded in impressive fashion at semi-state after a regional hiccup. Lowell's baby monster Drew Hughes is terrifying on top. From the deep south comes Corydon's Bailey Lahue and Warren Central brings undefeated Deondre Wilson from the East Side of Indy. Another three or four wrestlers possess the skills needed to upset the semi-state champs.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Adam Garcia (34-2) 12 Merrillville vs. Andrew Ledford (45-4) 12 Kokomo
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Bailey Lahue (38-2) 10 Corydon vs. LJ Moser (28-1) 12 South Adams
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Schuyler Phillips (45-2) 12 Yorktown vs. Drew Hughes (36-1) 9 Lowell

126





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Nick Crume-Jimtown
Nick Crume- Jimtown


2
Luke Welch-Castle
Brandon James- Perry Meridian


3
Josh Fuqua-Crown Point
Blake Denton- Twin Lakes


4
Blake Denton-Twin Lake
Josh Fuqua- Crown Point


5
Brandon James-Perry Meridian
Luke Welch- Castle


6
Tom Gettinger-Connersville
Tom Gettinger- Connersville


7
Tyler Fleener -Center Grove
Tyler Fleener- Center Grove


8
Ben Harvey-Indpls. Cathedral
Ben Harvey- Cathedral



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#2 Brandon James, Perry Meridian
Nick Crume- Jimtown


2
#1 Nick Crume, Jimtown
Luke Welch- Castle


3
#5 Tom Gettinger, Connersville
Tom Gettinger- Connersville


4
#8 Ben Harvey, Cathedral
Ben Harvey- Cathedral


5
#4 Josh Fuqua, Crown Point
Brandon James- Perry Meridian


6
#3 Luke Welch, Castle
Josh Fuqua- Crown Point


7
#6 Blake Denton, Twin Lakes
Blake Denton- Twin Lakes


8
#7 Tyler Fleener, Center Grove
Tyler Fleener- Center Grove


Dingo’s Breakdown
If it’s not James, it’s: Crume, although I’m sure most people have Crume as the favorite. He has been nothing short of dominant this year and it’s hard to find any flaw in his game. Gettinger looked the part of a state champ at semi-state and will be a very tough out for anyone.
 
Darkhorse(s): Since Crume is basically a favorite or co-favorite, I’ll go with Gettinger. The Connersville standout is excellent on his feet and probably even better on the mat. Throw in a plus gastank and you have yourself a real stud.
 
Upset alert: James over Crume, Gettinger over Crume (Obviously, I feel that New Castle is very strong at this weight)
 
Inside Y2’s Mind
Why: The magic coin got a workout in this weight class. The quarter-finals alone features at least three matches that many throughout the year have said would be state finals matches. Crume has been the most consistent over the year and seems primed to bring a blue medal back to Baugo. He will be pushed and shoved from every direction and one slip up could land one of about six wrestlers on the top step of the podium.
 
Bracket Busters:
Luke Welch- I hate to call a kid with two state medals and the family history he does a bracket buster. He has the tools to make me toss my bracket out the window.
 
Tom Gettinger- Another that is hard to call a bracket buster after his big win over James last week. He will have to fend off 2011 state runner-up Josh Fuqua to make the semi-finals then take on stalwart Crume to make the finals.
 
Karl's Komments
 
Prognosticators have been anticipating a Nick Crume-Brandon James match up in the state finals since the start of the season. No one was mentioning Connersville senior Tom Gettinger then, but they all know about him now. Evansville semi-state champ Luke Welch is a seasoned and tough wrestler who has already committed to Purdue. Welch also needs to be mentioned in the state title discussion. Jimtown's Nick Crume has quietly throttled all competition this season.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Dylan Logsdon (29-8) 12 Portage vs. Tyler Feener (40-3) 11 Center Grove
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Luke Welch (44-1) 12 Castle vs. Brandon James (33-1) 10 Perry Meridian
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Tom Gettinger (45-1) 12 Connersville vs. Nick Crume (34-0) 12 Jimtown

132





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Cody Lecount-Perry Meridian
Cody LeCount- Perry Meridian


2
Levi Moss-Ben Davis
Levi Moss- Ben Davis


3
Trevor Burlison-Crown Point
Grant Martsolf- Mishawaka


4
Dalton Baysinger-Yorktown
Trevor Burlison- Crown Point


5
Devin Broukal-Bloomington South
Mitch Hartman- South Bend Clay


6
Grant Martsoff-Mishawaka
Devin Broukal- Bloomington South


7
Mitch Hartman-South Bend Clay
Logan Wedding- Evansville Memorial


8
Skyler Lykins-Franklin Community
Skyler Lykins- Franklin



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Cody LeCount, Perry Meridian
Cody LeCount- Perry Meridian


2
#3 Levi Moss, Ben Davis
Grant Martsolf- Mishawaka


3
#10 Dalton Baysinger, Yorktown
Trevor Burlison- Crown Point


4
#6 Trevor Burlison, Crown Point
Mitch Hartman- South Bend Clay


5
#2 Mitch Hartman, South Bend Clay
Zach Krumlauf- Dekalb


6
#9 Devin Broukal, Bloomington South
Dalton Baysinger- Yorktown


7
#14 Jordan Lile, Fishers
Ben Fiechter- Southern Wells


8
#16 Skyler Lykins, Franklin Community
Skyler Lykins- Franklin


Dingo’s Breakdown
If it’s not LeCount, it’s: Moss (Coach’s son returns again to the State meet, looking for the ultimate prize. While he is as tough and solid as they come, beating LeCount is probably too much to ask)
 
Darkhorse(s): Again, it’s hard to call a returning two-time placer and 2nd ranked coach’s son a dark horse, but Hartman should meet Moss in the quarterfinals. If he can get by Moss, Hartman is capable of a state finals appearance.
 
Upset alert: Snyder over Burlison (Snyder is a scrappy dude, and his record is misleading. The former state qualifier has been rounding into shape and will be dangerous), Broukal over Krumlauf (hard to bet against the two-time qualifier and 4th ranked Dekalb wrestler, but Broukal won a big Friday night match last year and looks to repeat history), Fiechter over Moss (tough senior and returning state qualifier won’t roll over for Moss), Perez over Hartman (nasty draw for the talented Hot Dawg wrestler. Slick and tough, he could give Hartman a hard time), Wedding over Baysinger (not much of an upset as they are #11 and #10, respectively) and Lile over Martsolf (Lile looked much better at semi-state than regionals and sectionals). This is a deep and tough bracket, but LeCount is a notch above the rest of the strong field.
 
Inside Y2’s Mind
Why: My (not so) expert opinion is this is a two horse race. The favorite is LeCount with only two career losses, I don’t see him suffering any more in his a career. He will not have an easy time navigating the bracket with landmines like Moss, Hartman and Broukal placed throughout the bracket.
 
Bracket Busters:
Mitch Hartman- He is a two time placer and made the semi-finals as a sophomore. Don’t overlook the possibility of him making the semi-finals or finals.
 
Dalton Baysinger- He is a tough competitor that has the ability to make a deep run. With great defense and very opportune offense he can make any match a winnable match.
 
Karl's Komments
 
Perry Meridian's Cody LeCount has been the lead dog in this weight class from the start of the season and he has handled that pressure admirably, running the table with a perfect 36-0 record. Veteran Ben Davis Giant Levi Moss is the brackets other unbeaten but a combination of a brutal quarter bracket and some injury issues might make the way for some one else to bully their way to the podium. Fort Wayne semi-state champ Dalton Baysinger had a great day at the Coliseum, knocking off perviously unbeaten Zach Krumlauf of DeKalb. Trevor Burlison of Crown Point often gets overshadowed by some of his teammates but he has a great opportunity for a deep run.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Levi Moss (35-0) 12 Ben Davis vs. Ben Fiechter (39-3) 12 Southern Wells
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Dalton Baysinger (44-3) 12 Yorktown vs. Grant Martsoff (37-6) 12 Mishawaka
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Mitch Hartman (44-3) 12 South Bend Clay vs. Grant Martsoff (37-6) 12 Mishawaka

138





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Luke Blanton-Alexandria
Tommy Forte- Mishawka


2
Chandler Carroll-Yorktown
Luke Blanton- Alexandria


3
Tom Forte -Mishawaka
Chandler Carroll- Yorktown


4
Tyler Hupp-Indian Creek
Evan Loe- Peru


5
Nick Bova-Perry Meridian
Anthony McHugh- Culver Academies


6
Anthony McHugh-Culver Academies
Nick Bova- Perry Meridian


7
Evan Loe-Peru
Tyler Hupp- Indian Creek


8
Juwan Bartlett-Lawrence North
Juwan Bartlett- Lawrence North



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Tommy Forte, Mishawaka
Tommy Forte- Mishawka


2
#2 Luke Blanton, Alexandria
Luke Blanton- Alexandria


3
#3 Chandler Carroll, Yorktown
Chandler Carroll- Yorktown


4
#9 Tyler Hupp, Indian Creek
Evan Loe- Peru


5
#4 Nick Bova, Perry Meridian
Anthony McHugh- Culver Academies


6
#5 Anthony McHugh, Culver Academies
Nick Bova- Perry Meridian


7
#7 Evan Loe, Peru
Tyler Hupp- Indian Creek


8
#14 Juwan Bartlett, Lawrence North
Juwan Bartlett- Lawrence North


Dingo’s Breakdown
If it’s not Forte, it’s: Blanton (It’s hard to be much more impressive than Blanton was at New Castle this past weekend, but beating Forte is quite a task for the tough two-time placer).
 
Darkhorse(s): Carroll has had a phenomenal career already and looks to add to his hardware. He is plenty dangerous in this class. Bova has wrestled everyone and, outside of the unusual match vs Blanton, he can hang with anyone.
 
Upset alert: Wagner over Hupp (Wagner appeared to be injured by the end of the day at semi-state. If he is healthy, he is very dangerous. If he can’t go, his replacement Chase Watson of HSE is plenty tough in his own right and will push Hupp)
 
Inside Y2’s Mind
Why: The past two years Blanton has been a bracket buster and pulled crazy upsets at state. Will he be able to do it for a third time? This weight has three wrestlers that stand out in Forte, Blanton and Carroll. Each has taken home hardware from state before, but none have wrestled under the lights.
 
Bracket Busters:
Anthony McHugh- He has been to state three times, but never come home with any hardware. This year will be different for the future Air Force Falcon. Don’t be surprised if he makes the finals.
 
Nick Bova- Never under estimate a wrestler with two state medals from the perennial state power. Bova has all the tools necessary to make a deep run at Bankers Life.
 
Karl's Komments
 
Personally, this weight class contains some of my favorite wrestlers to watch in the state. New Castle semi-state champ Luke Blanton of Alexandria is a dynamic athlete that has provided many thrills for the fans in Indy. Also on this side of the bracket is Indian Creek's Tyler Hupp. Hupp has state experience and comes in as a semi state champ. Don't overlook Peru's Evan Loe or Culver Military's Anthony McHugh, either one could be a dark horse state finalists. The other side of the bracket shakes out with Yorktown's Chandler Carroll and Mishawaka's Tommy Forte being the odds on favorites to reach the semis.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Nick Bova (36-2) 12 Perry Meridian vs. Isiah Kemper (44-4) 10 Evansville Central
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Tyler Hupp (39-1) 12 Indian Creek vs. Evan Loe (43-3) 11 Peru
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Chandler Carroll (40-1) 11 Yorktown vs. Tommy Forte (42-0) 10 Mishawaka

145





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Neal Molloy-Danville
Neal Molloy- Danville


2
Eli Walker-Yorktown
Brendon Kelley- Evansville Central


3
Cody Handley-Northeastern
Eli Walker- Yorktown


4
Tristen Macri-Mishawaka
Tristan Macri- Mishawaka


5
Brenden Kelley-Evansville Harrison
Cody Handley- Northeastern


6
Robbie Elsea-New Palestine
Shabaka Johns- Warren Central


7
Mitch Roadruck-Lowell
Mitch Roadruck- Lowell


8
Kyle Jolas-Huntington North
Robbie Elsea- New Palestine



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Neal Molloy, Danville
Neal Molloy- Danville


2
#2 Brandon Kelley, Evansville Central
Brendon Kelley- Evansville Central


3
#4 Tristan Macri, Mishawaka
Eli Walker- Yorktown


4
#9 Mitch Roadruck, Lowell
Tristan Macri- Mishawaka


5
#5 Cody Handley, Northeastern
Cody Handley- Northeastern


6
#7 Shabaka Johns, Warren Central
Shabaka Johns- Warren Central


7
#3 Eli Walker, Yorktown
Robbie Elsea- New Palestine


8
#8 Robbie Elsea, New Palestine
Mitch Roadruck- Lowell


Dingo’s Breakdown
If it’s not Molloy, it’s: Kelley (It’s very unlikely that anyone will get Molloy, but Kelley appears to have the best chance).
 
Darkhorse(s): Handley might have some health concerns, but if he’s healthy he could be battling Molloy under the lights.
 
Upset alert: Jolas over Johns (Two-time state qualifier might be able to get by the tough-riding Johns), McKee over Handley (Handley impressed me as far back as last year, but his injury clouds his weekend outlook), Mammolenti over Kelley (the tough Penn wrestler has wrestled a brutal schedule and has been able to hang with the big dogs), Campbell over Walker (there is some familiarity there as they competed in the same semi-state two years ago and Campbell has a knack for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat), Ferguson over Roadruck (on paper, the Lowell wrestler is a big favorite, but Ferguson is riding some serious momentum), Elsea over Macri, potential quarterfinals match (Elsea is a tough senior and could follow in fellow Dragon Connor Robinson’s amazing state run last year)
 
Inside Y2’s Mind
Why: Neal Molloy is one of the top wrestlers in the state and nation. He placed at Fargo and Super 32 this offseason with this year focused on his second state title. Last year it was shown that he can be derailed, but don’t expect that this year.
 
Bracket Busters:
Cody Handley- Coming off a semi-state championship he has not gotten the press others have as a contender for a high spot on the podium.
 
Mitch Roadruck- He is a great competitor that has had his season overshadowed by the Hughes brothers. He has been around the block and could sneak into the finals if you aren’t careful.
 
Karl's Komments
 
Two titans from the south appear to have separated themselves in the race for the crown at 145. Danville's Neal Molloy has wrestled under the lights before and has national credentials. His semi state rival Brendon Kelley of Evansville Central wrestles a wide open style. A match up in the finals between these two would surely entertain the crowd. A host of other talented grapplers will look to knock the two front runners off their perch. Eli Walker of Yorktown and Tristan Macri of Mishawaka don't get as much ink as their teammates but both are battle tested warriors.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Neal Molloy (39-0) 12 Danville vs. Chris Katsafaros (39-3) 12 Chesterton
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Cody Handley (41-2) 12 Northeastern vs. Brendon Kelley (37-1) 11 Evansville Central
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Tristan Macri (42-1) 11 Mishawaka vs. Neal Malloy (39-0) 12 Danville.

152





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Isaiah Bradley- Muncie Southside
Josh Farrell- Greenfield Central


2
Josh Farrell- Greenfield Central
Isaiah Bradley- Muncie Southside


3
Vinny Corsaro- Indianapolis Cathedral
Vinny Corsaro- Indianapolis Cathedral


4
Dusty Schurg- Crown Point
Connor Brummett- Dekalb


5
Brayden Montgomery- Danville
Brayden Montgomery- Danville


6
Jordan Partee- Madison
Dusty Schurg- Crown Point


7
Sam Ferdig- South Bend Adams
Nick Borta- North Montgomery


8
Sebastian Eckert- Huntington North
Sebastian Eckert- Huntington North



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Isaiah Bradley, Muncie Central
Josh Farrell- Greenfield Central


2
#2 Josh Farrell, Greenfield-Central
Isaiah Bradley- Muncie Southside


3
#3 Vinny Corsaro, Cathedral
Vinny Corsaro- Indianapolis Cathedral


4
#9 Jordan Partee, Madison
Dusty Schurg- Crown Point


5
#7 Brayden Montgomery, Danville
Brayden Montgomery- Danville


6
#8 Jackson Bennett, Hamilton Southeastern
Jordan Partee- Madison


7
#6 Nick Borta, North Montgomery
Sam Ferdig- South Bend Adams


8
Kody Henshaw, Evansville Memorial
Kody Henshaw- Evansville Memorial


Dingo’s Breakdown

 
If it’s not Bradley, it’s: Farrell-The three-time state placer looks to add another placement to his collection. He puts up a lot of points and is pretty strong in all aspects, Corsaro-Like Farrell, Corsaro is attempting to become a rare four-time state placer. Also like Farrell, he is a returning state runner-up. Corsaro is solid on his feet and especially on the mat and, like his previous two seasons, appears to be peaking in the postseason. Bradley is the favorite, but he will have to work for his repeat bid.
 
Darkhorse(s): Corsaro, Farrell, #4 Schurg—I realize it’s a little strange to have him here when I picked him to be “upset” by Bennett, but his only two losses on the year are to Illinois studs and he is a returning state qualifier.
 
Upset alert: Bennett over #4 Schurg (Bennett is a stud, and this is a lot closer matchup than the majority of 1-4 matches), #12 Brummett over Partee (not really an upset, except according to the rankings), #11 Ferdig over Borta (Ferdig was 2nd in his semi-state, Borta was 3rd; they are pretty closely ranked and had roughly similar seasons), #13 Manspeaker over Corsaro (tough draw for the senior from Penn, but he is tough and battle-tested)
 
Inside Y2’s Mind

 
Why: This weight class has been shaping up all season to be one of the most anticipated of the weekend with three wrestlers in the mix that have experience under the lights. The question all season was could Isaiah Bradley defend his title. So far he is unblemished, but has yet to face the top competitors in the weight class. He is one that you cannot count out and when the lights are on he seems to shine the brightest. He will be pushed by three-time medalist Josh Farrell who has been lights out all season long. You cannot count out Vinny Corsaro who wrestled under the lights last year to make a run for the top step.
 
Bracket Busters:
 
Brayden Montgomery- He doesn’t come in with the credentials the rest of the top contenders in this weight do, but he has the skills to pull a few upsets.
 
Dusty Schurg- Growing up with 18 brothers you know he is tough as nails and one that won’t crack under pressure. Like Montgomery he has the tools needed to surprise folks this weekend.
 
 
 
Karl's Komments

 
Defending state champion Isaiah Bradley of Muncie South headlines the 152 pound class but does not appear to be a clear cut favorite to repeat. Many think that Greenfield Central's Josh Farrell possesses the arsenal to take out Bradley. Crown Point veteran Dusty Schurg knows how to win close matches and Cathedral's Vinny Corsaro was a state runner up one year ago.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Trevor Manspeaker (44-4) 12 Penn vs. Vinny Corsaro (43-3) 11 Cathedral
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Dusty Schurg (27-2) 12 Crown Point vs. Jordan Partee (48-3) 11 Madison
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Josh Farrell (44-0) 12 Greenfield Central vs. Dusty Schurg (27-2) 12 Crown Point

160





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Kenny Hughes- Lowell
Austin McCloskey- Western Boone


2
Seth Seitzinger- Bloomington south
Riley McClurg- Perry Meridian


3
Mark Maldonado- Highland
Rhett Hiestand- Yorktown


4
Rhett Hiestand- Yorktown
Mahlon Parkinson- Evansville Mater Dei


5
Luke Kriech- Franklin community
Mark Maldonado- Highland


6
Riley McClurg- Perry Meridian
Luke Kriech- Franklin community


7
Mahlon Parkinson- Evansville Mater Dei
Blake Rypel- Cathedral


8
Blake Rypel- Cathedral
Seth Seitzinger- Bloomington south



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Austin McCloskey, Western Boone
Austin McCloskey- Western Boone


2
#8 Riley McClurg, Perry Meridian
Seth Seitzinger- Bloomington south


3
#10 Mark Maldonado, Highland
Rhett Hiestand- Yorktown


4
#7 Blake Rypel, Cathedral
Mark Maldonado- Highland


5
#9 Luke Kriech, Franklin Community
Riley McClurg- Perry Meridian


6
#4 Mahlon Parkinson, Evansville Mater Dei
Luke Kriech- Franklin community


7
#5 Rhett Hiestand, Yorktown
Blake Rypel- Cathedral


8
#6 Seth Seitzinger, Bloomington South
Mahlon Parkinson- Evansville Mater Dei


Dingo’s Breakdown

 
If it’s not McCloskey, it’s: #2 Hughes-In a strange twist of fate, Hughes and McCloskey meet up on Friday night for the second year in a row. McCloskey won last year’s battle, and the Lowell stud has a great shot at running the table if he can get by the Western Boone standout, Rypel-It’s very hard to believe this kid is only a freshman. He’s very, very slick and solid in all aspects….Oh, and very dangerous as well, McClurg-The Perry standout senior just proved he can beat anyone in the state when he handed McCloskey his first loss all season.
 
Darkhorse(s): Kriech-How does this defending state runner-up (losing a very close Finals match in the process) get lost in the sauce? He is very capable of another deep run. Maldonado-He has only one loss all year, to Hughes, which he avenged at semi-state. Parkinson-The EMD senior has been tough all year, and the bracket is set up for a run to the finals if he gets hot.
 
Upset alert: #11 Gomez over Rypel (tough senior matches up with freshman phenom), #16 Krege over Maldonado (record is a little misleading with Krege, the Pendoski-trained junior who has improved steadily the past year), #12 Hollins over McClurg (Tough junior doesn’t have a sterling record, but has wrestled a tough schedule and has some nice wins)
 
Inside Y2’s Mind

 
Why: Oh boy, oh boy, OH BOY! About 8:30pm on Friday all eyes will be on mat 2 to watch a match one week ago many were predicting for the state finals. Both Austin McCloskey and Kenny Hughes suffered their first losses of the year last week and their reward is a first round match-up that many will be talking about for years. Last year McCloskey won on Friday night against Hughes by the score of 5-1. This weight is one of the most wide open weights with the top half of the bracket absolutely loaded. The winner of McCloskey and Hughes will feel like they won the showcase showdown as they will get last year’s runner-up Luke Kriech. On the bottom half of the bracket you have a red hot Riley McClurg and an always dangerous Mater Dei wrestler in Mahlon Parkinson. In all honesty this weight class has about 14 bracket busters in it.
 
Bracket Busters:
 
Mahlon Parkinson- Never, never, never count out a Mater Dei wrestler to make a deep run. This year, he is my pick to bust up some brackets.
 
Blake Rypel- The super frosh is extremely talented and is poised to make things interesting this weekend.
 
Seth Seitzinger- He is a solid wrestler who wrestles a style that puts him in every match. Don’t count him out to make it under the lights on Saturday.
 
Karl's Komments

 
Friday night's clash between Austin McCloskey of Western Boone and Lowell's Kenny Hughes could be one for the ages. These two ended the season ranked in the top five in the state and by luck of the draw, they will face off on Friday night. Perry Meridian's Riley McClurg and Highland's Mark Maldonado are responsible for the exciting Friday night match up and these two will look to continue the momentum they gained last Saturday. Seth Seitzinger of Bloomington South and Rhett Hiestand of Yorktown are both semi state champs who could make deep runs in this bracket.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Kenny Hughes (39-1) 11 Lowell vs Austin McCloskey (42-1) 11 Western Boone
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Riley McClurg (33-3) 12 Perry Meridian vs. Seth Seitzinger (36-7) 12 Bloomington South
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Rhett Hiestand (44-2) 11 Yorktown vs. Austin McCloskey (42-1) Western Boone

170





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Bobby Steveson- Merrillville
Riley Lefever- Ft. Wayne Carroll


2
Scottie Sopko- Hobart
Bobby Steveson- Merrillville


3
Anthony Linnear- Ft. Wayne Northside
Jake Rickenbaugh- Heritage Hills


4
Logan Floor- Westfield
Conner Galvin- Bloomington South


5
Riley Lefever- Ft. Wayne Carroll
Scottie Sopko- Hobart


6
Austin Neibarger- Hamilton Southeastern
Anthony Linnear- Ft. Wayne Northside


7
Jake Rickenbaugh- Heritage Hills
Tanner Adams- Jimtown


8
Conner Galvin- Bloomington South
Logan Floor- Westfield



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Bobby Steveson, Merrillville
Riley Lefever- Ft. Wayne Carroll


2
#2 Riley Lefever, Carroll
Bobby Steveson- Merrillville


3
#7 Jake Rickenbaugh, Heritage Hills
Anthony Linnear- Ft. Wayne Northside


4
#11 Logan Floor, Westfield
Conner Galvin- Bloomington South


5
#6 Scottie Sopko, Hobart
Scottie Sopko- Hobart


6
#5 Anthony Linnear, Fort Wayne North Side
Austin Neibarger- Hamilton Southeastern


7
#3 Austin Neibarger, Hamilton Southeastern
Jake Rickenbaugh- Heritage Hills


8
#9 Conor Galvin, Bloomington South
Logan Floor- Westfield


Dingo’s Breakdown

 
If it’s not Steveson, it’s: Lefever-The senior from Carroll looks like Steveson’s only real challenge for supremacy at this weight. He is undefeated and has beaten most opponents pretty badly.
 
Darkhorse(s): Neibarger-The HSE senior hasn’t been able to match his freshman magic, when he placed in a tough upper weight class. He has an extremely tough first round match and, if he wins, he gets Steveson. If he can get by the first two matches, he could go all the way. Sopko-He has only three losses (despite being in Steveson’s proximity) and is returning placer
 
Upset alert: #8 Adams over Neibarger (The Jimtown senior is a rough opener for Neibarger…this could go either way), #16 Fentz over Sopko (Fentz has wrestled nearly every tough team in the state and won’t be intimidated by Sopko)
 
Inside Y2’s Mind

 
Why: This weight features two undefeated wrestlers in Steveson and Lefever both on a collision course under the lights. Steveson has beaten Lefever the few times they have wrestled including a one point match in the fall of 2011. This could be quite a match-up as both have great gas tanks and are not shy about putting points on the board. Of course they will have to navigate the field that features some very tough wrestlers like Rickenbaugh, Galvin, Linnear and Adams.
 
Bracket Busters:
 
Anthony Linnear- Hard to call him a bracket buster after placing third last year, but he is still a wildcard. He will give every opponent a tough match-up.
 
Scottie Sopko- Another one that is hard to call a bracket buster. The quarter-final match between him and Lefever will most likely wrestle under the lights.
 
Tanner Adams- Last year he was not able to wrestle at the state finals and with this year being his senior year he could definitely make things interesting.
 
 
 
Karl's Komments

 
The 170 class is another class where two front runners have emerged and remained unbeaten through this season. Fort Wayne Carroll's Riley Lefever and Merrillville's Bobby Steveson are on a collision course. The bracket gods were kind to the fans of Indiana and this match up, if it happens, will be under the spot light. Steveson's local rival Scottie Sopko of Hobart and Lefever's opponent at sectional, regional and semi-state, Anthony Linnear of Fort Wayne North Side will look to finally topple their rivals. Others looking to advance deep into the bracket are super frosh Conner Galvin of Bloomington South and veteran Austin Neibarger of Hamilton Southeastern.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Tanner Adams (42-2) 12 Jimtown vs. Austin Neibarger (35-3) 12 Hamilton Southeastern.
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Riley Lefever (43-0) Fort Wayne Carroll vs. Scottie Sopko (39-3) 10 Hobart
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Anthony Linnear (32-4) 12 Fort Wayne North Side vs. Bobby Steveson (35-0) 10 Merrillville

182





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Matt Hurford- Culver Community
Matt Hurford- Culver Community


2
Jake Massengale- Perry Meridian
Jake Massengale- Perry Meridian


3
Brad Busse- Bellmont
Brad Busse- Bellmont


4
Dakota Thacker- Bloomington South
Dakota Thacker- Bloomington South


5
Katrell Moss- Warren Central
Brian Wagner- New Palestine


6
Ryan Jankowski- South Bend St. Joes
Exvonte Jones- Portage


7
Brian Wagner- New Palestine
Ryan Jankowski- South Bend St. Joes


8
Exvonte Jones- Portage
Katrell Moss- Warren Central



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Matt Hurford, Culver Community
Matt Hurford- Culver Community


2
#3 Jake Masengale, Perry Meridian
Jake Massengale- Perry Meridian


3
#6 Brad Busse, Belmont
Brad Busse- Bellmont


4
#2 Dakota Thacker, Bloomington South
Brian Wagner- New Palestine


5
Ryan Jankowski, South Bend St. Joseph
Dakota Thacker- Bloomington South


6
#10 Katrell Moss, Warren Central
Ryan Jankowski- South Bend St. Joes


7
#5 Brian Wagner, New Palestine
Katrell Moss- Warren Central


8
#20 Exvonte Jones, Portage
Connor Ludwig- Brownsburg


Dingo’s Breakdown

 
If it’s not Hurford, it’s: Masengale-Perry’s senior is a returning state runner-up and two-time qualifier. He’s had just a couple of lapses this season, but is capable of beating Hurford or anyone else at the weight.
 
Darkhorse(s): Busse-The returning 7th place finisher owns a win over Thacker and is wrestling at a very high level right now. A potential semis match vs. Masengale should be intense, and Busse could run the table, Thacker-Thacker completes the merry-go-round with Busse and Masengale—he lost to Busse but beat Masengale, and Busse lost to Masengale. Only a junior, Thacker is a pinner and is in the elite level of the weight class.
 
Upset alert: Jones over #15 Ludwig (Jones has been through a gauntlet of tough opponents, which could serve him well in this opening match), Riley over Busse (Tough Friday night match for both wrestlers, but especially for Riley, who should be ranked…he is no joke), #4 Zorniger over Hurford (state-ranked #4 has the misfortune of drawing state favorite Hurford…or is it Hurford who is unfortunate?), #12 Pfister over Wagner (common opponent Katrell Moss…both lost close matches), Jankowski over #18 Chambers (overlooked Jankowski was a strong second at Merrillville semi-state and looks to keep it rolling over the Edgewood junior)
 
Inside Y2’s Mind
Why: At 182lbs you are looking at a two horse race right now between the returning state runner-up at 170lbs and the returning 5th place finisher in this weight. Masengale has had a couple hiccups this year, but is battle tested throughout the season. Hurford has been rarely tested this year which could be a factor later into the day on Saturday. Dakota Thacker is also one to watch as he owns a win over Masengale and will look to avenge a Friday night loss to Hurford from last year.
 
Bracket Busters:
 
Ryan Jankowski- He has flown under the radar all season long and has had a very strong tournament series.
 
Brad Busse- As with Mater Dei, Bellmont has a tradition of pulling upsets. With this being their only state qualifier look for their coaching staff to have him primed for a spot under the lights.
 
 
 
Karl's Komments

 
Perry Meridian's Jake Masengale wrestled under the lights last year and lost a narrow decision to Sean Mappes of Center Grove. He overcame a hiccup at regional to top the field at New Castle. On the other side of the bracket looms Culver Community's unbeaten Matt Hurford. Hurford must survive a brutal quarter bracket that includes Avon's Jonah Zorniger and Warren Central's Katrell Moss. Bloomington South's Dakota Thacker and Bellmont's Brad Busse also are in this class and both have experience at Banker's Life.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Brian Wagner (38-5) 11 New Palestine vs. Ben Pfister (39-5) 12 Adams Central
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Brad Busse (34-2) 12 Bellmont vs. Ryan Jankowski (38-5) 11 South Bend St. Joseph
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Matt Hurford (44-0) 12 Culver Community vs. Brian Wagner (38-5) 11 New Palestine

195





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Mitch Sliga- Fishers
Mitch Sliga- Fishers


2
Jacob Ricks- Benton Central
Jacob Ricks- Benton Central


3
Clayton Fiddler- Bloomington South
Mason Nickel- Roncalli


4
Mason Nickel- Roncalli
Clayton Fiddler- Bloomington South


5
Ryan Patterson- Lowell
Kalob Salkill- South Spencer


6
Kalob Salkill- South Spencer
Kyle Garringer- Jay County


7
Jaylin Allen- South Bend Clay
Jaylin Allen- South Bend Clay


8
Justin Beruman- Delphi
Justin Beruman- Delphi



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Mitch Sliga, Fisher
Mitch Sliga- Fishers


2
#8 Jacob Ricks, Benton Central
Mason Nickel- Roncalli


3
#2 Clayton Fiddler, Bloomington South
Jacob Ricks- Benton Central


4
#7 Mason Nickell, Roncalli
Clayton Fiddler- Bloomington South


5
#6 Jaylin Allen, South Bend Clay
Joseph Ross- Northfield


6
#4 Kyle Garringer, Jay County
Kyle Garringer- Jay County


7
#19 Kalob Salkill, South Spencer
Kalob Salkill- South Spencer


8
Justin Berumen, Pioneer
Justin Beruman- Delphi


Dingo’s Breakdown

 
If it’s not Sliga, it’s: Fiddler-It’s just not going to happen. Sliga is a mortal lock.
 
Darkhorse(s): Nickell-The Roncalli senior has a nasty streak. He looks a little smaller than some of his opponents, but he is very quick and aggressive. Wrestling a tough slate of opponents, he had some huge wins this season. He looked a little nicked up at semi-state, so his health could be an issue.
 
Upset alert: #9 Ross over Allen (This is a slightly unusual situation, as Ross is a semi-state champ ranked lower than semi-state fourth place finisher Allen. The returning state qualifier Allen has wrestled a pretty tough schedule), Salkill over #17 Webster (This would be a very minor upset—in reality, this is probably a pick’em), #5 Perdue over Fiddler (#5 vs. #2 in an opening round match! Perdue had a rough semi-state, but he is extremely dangerous and could pull the upset over the returning state placer), #20 Patterson over Garringer (#20 advanced out of a wacky Merrillville semi-state and could spring a surprise for #4 Garringer, who was upset at semi-state), Ricks over Nickell (potential semifinal match, they met earlier this year, with Nickell winning 4-2)
 
 
 
Inside Y2’s Mind

 
Why: Sliga, Sliga and more Sliga, that will be the tune at 195lbs this year. As with Micic at 113, he is about as close to a lock as you will get this year. He will have to fend off foes from every angle, but this future Northwestern Wildcat will be ready. Look for the top bracket to be highly competitive with Joseph Ross, Jacob Ricks and Kalob Salkill all coming in with only one loss.
 
Bracket Busters:
 
Kalob Salkill- He is a relative unknown that comes in with only one blemish on his record.
 
Clayton Fiddler- He is a well coached athlete that will be one that can give Sliga a good run in the semi-finals.
 
Jaylin Allen- Last year he was injured the week of state, if he is healthy he could make a run as a four seed.
 
 
 
Karl's Komments

 
What more can be said about My man Mitch Sliga. Sliga has finished 3rd twice at the 189 pound weight class and was champion last year at 195. Rarely has Indiana seen such a skilled takedown artist at this high a weight class. Chasing Sliga for a chance at history will be Roncalli's Mason Nickell, Benton Central's manimal Jacob Ricks, and Bloomington South's talented Clayton Fiddler.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Joe Ross (36-1) 12 Northfield vs. Jaylin Allen (42-7) 12 South Bend Clay
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Jacob Ricks (46-1) 12 Benton Central vs. Kalob Salkill (47-1) South Spencer
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Clayton Fiddler (44-0) 12 Bloomington South vs. Mitch Sliga (45-0) 12 Fishers

220





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Gelen Robinson- Lake Central
Gelen Robinson- Lake Central


2
Conner Tolley- Franklin community
Conner Tolley- Franklin community


3
Jared Boehm- Heritage Hills
Maxiliano Hernandez- Warren Central


4
Myron Hamilton - Lawrence Central
Fletcher Miller- Kokomo


5
Dylan Jones- Avon
Alex Lindeman- Milan


6
Fletcher Miller- Kokomo
Dylan Jones- Avon


7
Maxiliano Hernandez- Warren Central
Jared Boehm- Heritage Hills


8
Seth Meyers- Harrison(WL)
Myron Hamilton - Lawrence Central



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Gelen Robinson, Lake Central
Gelen Robinson- Lake Central


2
#5 Fletcher Miller, Kokomo
Conner Tolley- Franklin community


3
#4 Maximiliano Hernandez, Warren Central
Jared Boehm- Heritage Hills


4
#6 Conner Tolley, Franklin Community
Fletcher Miller- Kokomo


5
#3 Dylan Jones, Avon
Dylan Jones- Avon


6
#8 Myron Hamilton, Lawrence Central
Alex Lindeman- Milan


7
#2 Jared Boehm, Heritage Hills
Maxiliano Hernandez- Warren Central


8
#19 Alex Lindemann, Milan
Myron Hamilton - Lawrence Central


Dingo’s Breakdown

 
If it’s not Robinson, it’s: Hernandez-Warren Central’s battle-tested junior has been elite the entire season, and avenged a regionals loss by winning semi-state in impressive fashion, Miller-You can’t do much better than 47-0, and Miller won a semi-state title over a solid field, Boehm-The returning 8th place finisher is ranked 2nd in the state, but suffered a setback at semi-state. He is lurking in the weeds. However, realistically, Robinson has been a cut above all year and is a prohibitive favorite.
 
Darkhorse(s): Tolley-The Franklin Community junior has had some fairly impressive national freestyle results and won a very deep and tough semi-state. He may be peaking, meaning he could make a run to the final match under the lights, Jones-The returning 6th place finisher has only one loss all year, which he received at semi-state. Three of the top 6 in the state are from the Evansville semi-state.
 
Upset alert: #17 Nicodemus over Jones (The Churubusco senior is a returning state qualifier and suffered his only loss all season at semi-state)
 
 
 
Inside Y2’s Mind

 
Why: The talk of this weight class all year long has been this fella they call Gelen. As a freshman he had hype as his dad was an NBA All-Star and yet he choose to wrestle in high school. He is the favorite, but the 220(former 215) weight class you always have a few wrestlers that take everyone by surprise. Look no further than the mighty Conner Tolley of Franklin. This spring and summer he went on a tear claiming All-American honors five times. You also have some very tough wrestlers in Dylan Jones, Fletcher Miller and Jared Boehm that can make things interesting in this weight class.
 
Bracket Busters:
 
Jared Boehm- He placed 8th last year at this weight and with that experience he could make quite a splash this weekend.
 
Dylan Jones- He placed 5th at 195lbs last season. With the move in weight he only has one loss on the year. His quarter-final match with Robinson is one to watch.
 
Fletcher Miller- This Wildkat comes in with an unblemished record and a big question mark of how good he really is. We will find out this weekend.
 
Karl's Komments

 
The Big Chief from Lake Central is a clear favorite at 220. If Gelen Robinson had not lost a controversial decision in the semifinals last year, we might be looking at a back-to-back champion. Franklin's big Conner Tolley surprised some bigger names to take the semi-state crown in Evansville.
 
Warren Central's Max Hernandez and Kokomo's Fletcher Miller are in the bracket as semi-state champs. Avon's Dylan Jones placed sixth last year but got the unfortunate draw of being in Robinson's quarter bracket. Heritage Hills' big man, Jared Boehm, also returns to Banker's Life, looking to improve on last years eighth place finish.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Jason Nicodemus (28-1) 12 Churubusco vs. Dylan Jones (34-1) 12 Avon
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Max Hernandez (37-1) 11 Warren Central vs. Jared Boehm (47-1) 12 Heritage Hills
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Conner Tolley (38-3) 11 Franklin vs. Fletcher Miller (47-0) 11 Kokomo

285





Mike's Cold Hard Locks
Joe's Fort Wayne Flavor


1
Donte Winfield - Perry Meridian
Donte Winfield - Perry Meridian


2
Wesley Bernard- Indianapolis Cathedral
Wesley Bernard- Indianapolis Cathedral


3
Eric Hemmelgarn- Jay county
Eric Hemmelgarn- Jay county


4
Norman Oglesby- Ben Davis
Norman Oglesby- Ben Davis


5
Shawn Streck- Merrillville
Shakir Carr- South Bend Clay


6
Shakir Carr- South Bend Clay
Shawn Streck- Merrillville


7
Josh Bartozsek- Hanover Central
Matt Beard- Eastside


8
Austin Little - North Posey
Austin Little- North Posey



Dingo's 8-Pack
Karl's Elite 8


1
#1 Donte Winfield, Perry Meridian
Donte Winfield - Perry Meridian


2
#2 Wesley Bernard, Cathedral
Norman Oglesby- Ben Davis


3
#5 Eric Hemmelgarn, Jay County
Eric Hemmelgarn- Jay county


4
#11 Matt Beard, Eastside
Wesley Bernard- Indianapolis Cathedral


5
#9 Shawn Streck, Merrillville
Shawn Streck- Merrillville


6
#6 Shakir Carr, South Bend Clay
Shakir Carr- South Bend Clay


7
#17 Norman Oglesby, Ben Davis
Matt Beard- Eastside


8
Dakota Ramey, North Montgomery
Dakota Ramey- North Montgomery


Dingo’s Breakdown

 
If it’s not Winfield, it’s: Bernard-Flip a coin between the two nationally ranked heavies. They are incredibly closely matched, and have faced each other many times. It would be very fitting for their final matchup to take place under the lights. This could be the closest, best final match of them all, if it shakes out.
 
Darkhorse(s): Hemmelgarn-The returning 3rd place finisher pinned Winfield on Friday night last year. He is a big boy and is also nationally ranked in some publications. He could improve his placement with a big semifinal win over Winfield, Streck-The Merrillville big fella is only a freshman, and this should be the first of several successful weekends in Indianapolis.
 
Upset alert: #12 Ponder over Winfield (Center Grove’s returning state qualifier is pretty nimble for a man of his size. He has been able to hang with some of the state’s best big men), Ramey over #13 Little (Ramey has impressed during his postseason run. He advanced out of a semi-state that sent the #3, #10 and #16 heavies home), #7 Jolley-Little over Bernard (Jolley-Little has had some national success, in addition to the impressive junior season he had this year), #20 DeMuyt over Carr (Carr is a little erratic; very dangerous when he’s on, a little vulnerable when he’s not), Streck over Winfield (potential quarterfinals match, can the man-child pull a Dexter Larimore and make a strong run as a youngster?), Hemmelgarn over Winfield (potential semifinals match, can lightning strike twice? Everyone wants to take down the Fargo Freestyle runner-up), Carr over Bernard (potential quarterfinals match, Bernard is a tough, skilled heavy, but strange things happen with the big boys)
 
 
 
Inside Y2’s Mind

 
Why: The big boys will round out the wrestling on Saturday night and they might just save the fireworks for them. The rivalry between Wesley Bernard and Donte Winfield is going strong with Bernard holding a 2-1 advantage this season. Will Winfield be able to even it out and get the most important win? Winfield will not have an easy go as he could face Eric Hemmelgarn in the semi-finals who took him out last year on Friday night. Bernard will be pushed by Shakir Carr and Stormin’ Norman Oglesby in his half of the bracket.
 
Bracket Busters:
 
Norman Oglesby- This super sophomore shocked the Evansville semi-state by capturing the title last week. He looks to continue on his hot streak and break your bracket this week.
 
Matt Beard- Not many people even know where Eastside is and this young lad could just pull a couple upsets this weekend.
 
Shakir Carr- He has the tools to go toe to toe with any heavyweight in the state. Don’t be shocked if he makes a deep run on Saturday.
 
Karl's Komments

 
The Big Show at 285 has most prognosticators anticipating a match up between Perry Meridian's Donte Winfield and Cathedral's Wesley Bernard. The 285 class, however, is one of the most difficult to predict as most matches are tight, low scoring battles. Winfield will have to get by Merrillville's talented freshman, Shawn Streck in the quarterfinals and Bernard will most likely have a tough go with South Bend Clay's behemoth, Shakir Carr. Last year's third place medalist, Eric Hemmelgarn, who beat Winfield Friday night a year ago, awaits in the semis for Winfield. Bernard will possibly have to deal with Ben Davis upstart, Norman Oglesby, to reach the finals.
 
Best First Round Match Up – Josh Bartoszek (40-4) 12 Hanover Central vs. Matt Beard (41-1) 12 Eastside
 
Best Quarterfinal Clash – Wesley Bernard (45-1) 11 Cathedral vs. Shakir Carr (44-3) 12 South Bend Clay
 
Sensational Semifinal Slugfest – Donte Winfield (37-2) 12 Perry Meridian vs. Eric Hemmelgarn (44-1) 11 Jay County
 
 

515
No. 17 Purdue Wrestling to Host Indiana on Monday
No. 17 Purdue Wrestling to Host Indiana on Monday
 
Purdue looks to earn its third straight win over Indiana on Monday.\
 

 
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The 17th-ranked Purdue wrestling team looks to wrap up the 2013 Big Ten dual season in grand fashion as they host archrival Indiana on Monday in Holloway Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. The Boilermakers look for their first winning conference dual mark in 15 years as they enter the match at 13-5 overall and 4-3 in Big Ten duals, while Indiana is just 6-8 (0-6 Big Ten).
 
With last week’s three match sweep of Wisconsin, Northwestern and Michigan, the Boilermakers have already hit several historical marks this season. The Boilermakers’ 13 dual wins and four Big Ten dual victories are their most since 2004, and their highest totals under sixth-year head coach Scott Hinkel. Their three-match conference win streak is their longest since 2003, and a win over Indiana on Monday would mark their first winning conference record and their longest conference win streak since 1998.
 
“We’re on a great run right now, but we have to keep our foot on the gas,” said Hinkel. “We had three great matches last week, and now our focus is on beating Indiana and continuing our pursuit of our goals. We have to keep doing it one match at a time.”
 
Several individuals have been instrumental in the Boilermakers’ three-dual win streak, but none more so than sophomores Brandon Nelsen and Patrick Kissel. Nelsen and Kissel are undefeated in their last three contests, each scoring bonus points in two of the three bouts. Nelsen came up with a clutch fall in the 22-14 win over Wisconsin, in addition to a huge 12-0 major decision over Michigan’s Camryn Jackson to secure the dual-winning bonus point, while Kissel had major decisions in the wins over Wisconsin and Northwestern, as well as a late takedown to seal a 4-3 win over Michigan’s Chris Heald last Sunday.
 
 
 
“Brandon and Patrick have really come on strong for us this season and are taking care of business,” said Hinkel. “It’s great when guys are consistently winning in your lineup, but when they’re getting bonus points it’s huge. Those are the difference between wins and losses for the team.”
 
 
 
Junior captain Cashé Quiroga returned to the lineup last weekend after a month layoff, earning a pair of key victories at Northwestern and at home against Michigan. Quiroga is 6-1 on the year at 133 pounds with a trio of Big Ten dual wins, looking to finish the season strong and earn a bid to his third NCAA Championship.
 
 
 
“Getting Cashé back in the lineup is big for our team,” said Hinkel. “Aside from the talent he brings to his individual match and results, he’s a sparkplug for the rest of our guys. He competes with a very high energy level and that’s contagious.”
 
The Hoosiers come to West Lafayette in search of their first Big Ten win of the season, having dealt with a tough year of injuries in their starting lineup. They’ve been without starters at 133, 141, 165 and 197 pounds through parts of the season, and the entire year in some cases. The highlights of the Indiana lineup remain at 157 and 285 pounds, where sophomore Taylor Walsh and junior Adam Chalfant have put together outstanding seasons. Walsh is 26-6 this season at 157 pounds, good for a top-15 ranking nationally, while Chalfant is 20-6 at heavyweight, also claiming a spot inside the national top-15 in a brutal Big Ten weight class.
 
Monday’s match will feature a series of specials and promotions, including buy one, get one free tickets and an honorary captain appearance by Purdue University president Mitch Daniels. The match will air live on the Big Ten Network, marking the Boilermakers’ only live television appearance of the season. Tickets for the dual are $5 for adults and $2 for youth, with groups of 15 or more gaining admission for $1 per person, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Following tradition of the last home dual of the season, Boilermaker seniors Tommy Churchard, Jake Fleckenstein and Ivan Lopouchanski will all be honored before the dual in a presentation starting at approximately 6 p.m. Doors to Holloway Gymnasium will open at 5:30 p.m.

1199
State Finals: Rankings Breakdown
Overall
This year's state finals will feature 224 wrestlers from across the state. Of those 224 wrestlers 171 were in the final Panko Strength and Speed Individual Rankings along with another 21 wrestlers on our watch list. Each weight class features an average of 12.2 ranked wrestlers. The best weight class is 132lbs were 15 of the 16 qualifiers were ranked in the top 16 in the final rankings. Here is a breakdown of each weight class and the highlights of the top Friday night matches between ranked wrestlers.
 

106lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 14
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Caleb Bocock- Lebanon
Cody Allmon- Plymouth
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#1 Chad Red (New Palestine) vs. #15 Blake Glogouski (Fairfield)
#4 Terrance Kennedy (Floyd Central) vs. #13 Drew Hildebrandt (Penn)
#6 Mike Garza (Merrillville) vs. #5 D.J. Smith (Franklin Community )
#19 Brett Johnson (Perry Meridian) vs. #7 Garrett Pepple (East Noble)
#2 Jake Sinkovics (Mishawaka) vs. #12 Griffin Schermer (Bloomington South)
#14 Cael McCormick (Yorktown) vs. #9 Matthew McKinney (Warren Central)

113lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Mitch Weber (Zionsville)
Branden Truver (Lake Central High School)
Jasi Coureur (Jeffersonville)
Charles Baker (Indianapolis Crispus Attucks
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#7 Gaige Torres (Portage) vs. #8 Jacob Brown (Castle)
#3 Jacob Cottey (Perry Meridian) vs. #15 Alan Mock (North Miami)
#11 Mathew Mastison (Evansville Harrison) vs. #2 Zachary Davis (Penn)
#6 Sawyer Miller (South Adams) vs. #5 Jack Chastain (Hamilton Southeastern)

120lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Andrew Ledford (Kokomo)**Watch List**
Nathan Schitter (Jasper)**Watch List**
Chase Wilson (Maconaquah)**Watch List**
Preston Mantel (Zionsville)**Watch List**
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#1 Schuyler Phillips (Yorktown) vs. #15 Matthew Lechowicz (Lake Central High School)
#17 Zack Runyon (Bloomington South) vs. #6 Andrice Martin (Franklin Central)
#7 Bailey Lahue (Corydon Central) vs. #13 Evan Eldred (Westfield)
#14 L.J. Moser (South Adams) vs. #19 Luis Munoz (Warsaw)

126lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Dylan Logsdon (Portage)**Watch List**
Bailey Schober (Greenwood)**Watch List**
Brett Martz (Fairfield)
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#3 Luke Welch (Castle) vs. #12 Maximilian Buckley (Valporaso)
#2 Brandon James (Perry Meridian) vs. #14 Cody Walburn (Adams Central)
#20 Steven Cardenas (Carroll (F.W.)) vs. #8 Ben Harvey (Indpls. Cathedral)
#17 Dalton Noblitt (Columbus East) vs. #4 Josh Fuqua (Crown Point)
#1 Nick Crume (Jimtown) vs. #10 Evan Smiley (Beech Grove)

132lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 15
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Cody Koebel (Jimtown)
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#6 Trevor Burlison (Crown Point) vs. #15 Mitch Snyder (Hamilton Southeastern)
#1 Cody Lecount (Perry Meridian) vs. #7 Jacob Covaciu (Merrillville)
#9 Devin Broukal (Bloomington South) vs. #4 Zachery Krumlauf (DeKalb)
#3 Levi Moss (Ben Davis) vs. #13 Benjamin Fiechter (Southern Wells)
#12 Hugo Perez (Frankfort) vs. #2 Mitch Hartman (South Bend Clay)
#10 Dalton Baysinger (Yorktown) vs. #11 Logan Wedding (Evansville Memorial)
#8 Grant Martsolf (Mishawaka) vs. #14 Jordan Lile (Fishers)

138lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 10
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Jonah Thompson (Greenwood)**Watch List**
Jacob Weimer (East Noble)
Reese Sieger (New Haven)**Watch List**
Patrick Schnell (Castle)
Isaac Rentas (Merrillville)
Gordon Wagner (New Palestine)**Watch List**
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#3 Chandler Carroll (Yorktown) vs. #18 Alex Reinhart (Penn)
#4 Nick Bova (Perry Meridian) vs. #10 Isaiah Kemper (Evansville Central)

145lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Grant Brescher (Jasper)**Watch List**
Levi McKee (North Miami)**Watch List**
Seth Ferguson (Martinsville)
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#8 Robbie Elsea (New Palestine) vs. #20 Tyler Housholder (East Noble)
#1 Neal Molloy (Danville) vs. #6 Chris Katsafaros (Chesterton)
#18 Kyle Jolas (Huntington North) vs. #7 Shabaka Johns (Warren Central)
#2 Brendon Kelley (Evansville Central) vs. #11 Joe Mammolenti (Penn)
#3 Eli Walker (Yorktown) vs. #10 Collin Campbell (Lebanon)

152lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Tristan Wilson (Fort Wayne Carroll)
Ashton Forzlog (Evansville Mater Dei)
Kody Hinshaw (Evansville Memorial)
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#2 Josh Farrell (Greenfield Central) vs. #16 Daniel Roach (Portage)
#4 Dusty Schurg (Crown Point) vs. #8 Jackson Bennett (Hamilton Southeastern)
#9 Jordan Partee (Madison) vs. #12 Conner Brummett (DeKalb)
#6 Nick Borta (North Montgomery) vs. #11 Samuel Ferdig (South Bend Adams)
#13 Trevor Manspeaker (Penn) vs. #3 Vinny Corsaro (Indpls. Cathedral)

160lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Andy Wimpelberg (Evansville Reitz)
Rashad Jackson-Tatum (New Haven)
Kaine Luginbill (Adams Central)
Johnathan Tredway (Elkhart Central)**Watch List**
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#2 Kennith Hughes (Lowell) vs. #1 Austin McCloskey (Western Boone)
#8 Riley McClurg (Perry Meridian) vs. #12 Matthew Hollins (Merrillville)
#7 Blake Rypel (Indpls. Cathedral) vs. #11 Damien Gomez (Hammond Noll)
#10 Mark Maldonado (Highland) vs. #16 Ben Krege (Carmel)

170lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Jade Doty (West Lafayette)
Evan Elmore (Avon)
Jacob Reed (Muncie Southside)
Michael Eldridge (Laporte High School)**Watch List**
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#4 Jeffrey Scott (Clinton Central) vs. #5 Anthony Linnear (F.W. North)
#8 Tanner Adams (Jimtown) vs. #3 Austin Neibarger (Hamilton Southeastern)
#2 Riley Lefever (Carroll (F.W.)) vs. #17 K.C. Hedger (Lawrenceburg)
#16 Garett Fentz (Franklin Community ) vs. #6 Scottie Sopko (Hobart)

182lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 11
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Seth Riley (Fishers)**Watch List**
Ryan Jankowski (South Bend St. Joseph)
Zachary Telschow (NorthWood)**Watch List**
Matt Langbehn (Crown Point)**Watch List**
Myron Howard (Yorktown)
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#20 Exvonte Jones (Portage) vs. #15 Connor Ludwig (Brownsburg)
#1 Matt Hurford (Culver Community) vs.#4 Jonah Zorniger (Avon)
#5 Brian Wagner (New Palestine) vs. #12 Benjamin Pfister (Adams Central)

195lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 11
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Rudy Harris (South Putnam)**Watch List**
Zach Goodyear (West Noble)
Brian Salmon (Woodlan)
Justin Berumen (Delphi)
Jesse Miller (Northview)
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
195 #20 Ryan Patterson (Lowell) vs. #4 Kyle Garringer (Jay County)
195 #2 Clayton Fiddler (Bloomington South) vs. #5 Noah Perdue (Warren Central)
195 #17 Ty Webster (North Montgomery) vs. #19 Kalob Salkill (South Spencer)
195 #9 Joseph Ross (Northfield) vs. #6 Jaylin Allen (South Bend Clay)

220lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 10
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Brad Sadilek (Carroll (F.W.))
Seth Meyer (Harrison (W.L.))
Kobe Woods (Penn)
Brandon Joest (East Noble)**Watch List**
Boyd Haley (Bloomington South)**Watch List**
Matthew Berdine (Kankakee Valley)
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#1 Gelen Robinson (Lake Central) vs. #12 Jacob Aven (Zionsville)
#17 Jason Nicodemus (Churubusco) vs. #3 Dylan Jones (Avon)

285lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
 
Unranked qualifiers:
Hayden Schmucker (Goshen)**Watch List**
Riley Harlow (Chesterton)**Watch List**
Dakota Ramey (North Montgomery)
 
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#12 Drew Ponder (Center Grove) vs. #1 Donte Winfield (Perry Meridian)
#2 Wesley Bernard (Indpls. Cathedral) vs. #7 Gavan Jolley-Little (Jeffersonville)
#20 Drake DeMuyt (East Noble) vs. #6 Shakir Carr (South Bend Clay)
#17 Norman Oglesby (Ben Davis) vs. #17 Joseph Garland (Rushville)
#19 Joshua Bartoszek (Hanover Central) vs. #11 Matt Beard (Eastside)

383
2013 IHSWCA Senior Academic All-State
2013 IHSWCA Senior Academic All-State
[table id=15 /]

Honorable Mention
[table id=16 /]

360
2013 IHSWCA Junior Academic All-State
2013 IHSWCA Junior Academic All-State
[table id=12 /]

Honorable Mention
[table id=13 /]

477
2013 New Castle Semi-State Preview
New Castle Semi-State 2012-2013
 
Things heat up this weekend in New Castle, as 77 ranked wrestlers, including ten competitors ranked #1 or #2, will take the mat in an effort to earn an all-important Golden Ticket, also known as a state qualification. All-world 195 lb Mitch Sliga of Fishers is the lone returning state champion, although there are four returning state runners-up. Like last year, New Castle’s biggest strength is depth. Like last year, this semistate should get more than its fair share of state placers. Can this weekend’s competitors top last year’s three state champs from the New Castle semistate? It’s likely that, at the very least, this year’s version will have at least 3 champs and more like 4 or even 5. There are 5 nationally ranked wrestlers competing this weekend, including two at 285. The strongest weights, depth-wise, are 126, 160, 170, 220 (7 state-ranked grapplers in each), 145 (8 state rankers) and 285 (5 ranked athletes, including #1, #2 and #3). Lastly, some rough circumstances deprived this semistate of some really strong competitors, including Tommy Cash, Barry McGinley and Blake Giffin.
 
“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.†-- George S. Patton
 
“Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.†-- Douglas Macarthur
 
“There is no victory at bargain basement prices.†-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
 
“Always mystify, mislead and surprise the enemy if possible.†-- Stonewall Jackson
 
106
 
Nationally ranked freshman Chad Red of New Palestine is an extremely strong favorite in this opening weight class. There are only 3 ranked wrestlers here, including #1 Red, which could make for some surprise qualifiers. Another freshman, #9 Matt McKinney of Warren Central, looks very strong on the bottom half of the bracket. It’s very possible that Red and McKinney could repeat last week’s regional finals matchup, won by Red. Despite the lack of top-level depth, there are some good young wrestlers competing in this weight, and the lack of predictability makes it exciting. Look for more domination by Red.
 
Last year's champ: Nathan Boston, Lawrence North
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#1 Chad Red, New Palestine (nationally, #6 InterMat , #7 The Open Mat/AWN, #13 WIN Magazine)
#9 Matt McKinney, Warren Central
#19 Brett Johnson, Perry Meridian
 
Epic matchups:
 
Tyler Flood, Pendleton Heights vs. Johnson (Opening round) – A couple of tough freshmen go at it to get the day started. Flood was a regional champ, and Johnson finished 4th in a truly nasty regional, but Johnson is much, much better than his record indicates.  It’s tough to wrestle the Perry schedule and come away without a few setbacks.
 
#9 McKinney vs. #1 Red (Championship match) – Two of the very best freshmen in the entire semistate will likely battle for the crown and the all-important #1 seed at Banker’s Life. Barring injury, it’s tough to bet against Red, who pinned McKinney at regionals.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Johnson, McKinney, Briggeman and Red
 
The Alpha Dog:
Chad Red
 
113
 
This weight class lacks some of the firepower found in some of the other weight classes. There are three ranked wrestlers at 113, as a fourth, #13 Vance Ellis of Roncalli, who didn’t make it to the postseason. Unlike 106, there isn’t a clear heavy favorite. Instead, there are two wrestlers who appear to be a cut above the rest in the field: #3 Jacob Cottey of Perry Meridian and #5 Jack Chastain of Hamilton Southeastern. Between the two, they have only one loss on the season.
 
Last year's champ: Brandon James, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#3 Jacob Cottey, Perry Meridian
#5 Jack Chastain, Hamilton Southeastern
#10 Riley Newkirk, Lawrence Central
 
Epic matchups:
 
#10 Newkirk vs. Mitch Weber, Zionsville (Ticket round) – Both kids are seniors and each is hungry to advance to state. Newkirk, especially, has had some disappointments in past years and would love to cap his high school career with a state finals qualification. With the parity at this weight, each wrestler will have to avoid the upset in his opening bout
 
Alton Jenkinson, Centerville vs. Charlie Baker, Crispus Attucks (Ticket round) – If each young man can navigate his opening match, this ticket battle will pit a 40-4 Jenkinson vs. a 38-2 Baker.  Could be a doozy between two very tough, slightly lesser-known wrestlers. A win here will put one of them on the state map.
 
#5 Chastain vs. #3 Cottey (Championship match) – Cottey is a returning state placer and has managed to win every bout this year except one (in OT against the #2 wrestler at 113), despite competing against the very best in the state week in and week out. Not to be outdone, Chastain has yet to lose this year, and Hamilton Southeastern doesn’t exactly schedule a lot of cupcakes. While this should be a suspenseful, skillful and tight match, Cottey’s experience might be the difference.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Newkirk, Baker, Chastain and Cottey
 
The Alpha Dog:
Jacob Cottey
 
120
 
Five top-13 wrestlers will vie for the title in this strong weight class. Undefeated Deondre Wilson of Warren Central and last year’s state qualifier Andrice Martin of Franklin Central are two of the favorites at this weight. Eleven competitors have 6 or fewer losses on the season, which shows the depth at this weight. While Wilson has been sharp the entire season, there is enough talent here that we could have a surprise champion. That said, Wilson is the house favorite.
 
Last year's champ: Mason Todd, Pendleton Heights
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#2 Deondre Wilson, Warren Central
#6 Andrice Martin, Franklin Central
#8 Aidan Kenny, Perry Meridian
#9 Alex Sparks, Lawrence North
#13 Evan Eldred, Westfield
 
 
 
Epic matchups:
 
Adam Oyler, Lawrenceburg/Ben Lock, Shelbyville vs. #13 Eldred (Ticket round) – Oyler won his regional last weekend and opens with the junior Lock, who finished 4th in a loaded regional. This could go either way, and the winner should give Eldred a very tough match. Eldred is one tough freshman, and like many of Coach O’Neill’s wrestlers in recent years, he is wrestling very well this postseason. He lost a heartbreaker to Mantel last weekend and looks to redeem himself with a state berth as a freshman.
 
#6 Martin vs. #9 Sparks (Ticket round) – This potential contest is one of the truly excellent matchups in the round to go. Either wrestler will be a strong candidate to place at Banker’s Life….if only he can make it there.
 
Preston Mantel, Zionsville vs. #8 Kenny (Ticket round) – Mantel is an excellent wrestler, a three-time semistate qualifier and, for the third straight year, he has to beat a Perry Meridian wrestler to advance. Mantel had the misfortune of running into Cottey the past two years at New Castle, dropping both matches. Can he get some payback vs. Kenny this year? Mantel looked excellent in wrestling until the final buzzer to come from behind and stun Eldred last week at North Montgomery. This should be a dandy.
 
#6 Martin vs.  #2 Wilson (Championship match) – Wilson has had Martin’s number so far this season, but the gap isn’t so wide that Martin isn’t capable of revenge. To get to this matchup, Wilson will have to get by the tenacious Eldred and Martin will have to beat Kenny and Sparks, neither of which are particularly easy tasks.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Eldred, Martin, Kenny and Wilson
 
The Alpha Dog:
Deondre Wilson
 
126
 
This is the first truly loaded weight class. Led by last year’s 3rd place finisher, #2 Brandon James of Perry Meridian, seven ranked wrestlers will compete in this field. While James is a pretty reliable favorite, the other tickets are up for grabs, as are the finishing spots 2-4. Tickets will be earned with blood, sweat and/or tears at this weight.
 
Last year's champ: Cody LeCount, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Brandon James, Perry Meridian
#5 Tom Gettinger, Connersville
#8 Ben Harvey, Cathedral
#9 Chandler Moore, Southmont
#10 Evan Smiley, Beech Grove
#11 A.J. Belden, Westfield
#13 Nick Reel, Warren Central
 
Epic matchups:
 
#9 Moore vs. #10 Smiley (Ticket round) – This should be very close; both have wrestled tough opponents all season.
 
#8 Harvey vs. #13 Reel (Ticket round) – Harvey might have a slight edge with his excellent postseason run a year ago. He has already won a ticket match and a state match. Reel could have his hands full with his opening round match vs. Broyles of New Castle.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Moore, Harvey, Gettinger and James
 
The Alpha Dog:
Brandon James
 
132
 
State #1 and defending state runner-up (not to mention nationally ranked) Cody LeCount of Perry Meridian is a very strong favorite in this solid group. There doesn’t appear to be anyone here who can truly challenge LeCount, but the other three qualifying spots are pretty wide open.  Aside from the presumptive favorite LeCount, three former state qualifiers could collide. The bottom of the bracket could feature an all-Fishers area semifinals, if Lile and Snyder can win some tough matches.
 
Last year's champ: Jared McKinley, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 50%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#1 Cody LeCount, Perry Meridian (nationally, #12 AWN/The Open Mat, #19 InterMat, #14 WIN Magazine)
#12 Hugo Perez, Frankfort
#14 Jordan Lile, Fishers
#15 Mitch Snyder, Hamilton Southeastern
#17 Sam Locke, Greenfield Central
 
Epic matchups:
 
Austin Fuller, Union County vs. #14 Lile/#17 Locke (Ticket round) – Two of these three are former state qualifiers and any of the three could earn this year’s qualifying spot. The hot wrestler will advance from this group.
 
#15 Snyder vs. #14 Lile/#17 Locke/Fuller (Semifinal round) – Like the ticket match described above, this is wide open and features a quartet of excellent wrestlers. It’s very possible we could have the battle for Fishers, with Snyder and Lile doing battle yet again. They have split two matches already this year. Locke owns an OT win over Lile this season, too.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Perez, Lile, Snyder and LeCount
 
The Alpha Dog:
Cody LeCount
 
138
 
Five ranked wrestlers help populate this weight class, led by multiple time state placers Luke Blanton of Alexandria and Nick Bova of Perry Meridian. Outside of the two heavy favorites, the other two spots are pretty wide open. Fortunately for half the bracket, Bova and Blanton will face off in the semis, meaning someone else will earn a two seed at Bankers Life. Senior Dan Barrett of Southmont is undefeated this season and might be the best of the rest.
 
Last year's champ: Josh Farrell, Greenfield Central
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#2 Luke Blanton, Alexandria
#4 Nick Bova, Perry Meridian
#6 Dan Barrett, Southmont
#11 Chase Watson, Hamilton Southeastern
#15 Juwan Bartlett, Lawrence North
 
Epic matchups:
 
#11 Watson vs. #4 Bova (Ticket round) – Watson dropped a very close match to Barrett in the regional championship last weekend, very nearly getting a takedown with time expiring. That tough loss is the difference between having a nice road to a 2nd place semistate finish and having to beat the rugged, battle-tested Bova to make it to State. Like football, wrestling is sometimes a game of inches.
 
#8 Barrett vs. Gordon Wagner, New Palestine (Ticket round) – Barrett’s closest match all season was last week’s battle against Watson. He has been sharp all season and looks very confident and comfortable on the mat this postseason.
 
#2 Blanton vs. #4 Bova (Semifinal round) – This one could go either way. Will Blanton’s funk play into Bova’s fundamental excellence? Or will Blanton secure a top seed at State to make a state title run? Or will Bova? Questions will be answered this Saturday.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Bova, Barrett, Bartlett and Blanton
 
The Alpha Dog:
Luke Blanton
 
145
 
Just like last year at this semistate, this weight is absolutely stacked with depth. Also like last year, there isn’t a clear favorite, but there are 8 ranked wrestlers (a ninth ranked wrestler in the semistate, #13 Eric Dobbins of Pike, didn’t make it out of regionals) vying for the strap. Basically, the winner of this weight class will be whoever is hot throughout the day, and it’s quite possible that if you held the semistate on five different days, you might get five different winners. That said, the unpredictability of this weight class makes it exciting. Handley is my pick, but there are realistically several wrestlers who could win it.
 
Last year's champ: Vinny Corsaro, Cathedral
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#5 Cody Handley, Northeastern
#7 Shabaka Johns, Warren Central
#8 Robbie Elsea, New Palestine
#10 Collin Campbell, Lebanon
#12 Brant Larson, Cathedral
#14 Michael Thomas, Perry Meridian
#17 Scott Swingle, Lawrence Central
#19 Michael Steele, Westfield
 
Epic matchups:
 
#7 Johns vs. #17 Swingle (Ticket round) – Johns is coming off of an impressive regional title. Swingle is always game, but Johns might be a little too much this time.
 
#10 Campbell vs. #14 Thomas (Opening round) – Campbell was impressive at regionals, while Thomas had a 4th place finish. Still, this is a pick ‘em.
 
#5 Handley vs. #12 Larson (Opening round) – When there are so many ranked wrestlers in a bracket, it’s just going to happen like this—lots of tough matches early and often. Handley will have his work cut out for him to get by the tough Irish junior.
 
Derek Noon, Noblesville/Chandler Hale, Shenandoah vs. #8 Elsea/#19 Steele (Ticket round) – This is a brutal quartet, and it wouldn’t be a complete shocker to see any of the four advance out of this group. The most likely ticket match is Noon vs. Elsea, which should be great viewing.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Johns, Campbell, Noon and Handley
 
The Alpha Dog:
Cody Handley
 
152
 
Two returning state runners-up headline the action at 152. Vinny Corsaro of Cathedral and Josh Farrell of Greenfield Central appear to be on a collision course for the trophy and all-important #1 seed at Bankers Life. Each of these two are returning semistate champions as well. Joining these two studs are four additional ranked wrestlers, including two ranked in the top-8. Additionally, several non-ranked wrestlers in the bracket are competing at a high level and could be dangerous.
 
Last year's champ: Conner Mullins, New Castle
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#2 Josh Farrell, Greenfield Central
#3 Vinny Corsaro, Cathedral
#6 Nick Borta, North Montgomery
#8 Jackson Bennett, Hamilton Southeastern
#14 Keanu Cooper, Perry Meridian
#15 Luke Decker, New Castle
 
Epic matchups:
 
Cody Steele, Connersville vs. #6 Borta (Ticket round) – Borta has competed at a high level all season, but Steele comes in as the regional champ. These two juniors appear pretty evenly matched, but one will likely be heading to Indianapolis the following weekend.
 
#3 Corsaro vs. #14 Cooper (Ticket round) – These two have battled already this season, with Cooper sticking Corsaro in their earliest meeting. However, it’s tough to bet against Corsaro this time of year. Last year and the year before, he really turned it on during the postseason en route to placing at state both times. Can Cooper stop the Corsaro New Castle mojo? Stay tuned and grab your popcorn.
 
#2 Farrell vs. #15 Decker (Ticket round) – Multiple time state placer has had great success at New Castle during his career. The Purdue signee should be challenged by Decker, who has strong bloodlines and excellent ability. Despite Decker’s prowess, a win by the New Castle wrestler would qualify as a huge upset.
 
#2 Farrell vs. #3 Corsaro/#6 Borta (Championship round) – Tons of talent in this trio, but it should come down to New Castle superstars Corsaro and Farrell. Farrell already owns a win over the Irish standout.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Corsaro, Borta, Bennett and Farrell
 
The Alpha Dog:
Josh Farrell
 
160
 
This weight class is pretty loaded, as four members of the top-8 in the state will be competing on Saturday. Leading the way is top-ranked Austin McCloskey of Western Boone, owner of some of the best defense in the state. Nipping at his heels is Hamilton Southeastern’s John Tatom, a state-placer last year and a runner-up to McCloskey at sectionals and regionals. Both championship matches were extremely close and as physical as high school wrestling gets. Tatom, however, has a tough road to the semis, as #8 Riley McClurg of Perry Meridian is lurking in the Ticket Round. Look for strong performances from Cathedral freshman standout Blake Rypel, South Dearborn senior Jimmy Shaw, a regional champ and Ed Pendoski-coached standout Ben Krege of Carmel. Last year’s 160 group contained the state champ and the state runner-up.
 
Last year's champ: Brian Harvey, Cathedral
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#1 Austin McCloskey, Western Boone
#3 John Tatom, Hamilton Southeastern
#7 Blake Rypel, Cathedral
#8 Riley McClurg, Perry Meridian
#14 Conner James, Roncalli
#16 Ben Krege, Carmel
#18 Jimmy Shaw, South Dearborn
 
Epic matchups:
 
#3 Tatom vs. #8 McClurg (Ticket round) – Tatom is a returning state placer and is mean and aggressive on his feet. McClurg has been on the cusp of making it to state and has earned a number of big wins in his career. While Tatom might have an advantage on his feet, McClurg likely owns an advantage on the mat. One of the most intriguing ticket matches of the weekend.
 
#18 Shaw vs. #16 Krege (Ticket round) – The senior Shaw will be looking for a breakthrough win against the talented Greyhound wrestler. Krege has improved greatly this year and has shown he can bang with the big boys at the weight. This is basically a pick ‘em.
 
#1 McCloskey vs. #14 James (Ticket round) – Unfortunately for the Rebel standout James, he must get by #1 McCloskey to make it to the Big Show. McCloskey has phenomenal defensive timing and monstrous hips, making him just about impossible to score on when on his feet. James’ best shot is to try to keep it low-scoring, as the WeBo standout sometimes wrestles conservatively, counting on his defense to win tight matches. As good as James is, it would be a shocker to see the #1 wrestler in the state fall here.
 
#1 McCloskey vs. #3 Tatom (Championship round) – McCloskey/Tatom Part III should be one of the real highlights of this weekend’s festivities, as it was at sectionals and regionals. In both prior matches, Tatom didn’t back down at all against the Star stud. If anyone here can overthrow the top dog, and become the Alpha Dog himself, it’s Tatom.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Tatom, Shaw, Rypel and McCloskey
 
The Alpha Dog:
Austin McCloskey
 
170
 
Seven ranked athletes will strap it on at 170. This group is as wide open as any in the semistate, as the highest ranked wrestlers here, #3 Austin Neibarger of Hamilton Southeastern and #4 Jeff Scott of Clinton Central, both lost last weekend. The competitor who beat both is #11 Logan Floor of Westfield, who was on fire last weekend. However, Floor beat Neibarger at regionals last year, too, and couldn’t quite parlay that into a state berth.  At this weight, pick your favorite wrestler and let it ride—could be almost anyone at this weight.
 
Last year's champ: Jake Masengale, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#3 Austin Neibarger, Hamilton Southeastern
#4 Jeffrey Scott, Clinton Central
#10 Mitch Hensley, Noblesville
#11 Logan Floor, Westfield
#12 Austin Rose, Greenfield Central
#13 Nathan Warman, Perry Meridian
#17 KC Hedger, Lawrenceburg
 
Epic matchups:
 
#11 Floor vs. #13 Warman (Opening round) – This is a rough reward for regional champ Floor, as he gets the Falcon junior for his opening match. Floor has a great gastank and tends to wrestle to the level of his opponent. Hopefully, if you’re a Floor fan, he doesn’t overlook Warman, or he will be sorry.
 
#12 Rose/Manns vs. #10 Hensley/#17 Hedger (Ticket round) – This foursome could play out in many different ways. Even the unranked Manns was a sectional champ, and he won’t be an easy match for the senior Rose. If things play out like the rankings say, Rose and Hensley should match up in a rugged Ticket match. However, don’t be surprised if Hedger or Manns pulls a fast one.
 
Sammy Mireles, Elwood vs. #3 Neibarger (Ticket round) – Mireles was an impressive regional champion and Neibarger has been facing topnotch competition his entire career. On paper, Neibarger is a substantial favorite, but as we all know, matches aren’t wrestled on paper and Mireles won’t roll over.
 
#11 Floor vs. #12 Rose/#10 Hensley (Semifinal round) – While it might not be this grouping in the semis, it’s how it’s supposed to turn out rankings-wise. This is completely up in the air and the winner will simply be the hottest wrestler of the day.
 
#3 Neibarger vs. #4 Scott (Semifinal round) – Two tough kids from the same sectional should match up in the semis, with the winner having a nice shot at winning the weight.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Floor, Hensley, Scott and Neibarger
 
The Alpha Dog:
Austin Neibarger
 
182
 
Returning state runner-up and semistate champion #3 Jake Masengale of Perry Meridian is the wrestler to beat at this weight, despite his subpar (for him) performance at regionals. Joining him in the hunt for the prize are three other ranked competitors and some tough competitors with some solid results, like Fishers’ Seth Riley and North Central’s Seth Isaacs. This weight had the state’s runner-up last season, and Masengale looks to improve on that result this season. However, last week showed that even someone with the credentials and performances of Masengale can have an off day and be vulnerable to some tough opposition. The field would’ve had an additional ranked wrestler, but Elwood’s #11 Will Maluvac had a tough sectional and didn’t make it out.
 
Last year's champ: Lukas Schaeffer, Westfield
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 100%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#3 Jake Masengale, Perry Meridian
#5 Brian Wagner, New Palestine
#10 Katrell Moss, Warren Central
#17 Ben Elliot, Noblesville
 
Epic matchups:
 
Chris Mason, Zionsville vs. #5 Wagner (Opening round) – The Zionsville senior faces the rugged Dragon wrestler in a tough opening match. Wagner is the favorite, but Mason is game and has had an excellent season.
 
#10 Moss vs. #17 Elliot (Ticket round) – The regional champ Moss, also a standout on Warren Central’s vaunted football team, like Shabaka Johns, Noah Perdue and Georgio Blades was outstanding last weekend. Elliot has been outstanding all season, as evidenced by his 32-3 record. Moss is the favorite, but Elliot is capable of the upset. Both are juniors and could be back next year to do battle again.
 
#3 Masengale vs. #10 Moss (Championship round) – This is a potential rematch from last week’s regional, won by Moss. Masengale has such an impressive track record, though, that it’s hard to picture Moss getting the best of him again.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Wagner, Riley, Moss and Masengale
 
The Alpha Dog:
Jake Masengale
 
195
 
Just like last season, this weight is all Mitch Sliga's. Sliga is hungry for another state title to accompany his four Fargo titles. One of the state’s true elites, he is unlikely to be challenged too severely until his appearance the following weekend at Bankers Life. Past Sliga, the field is wide open and features just three other ranked wrestlers. The rankings issue is a little misleading, though; there are eight non-ranked wrestlers with 28 or more wins and eleven non-ranked wrestlers with 25+ wins. The bottom of the bracket, especially, is wide open.
 
Last year's champ: Mitch Sliga, Fishers
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#1 Mitch Sliga, Fishers (nationally, #5 AWN/The Open Mat, #4 InterMat, #3 WIN Magazine)
#5 Noah Perdue, Warren Central
#7 Mason Nickell, Roncalli
#17 Ty Webster, North Montgomery
 
Epic matchups:
 
Jason Hawkins, Milan/Zach Smith, Noblesville vs. Jeff Dixon, Hamilton Southeastern/#7 Nickell (Ticket round) – This is a tough grouping comprised of big, strong, physical athletes with excellent records on the season. If seeds and ranking hold, it should be Hawkins and Nickell in the Ticket match, with Nickell a slight favorite over the Milan standout.
 
Raja Burt, Cathedral/Jarrett Hooten, Batesville vs. Mike Riffle, Franklin Central/#17 Webster (Ticket round) – Just like the group above, this is a deep and talented quartet. If things play out as they are “supposed toâ€, Burt and Webster should meet up for a state qualification. However, Riffle could easily win his first two matches.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Perdue, Nickell, Riffle and Sliga
 
The Alpha Dog:
Mitch Sliga
 
220
 
Seven ranked combatants will take the mat at 220, while an eighth couldn’t make it out of regionals (#13 Gabe Estes of New Palestine). There is some pretty strong talent here this year, unlike recent years. New Castle produced zero state placers last season, which should be improved upon this season. Cardinal Ritter’s Dylan Faulkenburg was impressive last week, winning a regional crown by pinning Warren Central’s beastly Maximiliano Hernandez. That could be reversed this weekend. Of course, with the group Hernandez is in, he might not make it out of the Ticket round. In an impressive display of talent, there are four wrestlers with zero or one loss in this group.
 
Last year's champ: Justin Sanders, Pike
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
 
#4 Maximiliano Hernandez, Warren Central
#8 Myron Hamilton, Lawrence Central
#9 Ricky Brown, East Central
#12 Jacob Aven, Zionsville
#15 Dylan Faulkenburg, Ritter
#19 Alex Lindemann, Milan
#20 Dalton Hardy, Covington
 
Epic matchups:
 
#19 Lindemann vs. #15 Faulkenburg (Ticket round) – The senior Lindemann faces off against the undefeated Faulkenburg. As hot as he is right now, and all season for that matter, it’s hard to bet against Faulkenburg.
 
#8 Hamilton vs. #20 Hardy (Ticket round) – Senior vs. Senior here, with Hamilton a slight favorite, primarily because of his tougher competition all season. Hardy lost his first match of the year in the regional finals.
 
#9 Brown vs. #4 Hernandez (Ticket round) – In my opinion, this is one of the very roughest ticket matches of them all. Either wrestler can win, and either is capable of a strong state run. Brown has been a heavyweight for much of his career, and an excellent one at that. Hernandez has been strong all year. This could go either way and should be a phenomenal match.
 
#15 Faulkenburg/#8 Hamilton vs. #9 Brown/#4 Hernandez (Championship round) – There are some seriously tough wrestlers vying for the title. The winner here will have earned it.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Aven, Hernandez, Hamilton and Faulkenburg
 
The Alpha Dog:
Dylan Faulkenburg
 
285
 
In probably the toughest weight class of all, at least at the top, two nationally ranked wrestlers should meet in the finals. Cathedral’s Wesley Bernard, a returning state placer, and Perry Meridian’s Donte Winfield, a Fargo runner-up, make up as formidable a semistate finals as you will ever see. Joining the two monsters of the group are four additional ranked competitors. All told, the top-3 wrestlers at the weight are here, and one at least will not advance. In recent years, just like 220, this hasn’t been the strongest of weight classes at New Castle. That should definitely change this year, and some really talented big men won’t be competing the following weekend at Bankers Life.
 
Last year's champ: Donte Winfield, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
 
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Donte Winfield, Perry Meridian (nationally, #8 TOM/AWN, #10 Intermat, #16 WIN)
#2 Wesley Bernard, Cathedral (nationally, #15 Intermat, #15 WIN)
#3 Georgio Blades, Warren Central
#10 Nate Trawick, Richmond
#16 Tyler Uhls, Shelbyville
#18 Joe Garland, Rushville
 
Epic matchups:
 
#2 Bernard vs. #3 Blades (Ticket round) – Wow! That’s about all I can say. This match is an embodiment of the argument for wrestlebacks, but, well, we don’t have wrestlebacks at this point, so one of them is going home. Bernard is very tough to bet against.
 
#16 Uhls vs. #10 Trawick (Opening round) – Two tough big men face off in an opening round match that should produce a state qualifier.
 
#1 Winfield vs. #2 Bernard (Championship round) – These two faced off in the semistate finals last year, with Winfield coming out on top. They have split two matches this year. Winfield has three wins over Blades, giving him a slightly better resume this year. Bernard has a little better offense, Winfield has better defense…should be an amazing matchup and one that could be repeated under the lights at Bankers Life.
 
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Bernard, Trawick, Garland and Winfield
 
The Alpha Dog:
Donte Winfield
 
 

773
2013 Fort Wayne Semi-State Preview
106lbs

Head of the Class: Hayden Lee- Garrett
State Streeters:Garrett Pepple- East Noble, Cael McCormick- Yorktown, Blake Glogouski- Fairfield

 
The Skinny:
Returning semi-state champion Hayden Lee returns to this weight class and might have to go through a family member to defend his title. Undefeated Garrett Pepple of East Noble looks to be his toughest challenger, but he will have to go through a tough Cael McCormick to get to his cousin.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Ben Cauffman- Carroll vs. Cael McCormick- Yorktown
Blake Glogouski- Fairfield vs. Shane Garretson- Peru
 
113lbs

Head of the Class: Connor Knapp- East Noble
State Streeters: Logan Aldrich- Northrop, Sawyer Miller- South Adams, Alan Mock- North Miami
 
The Skinny:
This weight class will be quite a battle from start to finish with three returning state qualifiers coming back. Returning state 4th place finisher Sawyer Miller of South Adams will NOT be play wrestling this weekend as he will have stiff competition from Connor Knapp, Logan Aldrich and Alan Mock.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Greg Newman- Whitko vs. Connor Knapp- East Noble
Logan Aldrich- Northrop vs. DeLawrence Gayfield- Concord
 
120lbs

Head of the Class: Schuyler Phillips- Yorktown
State Streeters: LJ Moser- South Adams, Sterling Lutter- East Noble, Chase Wilson- Maconaquah
 
The Skinny:
There is not much to talk about in this weight...oh wait yes there is! This weight has one of those draws that have the fans and wrestlers just cringe in the potential ticket round match between Forrest Glogouski of Fairfield and Schuyler Phillips of Yorktown. Phillips wrestled under the lights last year and Glogouski finished 6th, both at 113lbs. Phillips defeated Glogouski 3-2 at semi-state last year, however Glogouski topped Phillips at freestyle state later in the spring. Beyond the crazy ticket round match you have to watch the super Starfire LJ Moser and the battlin' Brave Chase Wilson.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Forrest Glogouski- Fairfield vs. Schuyler Phillips- Yorktown
Andrew Ledford- Kokomo vs. Sterling Lutter- East Noble
 
126lbs

Head of the Class: Nick Crume- Jimtown
State Streeters: Cody Walburn- Adams Central, Steven Cardenas- Carroll, Brett Martz- Fairfield
 
The Skinny:
Semi-state champion and two-time 3rd place finisher Nick Crume returns to 126lbs this year with nothing less than a state title in mind. He will be challenged by Flyin' Jet Cody Walburn who has a chip on his shoulder after dropping a ticket round match last year. Don't sleep on Steven Cardenas or Brett Martz who are both tough competitors.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Cody Walburn- Adams Central vs. Bobby Humphrey- Snider
Kegan Kern- Peru vs. Brett Martz- Fairfield
 
132lbs

Head of the Class: Zach Krumlauf- Dekalb
State Streeters: Dalton Baysinger- Yorktown, Benjamin Fiechter- Southern Wells, Cody Koebel- Jimtown
 
The Skinny:
This weight class features three very strong wrestlers that will battle it out for the top step on the podium. Two-time state qualifier Zach Krumlauf would love to take the next step to the top of the semi-state, but he will be challenged by stalwarts Dalton Baysinger and Benjamin Fiechter.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Tanner Shippley- Huntington North vs. Cody Koebel- Jimtown
Benjamin Fiechter- Southern Wells vs. Christian Hall- Kokomo
 
138lbs

Head of the Class: Chandler Carroll- Yorktown
State Streeters: Evan Loe- Peru, Austun McCray- Garrett, Reese Sieger- New Haven
 
The Skinny:
The bracket gods of the IHSAA have separated the top two ranked wrestlers in this weight class which could make for an exciting finals match. Chandler Carroll has two state medals already, while Evan Loe made the trip to Banker's Life last year. Both have had great seasons so far and will look to claim the top spot on the podium in 2013.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Austun McCray- Garrett vs. Jacob Weimer- East Noble
Derek Ellinger- Adams Central vs. Reese Sieger- New Haven
Tylor Willms- Fremont vs. Evan Loe- Peru
 
145lbs

Head of the Class: Eli Walker- Yorktown
State Streeters: Levi McKee- North Miami, Kyle Jolas- Huntington North, Tyler Housholder- East Noble
 
The Skinny:
This weight class is filled with wrestlers ready to make a name for themselves. Lead by two-time state qualifier Kyle Jolas and Eli Walker, this weight class has the potential to go one of about 12 different ways. Jolas and Walker cannot sleep on tough wrestlers like Levi McKee and Tyler Housholder or else they could be facing a tough draw at state.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Eli Walker- Yorktown vs. Donovan Elliot- Eastbrook
Levi McKee- North Miami vs. Hunter Randolph- Wapahani
 
152lbs

Head of the Class: Isaiah Bradley- Muncie South
State Streeters: Connor Brummett- Dekalb, Sebastian Eckert- Huntington North, Chad Gaddis- Kokomo
 
The Skinny:
This weight class features a heavy favorite and a couple wrestlers eager to get over the hump. Returning state champion Isaiah Bradley is the class of the field, but he will be challenged by hungry competitors like Connor Brummett and Sebastian Eckert. Eckert and Brummett have both lost tough matches in the ticket round over the past few years with this year looking to be their time to breakout.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Chad Gaddis- Kokomo vs. Tristan Wilson- Carroll
Sebastian Eckert- Huntington North vs. Tim Deters- Northridge
 
160lbs

Head of the Class: Rhett Hiestand- Yorktown
State Streeters: Spencer Malcolm- Carroll, Johnny Tredway- Elkhart Central, Kaleb Hammersley- Peru
 
The Skinny:
This weight class seems to be very spread out between all the regionals. Returning state qualifier Rhett Hiestand leads the way, but his spotlight could be hogged by a tough Spencer Malcolm.
Early Round Key Matches:
Spencer Malcolm- Carroll vs. Kaine Luginbill- Adams Central
Kaleb Hammersley- Peru vs. Rashad Jackson-Tatum- New Haven
Johnny Tredway- Elkhart Central vs. Shea Pyle- South Adams
 
170lbs

Head of the Class: Riley Lefever- Carroll
State Streeters: Tanner Adams- Jimtown, Anthony Linnear- North Side, Luke Akers- Northwestern
 
The Skinny:
The action will heat up at 170lbs this year with quite a barnburner ahead. Thankfully the bracket gods separated the best wrestlers which will give us a great semi-final and finals match. Super Charger Riley Lefever leads the way, but he will be pushed by the winner of the future Findlay Oiler Anthony Linnear and Tanner Adams semi-final.
Early Round Key Matches:
Luke Akers- Northwestern vs. Jake Reed- Muncie South
Tanner Adams- Jimtown vs. Kody Jones- Concordia
Anthony Linnear- North Side vs. Keair Ross- Kokomo
 
182lbs

Head of the Class: Brad Busse- Bellmont
State Streeters: Ben Pfister- Adams Central, Ben Evans- Bishop Dwenger, Russell Hazelet- Columbia City
 
The Skinny:
This will also be a great weight to watch as on any given day about one in six wrestlers could come away with the title. Returning state placer Brad Busse leads the way, but will be pushed to the limit by Adams County rival Ben Pfister, Ben Evans and even NHC rival Russell Hazelet.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Ben Evans- Bishop Dwenger vs. Zach Telschow- Northwood
Corey Hinkle- Western vs. Ben Pfister- Adams Central
Russell Hazelet- Columbia City vs. Neil Snep- Manchester
 
195lbs

Head of the Class: Kyle Garringer- Jay County
State Streeters: Joseph Ross- Northfield, Tieshawn Johnson- Elkhart Memorial, Everett Green- Bishop Luers
 
The Skinny:
The Dunkirk Dragonslayer Kyle Garringer heads into semi-state this year with an unblemished record and looks to keep it intact after the dust settles. He will be pushed by tough wrestlers like the fighting Norseman Joe Ross and Tieshawn Johnson.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Everett Green- Bishop Luers vs. Zach Goodyear- West Noble
Tieshawn Johnson- Elkhart Memorial vs. Brian Richardson- Churubusco
 
220lbs

Head of the Class: Fletcher Miller- Kokomo
State Streeters: Nolan Wilson- Leo, Jason Nicodemus- Churubusco, Bradley Joseph Sadilek- Carroll
 
The Skinny:
As with last year this weight class features two undefeated wrestlers, along with that the only returning state qualifier has only one blemish on his record. Fletcher Miller of Kokomo and Jason Nicodemus have both had breakout seasons and come into the Memorial Coliseum undefeated. Don't sleep on the ferocious Lion Nolan Wilson as he is the only one in the field with state experience.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Fletcher Miller- Kokomo vs. Jacob Strauch- Muncie Southside
Nolan Wilson- Leo vs. Brandon Joest- East Noble
Brad Sadilek- Carroll vs. Briar Gerber- Bluffton
 
285lbs

Head of the Class: Eric Hemmelgarn- Jay County
State Streeters: Matt Beard- Eastside, Drake DeMuyt- East Noble, Hayden Schmucker- Goshen
 
The Skinny:
Leaving before the heavyweights are done will be a grave mistake this year. This weight class is probably the most even throughout and could boast a big upset in every round. Lead by the pride of Portland Eric Hemmelgarn this weight will also feature undefeated the Butler Bully Matt Beard and double D Drake DeMuyt.
 
Early Round Key Matches:
Matt Beard- Eastside vs. Jacob Peckham- Monroe Central
Chris Travis- Eastern vs. Hayden Schmucker- Goshen

2362
2013 IHSAA Semi-State Brackets
Date: Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013.
Admission: $7 (Final session only); $10 (Season ticket).
Advancement: The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the state finals.

 
1.    Merrillville(TrackWrestling link)
IndianaMat Brackets
Pick'ems
Preview
Feeder Regionals: Calumet, Crown Point, Logansport, Rochester.
 
2.    Fort Wayne Snider (at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum)(TrackWrestling link)
IndianaMat Brackets
Pick'ems
Preview
Feeder Regionals: Carroll (Fort Wayne), Goshen, Jay County, Peru.
 
3.    New Castle(TrackWrestling link)
IndianaMat Brackets
Pick'ems
Preview
Feeder Regionals: North Montgomery, Pendleton Heights, Perry Meridian, Richmond.
 
4.    Evansville Reitz (at Ford Center)(TrackWrestling link)
IndianaMat Brackets
Pick'ems
Preview
Feeder Regionals: Bloomington South, Castle, Jeffersonville, Mooresville.
 


832
2013 Evansville Semi-State Preview
By Dustin Bentz
Edited by Phillip Wimpee
 
Well, it’s that time of year again; I hope everyone in Southern Indiana is ready for best show on ice at Ford Arena. This year’s Evansville Semi-State is shaping up to be sensational due to the fact that, with the exception of a few dominant wrestlers, there is so much depth and parity in the weights. This tournament should also be an example to all non-wrestle back fans as to why wrestle backs are so important, with some gut busting ticket round matches.
And here we go, starting off at 106 lbs.
 

106 –
Ticket Punchers – Terrance Kennedy, Griffin Schermer, DJ Smith, Brock Hudkins
Best Curtain Jerkers (1st rd) – Isaac Gomez (Plainfield) vs. Cale McCoy (Northview)
Best R2G (Round to Go) – Tyler Ferguson vs. DJ Smith
Dark Horses –
Tyler Ferguson (Not really a dark horse, but the draw makes him one) and Isaac Gomez
 
 

113 –
Ticket Punchers – The Castle Flush - Jacob Brown, Damon Kuhn, Mitch Lehman, Matthew Mastison
Best Curtain Jerkers – Ryan Koerner vs. Brian Rassbach
Best R2G – Jacob Brown vs Elliot Molloy (Can the frosh break up the Castle Stronghold?), Hunter Fox vs. Damon Kuhn (Both returning State Qualifiers)
Dark Horses –
The Little Brothers (They’ve been in shadows, can they break out?) Elliot Molloy and Devin Hupp
 
 

120 –
Ticket Punchers – Bailey Lahue, Josh Davis, Anthony Schoettle, Nick Etienne
Best Curtain Jerkers – Julian Suar (Mount Vernon) vs. Zack Runyon (Bloomington South), Nathan Schitter (Jasper) vs. Nick Meyers (Heritage Hills)
Best R2G – Bailey Lahue (Corydon) vs. Alex Johnson (Mater Dei), Josh Davis (Evansville Reitz) vs. Chris Whitley (Floyd Central) It’s Castle’s two best vs. Jeff’s two best, should be great matches!
Dark Horses –
Nathan Schitter/Nick Meyers – Both have always been close to breaking through, can they finally break through when it matters most?
Alex Johnson – Never count Mater Dei out in Evansville!
Chris Whitley – a win over Lahue last year shows he can win the big ones, two close losses to Lahue the last two weeks shows he’s close to getting over his injury. It’s now or never for the Highlander.
 

126 –
Ticket Punchers – Luke Welch, Tyler Fleener, Austin Jamison, Cory Orndorff
Best Curtain Jerkers – Austin Jamison (New Albany) vs. Bailey Schober (Greenwood), Tyler Fleener (Center Grove) vs. Austin Ward (Floyd Central)
Best R2G – Cory Orndorff (Sullivan) vs. Angelo Robles (Decatur Central)
Dark Horses –
Dalton (or is it Dustin?) Noblitt (Columbus East) – Convincing wins over Holwager and Ward combined w/ a close loss to Jamison shows this Olympian can shake thing up.
Bailey Schober – (Greenwood) Mooresville’s 126 was insanely tough, as was Schober’s sectional. As navigating through that made him prime to pull the Upset?
 

132 –
Ticket Punchers – Levi Moss, Devin Broukal, Skyler Lykins, Logan Wedding
Best Curtain Jerkers – Korbin Karges (Princeton) vs. Skyler Lykins (Franklin)
Best R2G – Devin Broukal (Bloomington South) vs. Josh Pierre (Mater Dei)
Dark Horses –
Josh Pierre (Evansville Mater Dei) – He has state experience and lost a close 2-1 decision to Broukal back at IHSWCA Duals.
 

138 –
In short, this weight class is loaded. I could have nailed all the Ticket Punchers or after the dust settles I might miss all 4. Don’t miss 138 on Saturday!Ticket Punchers – Tyler Hupp, Isaiah Kemper, Cory Troutman, Brady Meenach
Best Curtain Jerkers – Don’t leave your seats, lots of interesting first round match ups here that could really shake up brackets. Brennan Barlow (Bloomington South) vs. Zach Batts (Cascade), Austin Spray (Southwestern) vs. Branson Schroeder (Mater Dei), Patrick Schnell (Castle) vs. Brady Meenach (New Washington), Cory Troutman (Floyd Central) vs. Charlie Allen (Boonville), Ruger Kersteins (Jasper) vs. Jonah Thompson (Greenwood).
Best R2G – Isaiah Kemper (Evansville Central) vs. Zach Batts (Cascade), Cory Troutman vs. Ruger Kersteins, Phoenix Adams vs. Brandy Meenach, Tyler Hupp vs. Branson Schroeder
Dark Horses – Anybody not listed in the Ticket Punchers section!
 

145 –
Ticket Punchers – Neal Molloy, Brent McCreary, Brendon Kelly, Logan Weinzapfel
Best Curtain Jerkers – Can I just move some 38lb matches down here? Only one SS ranked match is Alex Riegel (Reitz) vs. Brent McCreary (Mooresville)
Best R2G – Mike Wayant vs. Logan Weinzapfel
Dark Horses –
Grant Brescher (Jasper) – Has a returning SQ in the R2G but this Jasper Junior has had a great year.
 

152 –
Ticket Punchers – Brayden Montgomery, Jacob Stevenson, Kyle Stillinger, Kody Henshaw
Best Curtain Jerkers – John Meldrum (Floyd Central) vs. Jacob Mundy (Southridge)
Best R2G – Jordan Partee (Madison) vs. Jacob Stevenson (Franklin), Cody Helms (Terre Haute South) vs. Kody Henshaw (Memorial)
Dark Horses –
Jordan Partee (Madison) – He’s been to SS 3 times and now is a two time Regional Champ. Can he finally get over the hump w/ a tough draw R2G match looming?
Ashton Forzerly (Mater Dei) – I think I said it earlier, Never count out Mater Dei in Evansville
 

160 –
Ticket Punchers – Mahlon Parkinson, Luke Kriech, Seth Seitzinger, Jacob Franklin
Best Curtain Jerkers – Jacob Franklin (New Washington) vs Kyle Reeves (Danville) , Cole Kreilein (Jasper) vs. Michael Rynkiewich (Mount Vernon), Dalton Wheeler (Center Grove) vs. Chase Herron (Floyd Central)
Best R2G – All of them… Very competitive weight class… Luke Kriech (Franklin) vs. Cole Kreilen (Jasper). Kriech’s style of winning close matches and Kreilen’s big move finishers could produce an exciting match.
Dark Horses –
Gabe Koontz (Edgewood) – Having Seitzinger two weeks in a row has gotten this very talented sophomore battle ready for Evansville.
Cole Kreilen (Jasper) – see R2G explanation above
Dalton Wheeler – He’s been in the R2G before, he has experience
 

170 –
Ticket Punchers – Jake Rickenbaugh, Connor Galvin, Larry Schaffer, Evan Elmore
Best Curtain Jerkers – Jordan Frye (Mooresville) vs. Alex Schneider (Mater Dei)
Best R2G – Connor Galvin (Bloomington South) vs. Jordan Frye (Mooresville), Jimmy Fisher (Columbus East vs. Evan Elmore (Avon), Garrett Fentz (Franklin) vs. Larry Schaffer (Owen Valley)
Dark Horses –
Jimmy Fisher (Columbus East) – I really like Fisher but didn’t want to buck my own rankings. Call it stubbornness. Fisher has multiple wins over Ethan Lee of New Albany while Elmore has lost to him. Fisher has bounced through the tourney almost untouched, will that help or hurt him Saturday?
Alex Schneider (Evansville Mater Dei) – Not really favored to win either the Curtain jerker or the R2G, see above descriptions. Don’t count out Mater Dei in Evansville
 

182 –
Regional outcomes threw this weight class on its head!!Ticket Punchers – Dakota Thacker, Duvante Lane, Jonah Zoringer, Damien Chambers
Best Curtain Jerkers – Gabe Konerding (Heritage Hills) vs. Michael Petrole (Franklin), Duvante Lane (Evansville North) vs. Connor Ludwig (Brownsburg) ?This could be a finals match!
Best R2G – Gabe Konerding (Heritage Hills) vs. Dakota Thacker (Bloomington South)
Dark Horses –
Michael Petrole (Franklin) – Not wrestling Konerding could help him, having wrestled Thacker could also help him if he gets passed Konerding.
Tanner Thompson (South Putnam) – The Senior from South Putnam could turn some heads
Ian Songer (Jasper) – With lots of the attention on Lane/Ludwig, the winner might be thinking of Bankers Life while the Jasper Sophomore will be preparing to give them there Swan SONG(er).
 

195 –
Ticket Punchers – Clayton Fiddler, Kalob Salkill, Mitchell Sandlin, Moises Valenciano
Best Curtain Jerkers – Kalob Salkill (South Spencer) vs. Randy Scott (Mooresville)
Best R2G – Rudy Harris (South Putnam) vs. Moises Valenciano (Jasper)
Dark Horses –
Autry Pickens (Danville) – With only 3 losses and the schedule Danville wrestles shows this junior is no slouch.
Ben Patton (Edgewood) – This Senior has had a great year, can he put together 2 more matches to end it in Bankers Life?
 

220 –
Ticket Punchers – Jared Boehm, Dylan Jones, Connor Tolley, Boyd Haley
Best Curtain Jerkers – Tyler Harlan (Brownsburg) vs. CJ Andry (Paoli)
Best R2G – Body Haley (Bloomington South) vs. Austin Pace (Evansville Central)
Dark Horses –
Tyler Harlan (Brownsburg) – Does this senior have what it takes to knock off Boehm in the R2G?
 

285 –
Flip-A-Coin weight classTicket Punchers – Austin Little, Ethan Schwoeppe, Nathan Wright, Drew Ponder
Best Curtain Jerkers – Ummm… two top five state ranked wrestlers right off the bat? Austin Little (North Posey) vs. Justin Sampson (Northview)!!
Best R2G – pick one… I’ll go with Guss Dajani (Bloomington South) vs. Drew Ponder (Center Grove) and Gavin Jolley-Little (Jeffersonville) vs. Ethan Schwoeppe (Southridge)
Dark Horses –Dalton Miller (Pike Central) – The junior has some big wins already on the year
Adam Wolka (Seymour) – Can Fozzie Bear pull off two big wins to punch that ticket?
Rob McKee (Columbus East) – I mean he does have minimal TripleB and TSkin training… That should be enough….
With so many big matches in the first two rounds, and some big time upsets brewing, fans should really appreciate the action this weekend. Don’t forget your blankets and hand warmers folks and remember, it takes a real man to eat Dippin Dots in a 60 degree arena.
Good Luck This Weekend!

536
2013 Merrillville Semi-State Preview
The Merrillville Semi State has been a premier site to watch top quality wrestling as the staff does an admirable job with the facility and they always make the finals special for the kids.  The addition of of the consolation wrestle back this year might just be the straw that broke the camel's back when it comes to looking for a new facility.
 
106
 
The wee wrestlers have a pretty deep field that has talent coming from all over the semistate.  #6 Michael Garza and #2 Jake Sinkovics appear to be a cut above the rest of the field.  Both have been this far before with Garza pinning Sinko last year at semi-state.  Sinkovics has stormed back this year and has run the table with impressive dominating victories over both Garza and Garrett's Hayden Lee at the Al Smith Invite.
 
In the upper half of the bracket, I like Penn's #13 Drew Hildebrandt and Lafayette Harrison's Daniel Davis to survive their quarter brackets.  Both must survive challenging ticket round battles.  Hildebrandt will likely battle New Prairie's physical Chris Trent and Davis might have his hands full with Plymouth's Cody Allmon.
 
Winner – Sinkovics
Runner UP – Hildebrandt
#3 – Garza
Hoping not to draw Red – Davis
 
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Jake Sinkovics Mishawaka
2. Chris Trent- New Prairie
3. Mike Garza-Merrillville
4. Daniel Davis- Lafayette Harrison
 
 
 

113
 
There are a few stone cold, lead pipe locks at Merrillville and the 113 weight class provides one of them in junior Stevan Micic.  The top-ranked Micic has not been seriously challenged this year.  Second ranked Zach Davis is in this bracket but I have serious doubts that there is anyone in the state who will test Micic, who is also ranked 2nd nationally by FloWrestling.
 
Penn's Zach Davis is the clear number two wrestler at this weight and he will likely be joined on the podium by South Bend Clay's #14 Jacob Hartman and the winner of the best ticket round match, Portage's #7 Gaige Torres and Benton Central's Cole Lukaszka.
 
Winner – Micic
Runner UP – Davis
#3 – Torres
Banker's Life trip - Hartman
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Stevan Micic Hanover Central
2. Gaige Torres- Portage
3. Zach Davis- Penn
4. Jacob Hartman- Clay
 
120
 
A very compelling semi final clash will highlight this weight class if the bracket “follows chalk”.  A veteran Region rumbler, #5 ranked Adam Garcia of Merrillville will attempt to reverse a loss to Lowell's third ranked super frosh, Drew Hughes, that he suffered back in late December.  Hughes has been basically unchallenged at this weight and his name has been thrown around as a state title contender.
 
In the other half of the bracket, Warsaw's Luis Munoz will have to fight off challenges from Hammond Morton's Ruben Rodriguez and veteran Lake Central lightweight, Matt Lechowicz to reach the finals.  Munoz is very slick on his feet and his neutral work might be enough to carry him to the finals.
 
Winner – Hughes
Runner UP – Munoz
#3 – Garcia
#4 – Lechowicz
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Drew Hughes-Lowell
2. Matt Lechowicz- Lake Central
3. Adam Garcia- Merrillville
4. Ruben Rodriguez- Morton
 
 
 
126
 
Crown Point will get on the Merrillville podium at 126 when 27-0 Josh Fuqua dispatches all challengers this Saturday.  Fuqua will have the memory of last year's tough ticket round loss to Adam Garcia driving him toward his goal of being a semi state champion.  Fuqua's will probably battle the winner of the Blake Denton-Max Buckley match up. Valparaiso's 12th ranked Buckley has battled injury throughout his career but is battle tested.  Twin Lakes' sixth ranked Denton is not your typical Logansport regional kid.  He is very good on his feet and is already a two time state qualifier as a junior.
 
Winner – Fuqua
Runner UP – Denton
3rd – Scott Warner – South Bend Riley
4th – Buckley
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Josh Fuqua Crown Point
2. Blake Denton- Twin Lakes
3. Max Buckley- Valparaiso
4. Dylan Logsdon- Portage
 
 
 
132
 
The 132 weight class might just be the deepest in the field at Merrillville.  The injury to Portage's highly ranked Julian Torres is a blow but the class remains deep and talented.  Look for South Bend Clay's second ranked Mitch Hartman to shake off a couple of frustrating losses the last two weekends and reach the finals.  He will likely have to defeat Merrillville upstart, freshman Jacob Covaciu.  The 7th ranked Covaciu will have his own ticket round thriller versus Penn senior Josh Curcio.
 
The bottom half of the bracket will likely play out with a couple of battle hardened seniors reaching the semi finals in Mishawaka's eighth ranked Grant Martsoff and Crown Point's sixth ranked Trevor Burlison.  This match up will be a tactical low scoring affair but I like the way Martsoff has handled himself the past two weeks and look for him to take the narrow victory.
 
Winner – Martsoff
Runner UP – Hartman
#3 – Burlison
#4 – Covaciu
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Trevor Burlison- Crown Point
2. Julian Torres- Portage
3. Grant Martsolf- Mishawaka
4. Jacob Covaciu- Merrillville
 
 
 
138
 
The second stone cold lead pipe lock at Merrillville looks to be Mishawaka's super soph, Tommy Forte.  He is ranked first in the state and 20th nationally.  The bracket is set up for him to cruise into the finals where he will face the winner of the highly anticipated ticket round battle between three time state finalist Anthony McHugh of Culver Military and 6th ranked Crown Point Bulldog Darden Schurg.
 
The other two state finalists are a little less clear cut.  I like Penn's Alex Rinehart to win a close battle with Rensselaer Central's regional champ Hunter Hickman and Kankakee Valley's Jimmy Marich to prevail over Merrillville's Isaac Rentas.
 
Winner – Forte
Runner UP – McHugh
3rd – Rinehart
4th – Marich
 
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Tommy Forte- Mishawaka
2. Darden Schurg- Crown Point
3. Alex Rinehart- Penn
4. Isaac Rentas- Merrillville
 
 
 
145
 
The Jason Tsirtsis era is over at 145 so this weight class opens up for a host of new challengers.  This is another bracket where the best match might just be in the semi finals.  A pair of one loss titans will likely square off when Mishawaka's 4th ranked Tristan Macri battles 6th ranked Chris Katsafaros in a rematch of the Al Smith finals back in December.  Conditioning appeared to play a factor in Macri's narrow win so if Cheese Towner has that part of his game tightened up, expect a donnybrook.
 
The other side of the bracket will likely pit Lowell senior and 9th ranked Mitch Roadruck against the winner of the top ticket round match between Penn's Joey Mammolenti and Portage's Stephon Wilkins.
 
Winner – Macri
Runner UP – Roadruck
#3 – Katsafaros
#4 – Mammolenti
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Chris Katsafaros- Chesterton
2. Mitch Roadruck- Lowell
3. Tristan Macri- Mishawaka
4. Joe Mammolenti- Penn
 
 
 
 
 
152
 
The 152 pound class might be a mirror image of the the 138 pound class with Rochester regional foes squaring off again under the lights at Merrillville.  South Bend Adams' 11th ranked Sam Ferdig is a long, lean and mean tilting machine and his conference foe is Penn's stout grinder Trevor Manspeaker.  The only thing preventing a finals match up for the third week in a row is a Bulldog named Schurg from Crown Point.  Schurg the Elder (Dustin) is the class of this bracket and will be standing on top of the podium Saturday night.  His conference rival, Danny Roach of Portage is the likely 4th member of this class to make his way to Indy.
 
Winner – Schurg
Runner UP – Ferdig
Third – Manspeaker
#4 – Roach
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Dustin Schurg- Crown Point
2. Danny Roach- Portage
3. Sam Ferdig- Adams
4. Trevor Manspeaker- Penn
 
 
 
160
 
In the northern half of the state, this weight class has been owned by Kenny Hughes of Lowell.  The #2 ranked Hughes has pinned most of his opponents this year and this semi state bracket will be his for the taking.  Hughes has separated himself from the field.  He will likely face conference rival Mark Maldonado of Highland in the semis.  Maldo's lone loss on the season is to Hughes.
 
In the top half of the bracket, Bishop Noll's Damien Gomez is likely to repeat in his bid for spot at Banker's Life.  The last spot is really a toss up as three talented ranked grapplers will duke it out.  South Bend Riley's Chase Hack, Merrillville's Matthew Hollins, and Crown Point's Dax Jones all have a realistic shot punching their respective ticket to Indy.
 
Winner – Hughes
Runner UP – Gomez
#3 – Maldonado
#4 – Hack
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Kenny Hughes- Lowell
2. Damien Gomez- Bishop Noll
3. Mark Maldonado- Highland
4. Matthew Hollins- Merrillville
 
 
 
 
 
170
 
The third of my stone cold lead pipe locks is at 170 with the ultra talented and top ranked Merrillville Pirate, Bobby Steveson.  His likely finals foe is longtime rival Scottie Sopko of Hobart.  Sopko had a hiccup at the Al Smith tournament but has been locked in ever since.  Sopko should face a ticket round challenge from Rochester regional champ, Jeff Wiseman of Penn.
 
The other state qualifiers are more of a toss up as LaPorte's talented junior Mike Eldridge is likely to be pushed in his opener versus Kelly Kolat of South Bend Washington and conference rival Jeff Brassea of Lake Central.  The final quarter bracket looks to be wide open.
 
Winner – Steveson
Runner UP – Sopko
Third – Mark Hurford
Fourth – Mike Eldridge
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Bobby Steveson- Merrillville
2. Scottie Sopko- Hobart
3. Mike Eldridge- LaPorte
4. Jade Doty- West Lafayette
 
 
 
182
 
Senior two time state finalist Matt Hurford of Culver Community looks to be the class of the field at 182.  The top ranked Cavalier will look to be a semi state champ for the first time.  He will likely face the winner of the Tyler Scott/Exvonte Jones ticket round battle.  I feel that Scott will be the winner in a tightly contested match.
 
The other half of the bracket features Hobart senior Tony Rodriguez who will be tested by South Bend St. Joseph or Kankakee Valley's Tim Schoonveld in a ticket round tilt.  The final spot has set up nicely for Crown Point's Matt Langbehn.
 
Winner – Hurford
Runner UP – Rodriguez
Third – Scott
Fourth – Langbehn
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Matt Hurford- Culver Community
2. Antonio Rodriguez- Hobart
3. Exvonte Jones- Portage
4. Matt Langbehn- Crown Point
 
 
 
195
 
The 195 class returns a couple of wrestlers with state level experience.  Last year's semi state runner up, Jacob Ricks of Benton Central appears on a collision course with Crown Point's undefeated sophomore, Morgan Kral.  Ricks lone loss on the season was to Mason Nickell of Roncalli at the Connersville Classic.  Kral has proved his mettle in a few close matches this season.
 
The top quarter bracket has set up nicely for Lowell's big man, Ryan Patterson.  He will likely face Merrillville grinder Alex Jara in a ticket round matchup.  South Bend Clay's Jaylin Allen will look to join the Hartman brothers on the floor of Bankers Life but might be tested in the ticket round if Twin Lakes' Kevin Winkle is healthy.
 
Winner – Ricks
Runner UP – Kral
#3 – Allen
#4 – Ryan Patterson
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Jacob Ricks- Benton Central
2. Jaylin Allen- Clay
3. Ryan Patterson- Lowell
4. Morgan Kral- Crown Point
 
 
 
220
 
The last of the stone cold lead pipe locks is at 220 where Lake Central's electric Gelen Robinson is a man among boys in this bracket.  Robinson is one of the most exciting wrestlers in the state.  We shall see if anyone wants to go toe to toe, chest to chest with the big Indian.  His first round opponent, Tyler Schmitt is a talented thrower in his own right so get your popcorn early for a potential show.
 
The second quarter bracket should feature an excellent ticket round tilt when Mishawaka's Braxton Eby will likely face Kankakee Valley's Matt Berdine.  The bottom half of the bracket will likely pit LaPorte's Benni Standifer against South Bend Adams' Kenan Boyd.
 
Winner – Robinson
Runner UP – Kenan Boyd
3rd – Braxton Eby
4th – Benni Standifer
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Gelen Robinson- Lake Central
2. Roberto Yanez- River Forest
3. Braxton Eby- Mishawaka
4. Seth Meyer- Harrison
 
 
 
285
 
Can the legend of the Rochester Regional and Merrillville semi state continue in 2013?  The regional and semi state have produced the last two state champions in the big boy division.  The regional's best hope lies in mammoth Shakir Carr of South Bend Clay.  The D-1 football recruit battled to the end and won the Rochester regional in exciting fashion.  By doing so, Carr avoided the toughest quarter bracket which includes Merrillville's freshman phenom Shawn Streck, West Lafayette's John Duvall and South Bend Adams' Kali Boyd.  The other two quarter brackets have set up nicely for Chesterton's athletic Riley Harlow and Hanover Central's Josh Bartoszek.
 
Winner – Streck
Runner UP – Carr
3rd – Bartoszek
4th - Harlow
 
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Shawn Streck- Merrillville
2. Shakir Carr- Clay
3. Joshua Bartoszek- Hanover Central
4. Riley Harlow- Chesterton

1907
2013 IHSAA Regional Brackets
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.
Admission: $7.
Advancement: The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the semi-state tournament.

1.    Calumet
Feeder Sectionals: Calumet, East Chicago Central.

 
2.    Crown Point
TrackWrestling Link
Feeder Sectionals: Crown Point, LaPorte.
 
3.    Rochester
Feeder Sectionals: Mishawaka, Plymouth.
 
4.    Logansport
Feeder Sectionals: Lafayette Jefferson, Twin Lakes.
 
5.    Goshen
Feeder Sectionals: Elkhart Memorial, Westview.
 
6.    Carroll (Fort Wayne)
TrackWrestling Link
Feeder Sectionals: Carroll (Fort Wayne), New Haven.
 
7.    Peru
Feeder Sectionals: Oak Hill, Peru.
 
8.    Jay County
Feeder Sectionals: Delta, Jay County.
 
9.    North Montgomery
Feeder Sectionals: Crawfordsville, Zionsville.
 
10.  Pendleton Heights
Feeder Sectionals: Hamilton Heights, Indianapolis Arlington.
 
11.  Perry Meridian
TrackWrestling Link
Feeder Sectionals: Indianapolis Northwest, Warren Central.
 
12.  Richmond
Feeder Sectionals: Shenandoah, South Dearborn.
 
13.  Mooresville
Feeder Sectionals: Avon, Mooresville.
 
14.  Bloomington South
Feeder Sectionals: Northview, Southridge.
 
15.  Jeffersonville
Feeder Sectionals: Jeffersonville, Jennings County.
 
16.  Castle
Feeder Sectionals: Castle, Evansville Central.
 


314
Final 2012-13 IndianaMat.com Team Rankings
1. Perry Meridian
 
2. Warren Central
 
3. Franklin Community
 
4. Bloomington South
 
5. Crown Point
 
6. Penn
 
7. Merrillville
 
8. Ev. Mater Dei
 
9. Center Grove
 
10. Portage
 
11. Hamilton SE
 
12. Carroll (Ft. Wayne)
 
13. East Noble
 
14. New Palestine
 
15. Mishawaka
 
16. Yorktown
 
17. Floyd Central
 
18. Jasper
 
19. Franklin Central
 
20. SB Clay

367
IndianaMat Team Power Rankings Final 2013
Due to this year’s IHSAA State Championship being determined at the individual state finals, we have developed a power poll based off of the IndianaMat individual rankings. This poll will simply give point values to each ranking spot and totals them up for each team.
 
 




1
Perry Meridian
108


2(tie)
Yorktown
59


2(tie)
Warren Central
59


4
Mishawaka
58


5(tie)
Crown Point
48


5(tie)
Bloomington South
48


7
Merrillville
44


8(tie)
Indianapolis Cathedral
40


8(tie)
Hamilton Southeastern
40


10
New Palestine
34


11
Lowell
33


12(tie)
South Bend Clay
30


12(tie)
Danville
30


14
Franklin Community
28


15(tie)
Penn
25


15(tie)
Muncie Southside
25


15(tie)
Jimtown
25


18(tie)
Heritage Hills
24


18(tie)
Avon
24


20(tie)
Lake Central
23


20(tie)
Fishers
23


20(tie)
Culver Community
23


Point values are as follows:
1-22
2-18
3-13
4-11
5-8
6-6
7-4
8-3
9-2
10-2
11-2
12-2
13-1
14-1
15-1
16-1
 

1529
2013 IHSAA Sectional Brackets
Date: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013.
Admission:$6.
Advancement: The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the regional tournament.

1.    East Chicago Central (10)
East Chicago Central, Hammond, Hammond Bishop Noll, Hammond Clark, Hammond Gavit, Hammond Morton, Lake Central, Merrillville, Munster, Whiting.
 
2.    Calumet (9)
Calumet, Gary Wallace, Gary West Side, Griffith, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station Edison, Portage, River Forest.
 
3.    Crown Point (9)
Andrean, Boone Grove, Crown Point, Hanover Central, Hebron, Kankakee Valley, Lowell, Valparaiso, Wheeler.
 
4.    LaPorte (8)
Chesterton, Glenn, Knox, LaPorte, LaVille, Michigan City, New Prairie, North Judson.
 
5.    Mishawaka (8)
Mishawaka, Mishawaka Marian, Penn, South Bend Adams, South Bend Clay, South Bend Riley, South Bend St. Joseph, South Bend Washington.
 
6.    Plymouth (10)
Bremen, Caston, Culver Academies, Culver Community, Plymouth, Rochester, Tippecanoe Valley, Triton, Warsaw, Wawasee.
 
7.    Twin Lakes (10)
Cass, Logansport, North Newton, North White, Pioneer, Rensselaer Central, South Newton, Twin Lakes, West Central, Winamac.
 
8.    Lafayette Jefferson (10)
Benton Central, Carroll (Flora), Delphi, Faith Christian, Frontier, Harrison (West Lafayette), Lafayette Jefferson, McCutcheon, Rossville, West Lafayette.
 
9.    Elkhart Memorial (8)
Concord, Elkhart Central, Elkhart Memorial, Fairfield, Goshen, Jimtown, Northridge, NorthWood.
 
10.  Westview (10)
Angola, Central Noble, DeKalb, East Noble, Fremont, Howe, Lakeland, Prairie Heights, West Noble, Westview.
 
11.  Carroll (Fort Wayne) (10)
Carroll (Fort Wayne), Churubusco, Columbia City, Eastside, Garrett, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran, Fort Wayne North Side, Fort Wayne Northrop, Whitko.
 
12.  New Haven (9)
Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, Fort Wayne Snider, Fort Wayne South Side, Fort Wayne Wayne, Heritage, Homestead, Huntington North, New Haven, Leo, Woodlan.
 
13.  Peru (8)
Maconaquah, Manchester, North Miami, Northfield, Northwestern, Peru, Southwood, Wabash.
 
14.  Oak Hill (9)
Eastbrook, Eastern (Greentown), Kokomo, Madison-Grant, Marion, Mississinewa, Oak Hill, Taylor, Western.
 
15.  Jay County (9)
Adams Central, Bellmont, Blackford, Bluffton, Jay County, Norwell, South Adams, Southern Wells, Union City.
 
16.  Delta (10)
Daleville, Delta, Monroe Central, Muncie Central, Muncie Southside, Randolph Southern, Wapahani, Wes-Del, Winchester, Yorktown.
 
17.  Crawfordsville (11)
Attica, Covington, Crawfordsville, Fountain Central, North Montgomery, North Vermillion, Rockville, Seeger, South Vermillion, Southmont, Turkey Run.
 
18.  Zionsville (11)
Carmel, Clinton Central, Clinton Prairie, Fishers, Frankfort, Hamilton Southeastern, Lebanon, Sheridan, Western Boone, Westfield, Zionsville.
 
19.  Hamilton Heights (11)
Alexandria, Anderson, Elwood, Frankton, Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Heights, Lapel, Noblesville, Pendleton Heights, Tipton, Tri-Central.
 
20.  Indianapolis Arlington (9)
Brebeuf Jesuit, Indiana Blind, Indianapolis Arlington, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, Indianapolis Cathedral, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central (Indianapolis), Park Tudor.
 
21.  Indianapolis Northwest (13)
Indianapolis Arsenal Technical, Indianapolis Broad Ripple, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, Indianapolis Crispus Attucks, Indianapolis Howe, Indianapolis Manual, Indianapolis Northwest, Indianapolis Scecina, Indianapolis Washington, Perry Meridian, Pike, Southport, Speedway.
 
22.  Warren Central (10)
Beech Grove, Franklin Central, Greenfield-Central, Indianapolis Marshall, Mt. Vernon (Fortville), New Palestine, Roncalli, Shelbyville, Triton Central, Warren Central.
 
23.  Shenandoah (11)
Blue River Valley, Cambridge City Lincoln, Centerville, Eastern Hancock, Hagerstown, Knightstown, New Castle, Northeastern, Richmond, Shenandoah, Tri.
 
24.  South Dearborn (10)
Batesville, Connersville, East Central, Franklin County, Lawrenceburg, Milan, Oldenburg Academy, Rushville, South Dearborn, Union County.
 
25.  Avon (10)
Avon, Ben Davis, Brownsburg, Cascade, Cloverdale, Danville, Greencastle, North Putnam,  South Putnam, Tri-West Hendricks.
 
26.  Mooresville (10)
Center Grove, Decatur Central, Franklin Community, Greenwood, Indian Creek, Martinsville, Monrovia, Mooresville, Plainfield, Whiteland.
 
27.  Northview (10)
Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Edgewood, North Knox, Northview, Owen Valley, Sullivan, Terre Haute North, Terre Haute South, West Vigo.
 
28.  Southridge (9)
Bedford North Lawrence, Crawford County, Forest Park, Jasper, Mitchell, Paoli, Salem, Southridge, Washington.
 
29.  Jennings County (10)
Brown County, Columbus East, Columbus North, Greensburg, Jennings County, Madison, Scottsburg, Seymour, Southwestern (Hanover), Switzerland County.
 
30.  Jeffersonville (9)
Charlestown, Christian Academy of Indiana, Corydon Central, Eastern (Pekin), Floyd Central, Jeffersonville, New Albany, New Washington, Providence.
 
31.  Castle (10)
Boonville, Castle, Evansville Bosse, Evansville Harrison, Evansville Memorial, Evansville Reitz, Heritage Hills, Mt. Vernon, South Spencer, Tell City.
 
32.  Evansville Central (10)
Evansville Central, Evansville Mater Dei, Evansville North, Gibson Southern, North Posey, Pike Central, Princeton, Tecumseh, Vincennes Lincoln, Wood Memorial.


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401
IndianaMat.com Team Rankings 1/15
*Rankings based on dual team strength
 
1. Perry Meridian
 
2. Franklin Community
 
3. Warren Central
 
4. Bloomington South
 
5. Penn
 
6. Crown Point
 
7. Merrillville
 
8. Evansville Mater Dei
 
9. Center Grove
 
10. Portage
 
11. Hamilton Southeastern
 
12. Carroll (Fort Wayne)
 
13. East Noble
 
14. New Palestine
 
15. Mishawaka
 
16. Yorktown
 
17. Jasper
 
18. Floyd Central
 
19. Zionsville
 
20. Noblesville

323
IndianaMat Team Power Rankings 1/15
Due to this year’s IHSAA State Championship being determined at the individual state finals, we have developed a power poll based off of the IndianaMat individual rankings. This poll will simply give point values to each ranking spot and totals them up for each team.




1
Perry Meridian
107


2
Yorktown
59


3
Mishawaka
57


4
New Palestine
53


5
Crown Point
47


6
Bloomington South
46


7
Warren Central
45


8(tie)
Merrillville
40


8(tie)
Indianapolis Cathedral
40


10
Hamilton Southeastern
36


11
Lowell
31


12
Danville
29


13
Franklin Community
27


14(tie)
South Bend Clay
25


14(tie)
Penn
25


14(tie)
Muncie Southside
25


14(tie)
Jimtown
25


18(tie)
Heritage Hills
24


18(tie)
Avon
24


20(tie)
Lake Central
23


20(tie)
Hanover Central
23


20(tie)
Fishers
23


20(tie)
Evansville Mater Dei
23


20(tie)
Culver Community
23


Point values are as follows:
1-22
2-18
3-13
4-11
5-8
6-6
7-4
8-3
9-2
10-2
11-2
12-2
13-1
14-1
15-1
16-1

1544
2013 Conference Tournament Brackets
Hoosier Hills: Bedford North Lawrence, Columbus East, Floyd Central, Jeffersonville, Jennings County, Madison, New Albany, Seymour.
Team Scores
 
Southern Indiana Wrestling Conference: Christian Academy, Charlestown, Crawford County, Eastern(Pekin), Forest Park, Milan, Mitchell, New Washington, Providence, Paoli, Salem, Scottsburg. Southwestern, Switzerland County
 
Hoosier Crossroads Conference: Avon, Brownsburg, Fishers, Hamilton Southeastern, Harrison (West Lafayette), Lafayette Jefferson, McCutcheon, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville.
 
Sagamore: Crawfordsville, Danville, Frankfort, Lebanon, North Montgomery, Southmont, Tri-West Hendricks, Western Boone.
 
Mid-State: Decatur Central, Franklin Community, Greenwood, Martinsville, Mooresville, Plainfield, Whiteland.
 
Hoosier: Benton Central, Delphi, Lafayette Central Catholic, Rensselaer Central, Sheridan, Tipton, Twin Lakes, West Lafayette.
 
Allen County: Adams Central, Bluffton, Garrett, Heritage, Leo, South Adams, Southern Wells, Woodlan.
 
Metropolitan: Ben Davis, Carmel, Center Grove, Lawrence North, North Central (Indianapolis), Terre Haute North, Terre Haute South, Warren Central.
 
North Central: Anderson, Huntington North, Kokomo, Logansport, Marion, Muncie Central, New Castle, Richmond.
 
Summit: 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.
 
Indianapolis Public Schools: Indianapolis Arlington, Indianapolis Arsenal Technical, Indianapolis Broad Ripple, Indianapolis Emmerich Manual, Indianapolis George Washington, Indianapolis Howe Academy, Indianapolis Northwest.
 
Northern State: Bremen, Culver Community, Glenn, Jimtown, Knox, Laville, New Prairie, Triton.
 
Northeast Corner: Angola, Central Noble, Churubusco, Eastside, Fairfield, Fremont, Lakeland, Prairie Heights, West Noble, Westview.
 
Northeast Hoosier: Bellmont, Carroll (Fort Wayne), Columbia City, Dekalb, East Noble, Homestead, New Haven, Norwell.
 
Mid-Indiana:
Team Scores Cass, Eastern (Greentown), Hamilton Heights, Maconaquah, Northwestern, Peru, Taylor, Western.
 
Western Indiana: Brown County, Edgewood, Northview, Owen Valley, South Vermillion, Sullivan, West Vigo.
 
Great Lakes Athletic: Hammond, Hammond Clark, Hammond Gavit, Hammond Morton.
 
Eastern Indiana: Batesville, East Central, Franklin County, Greensburg, Lawrenceburg, South Dearborn.
 
Three Rivers: Manchester, North Miami, Northfield, Rochester, Southwood, Tippecanoe Valley, Wabash, Whitko.
 
Central Indiana: Alexandria, Blackford, Eastbrook, Elwood, Frankton, Madison-Grant, Mississinewa, Oak Hill.

329
IndianaMat Team Power Rankings 1/9
Due to this year’s IHSAA State Championship being determined at the individual state finals, we have developed a power poll based off of the IndianaMat individual rankings. This poll will simply give point values to each ranking spot and totals them up for each team.




1
Perry Meridian
119


2
Yorktown
57


3
Mishawaka
56


4
New Palestine
53


5
Crown Point
45


6
Indianapolis Cathedral
44


7
Merrillville
43


8
Warren Central
41


9
Hamilton Southeastern
37


10
Penn
36


11(tie)
Lowell
32


11(tie)
Franklin Community
32


13
Danville
30


14
Bloomington South
29


15
Evansville Mater Dei
28


16
Muncie Southside
25


17(tie)
Jimtown
24


17(tie)
Avon
24


19(tie)
South Bend Clay
23


19(tie)
Heritage Hills
23


19(tie)
Hanover Central
23


19(tie)
Fishers
23


Point values are as follows:
1-22
2-18
3-13
4-11
5-8
6-6
7-4
8-3
9-2
10-2
11-2
12-2
13-1
14-1
15-1
16-1

322
IndianaMat.com Team Rankings 1/7/13
1. Perry Meridian
 
2. Franklin Community
 
3. Warren Central
 
4. Bloomington South
 
5. Penn
 
6. Merrillville
 
7. Evansville Mater Dei
 
8. Crown Point
 
9. Portage
 
10. Hamilton Southeastern
 
11. New Palestine
 
12. East Noble
 
13. Center Grove
 
14. Carroll(Fort Wayne)
 
15. Mishawaka
 
16. Jasper
 
17. Floyd Central
 
18. Yorktown
 
19. Zionsville
 
20. Westfield

1399
2012/2013 Regular Season Tournament Brackets
John Hurrle Memorial
 
Jeff Classic
 
Twin Lakes Invite
 
Hamilton County Championship
 
Indianapolis City Championship
 
Marion County Championship
 
Crown Point Carnahan Invitational
 
Hendricks County Championship
 
Columbus East Invitational
 
IHSWCA Team State
 
Mooresville Holiday Classic
 
East Central Indiana Classic
 
Al Smith Invitational
Al Smith Team Scores
 
Connersville Spartan Classic
 
Mater Dei Holiday Classic
 
Ben Davis Giant Super 16
 
Garrett Invitational
 
Goshen Invite
 
Concordia Wild Bill Invite
 
Woodlan Invite

354
IndianaMat Team Power Rankings 12/31
Due to this year’s IHSAA State Championship being determined at the individual state finals, we have developed a power poll based off of the IndianaMat individual rankings. This poll will simply give point values to each ranking spot and totals them up for each team.




1
Perry Meridian
116


2
Mishawaka
56


3
Yorktown
53


4
Warren Central
44


5
Indianapolis Cathedral
43


6
Crown Point
42


7
New Palestine
41


8(tie)
Hamilton Southeastern
39


8(tie)
Bloomington South
39


8(tie)
Merrillville
38


11
Franklin Community
37


12
Heritage Hills
33


13
Lowell
32


14
Danville
31


15(tie)
Jay County
30


15(tie)
Evansville Mater Dei
27


17
South Bend Clay
24


18
Muncie Southside
24


18(tie)
Jimtown
24


20(tie)
Castle
24


20(tie)
Fishers
23


20(tie)
Western Boone
22


20(tie)
Lake Central
22


20(tie)
Hanover Central
22


Point values are as follows:
1-22
2-18
3-13
4-11
5-8
6-6
7-4
8-3
9-2
10-2
11-2
12-2
13-1
14-1
15-1
16-1
 

436
2012 Year in Review
This past year was filled with a lot of great stories in the sport of wrestling. Here is a recap of the top ten stories from the year in no particular order.
 
1. Miracle to state
Kayla Miracle became the first female to qualify for state in Indiana. She did so the hard way by finishing 4th at regional then won her first two matches to qualify for state. At state she suffered a 4-0 loss to Hayden Lee of Garrett to end her run.
 
2. Miracle and Sliga place at Worlds
Mitch Sliga and Kayla Miracle both wrestled in the FILA Cadet World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan in August.  Both made it to the semi-finals and were guaranteed spots on the awards stand. Sliga dropped his semi-final bout and finished 5th in the world. Miracle made it to the finals and dropped her match to a tough wrestler from Japan.
 
3. Tsirtsis wins his fourth state title
Jason Tsirtsis of Crown Point became the 8th four-time state champion in Indiana history. He defeated Cathedral’s Vinny Corsaro in the finals to cap his history four year run. On top of that he also duplicated the feat of his older brother Alex in claiming four state titles.
 
4. Big time coaching changes
This past offseason saw a lot of coaching changes as usual, but this year it involved a lot of big name coaches.  Elkhart Memorial’s Brian Seltzer moved south to Indianapolis to take over the head coaching job at Lawrence North. Former Portage coach and CIA founder Ed Pendoski took over the Carmel program. Former four-time state champion Blake Maurer took over the Gibson Southern job after being an assistant at his alma mater Mater Dei. Finally, Bryce Hasseman made his return to Indiana to take over perennial powerhouse Mishawaka.
 
5. IndianaMat makes it 4 years
IndianaMat celebrated their fourth birthday in 2012. It is astonishing how the website has grown over the years and the following it has throughout the state. With over 9 million page views and 150,000 unique visitors over the past year the site will only continue to grow.
 
6. IHSWCA Team State
The IHSAA announced an end to the team state competition after the 2012 season. However, the IHSWCA took the reins and created a new IHSWCA Team State Duals with three classes. The event was a hit with Adams Central winning 1A, Yorktown winning 2A and Perry Meridian winning 3A.
 
7. Olympic Team Trails with Indiana representation
With 2012 being an Olympic year that meant that there would be an Olympic Team Trials. This year with a capacity crowd on hand we saw quite a few Indiana natives in the event.  Sarah Hildebrandt wrestled in the women’s division. She went 0-2 but lost two close matches and the experience will lead to her being a contender for the 2016 Olympic team. In men’s freestyle Angel Escobedo, Reece Humphrey, Andrew Howe and Bryce Hassemen all came up short of their goals of making the team. Howe made the finals, but was defeated by the eventual Olympic Champion Jordan Burroughs in the first bout. He ended up being injured in that bout and could not continue. Escobedo and Hasseman both has rough draws and did not make the finals. Finally, due to an injury Reece Humphrey did not actually wrestle-off until June for his spot. He lost to eventual bronze medalist Coleman Scott. The good news is it looks as if all but Hasseman are going to be making the push for the 2016 games.
 
8. Perry dominates for the second year in a row
After coming up short numerous times Perry Meridian and Coach Jim Tonte captured their second straight state title. This time is was even more dominant than in 2011. To add insult to injury it looks as if Perry Meridian will be running the streak to three in 2013.
 
9. Tsirtsis and Brooks at Dapper Dan
Jason Tsirtsis and Jarred Brooks became the fourth and fifth Indiana natives to be invited to wrestle in the prestigious Dapper Dan dual meet. Both were ranked #1 at the end of the season in various polls and at the Dapper Dan wrestled two top wrestlers from Pennsylvania. Brooks won 8-5 over Billy Rappo. Tsirtsis won 13-4 over Zach Beitz in his match. Both wins helped propel Team USA to a 34-9 victory over Team Pennsylvania. The two wins also keep Indiana’s record in the Dapper Dan Classic perfect at 5-0.
 
10. Barroquillo wrestles in the All-Star Classic
Travis Barroquillo of Indiana Tech was invited this fall to participate in the NWCA All-Star Classic in Washington DC. He wrestled Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sam Shames in the event in early November. Barroquillo defeated Shames 8-2. He was the fifth Indiana native to wrestle in the event. Barroquillo joined the likes of Leroy Vega, Will Hill, Reece Humphrey and Alan Grammer as Indiana natives to participate in the event.