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In case you missed it on X or the college thread: Christian Mejia from Elkhart Memorial, Derek Blubaugh from Bloomington South, and Shawn Streck from Merrillville all picked up D2 national titles last night. Mejia had finished 5th twice before, was seeded only 3rd, and was in his final year of eligibility. Blubaugh had twice been national runner-up to his finals opponent, and had lost to him 5-0 two weeks ago, but finally got over the hump. Streck picked up his second consecutive title. Congrats, guys!!

Congratulations to Tyler Schott Congratulations to from Center Grove for signing with Bellarmine. Projected to wrestle 285. View full signing

Baumgartner did go to my alma mater Indiana State!!!! Can we get partial credit for that. 3rd most famous Sycamore behind Larry Bird and myself!!

Congratulations to Chase Leech Congratulations to from Garrett for signing with Indiana. Projected to wrestle 165, 174. View full signing

It was a great day at Mooresville for Indiana Wrestling. One high light for me was the amount of team members both boys and girls who came up to me and thanked me for having them on the team and how much they appreciated the opportunity to compete one more time. We really are producing some great wrestlers in our state and more importantly these kids have a lot of class and respect. Indiana Gold boys battled hard but came up short 37-22. Winners for the gold team were; Mason Jones Luke Rioux Tony Wood Chis Bohn Duke Myers Indiana Blue sealed a victory for our home state 35-27. Winners were: Gavyn Whitehead Griffin Sanders Carson Fettig Michael Cain Keegan Martin Tyler Schott Brady Byrd Josiah Dedeaux The girls beat Iowa 63-12, but came up short against Illinois 21-44 Double Winners for the girls were: Tola Aluka Sophia Buechner Rose Kaplan Leila Thomas Winner vs Iowa were; Tola Aluka Sophia Buechner Rose Kaplan Leila Thomas Kyra Tomlison Alexes Spaulding Kaylea Beauchamp Jaiah O'Neal Michela Clifford Portia Weaver

Davison definitely deserves some love. That was one heck of a tournament run. Unfortunately Kerkvliet stood in the way of a story book ending. But hey he gave us Indiana boys two NCAA D1 finalists & fun ride. Hats off to Mr. Lucas Davison!

I don't know why it is so hard, the point of contact is the guy with the whistle and sometimes the other guy with the whistle that helps the first guy second guess himself.

Lucas Davidson of Chesterton and Jesse Mendez -CP in the finals! A good day for NWI wrestling. Let’s add to our national championship count for The Region and Indiana.

Congratulations to Dillon Graham Congratulations to from Indianapolis Cathedral for signing with Bellarmine. Projected to wrestle 157. View full signing

Congratulations to Brandon Johnson Congratulations to from Lawrence North for signing with West Liberty. Projected to wrestle 197, 285. View full signing

Just a story I seen on Indianapolis News . Great Job Mr. Pitzulo ! https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5ThWV8rRY8/?igsh=aDhuMzZxdmVqeHpx

For those who didn't see Mendez got a shout out on the McAfee show:

So this year's state tournament was "fine" and you are no less a state champ, placer, or qualifier if you went to this one than if it was held at indy or somewhere else. However blindly acting like it was all sunshine and roses is silly. Evansville as a city did great. Most people found criticism with the IHSAA leadership. They could have moved the state tournament. Do it the same time as swimming. Ncaa does it all the time especially at the D2 level. It's a great atmosphere. . . It's also cheaper for most schools. 1bus, better hotel rates, AD only has to be in one place. Communities love it. Ihsaa leadership wanted to be at all the state events. Even came out and stated travel to and from the different sites on competition day was not something they were interested in doing. I think some of you would feel differently if your loved one was competing in this tournament for possibly their first and/or only time. Easy to blow off poor planing and tickets problems if you already have a "hookup" or you don't mind spending $102 on tickets. moving wrestling was the path of least resistance. Wrestling is a second class citizen in Indiana. It probably won't change until we get a "wrestling guy" on the ihsaa staff. So was this year's state tournament perfect? ? ? No... is it time to move on? Definitely Ps. Shout out to this 2024 class, Guys like May, Leavell, Ison, and Myers only got one "normal" year 2021- no fans present 2022- split parade of champions 2023- Normal year**** 2024 moved tournament

What a match for Lucas Davison! On to the semis!

Gotta be one of the first college signees ever from Indiana whose team didn't have a spot for him in the sectional lineup--and he's going to a D1 school. Nuts!! He's a beast. He deserves it.

Jesse Mendez back to Crown Point

I've heard rumblings out of the South, but it would be inappropriate to speculate quite yet. The Transfer Portal is always very active this time of year!

He was a semi state qualifier for Indian Creek beating freshman Tristan Ruhlman at sectional.

They just need to clarify what a "point of contact" is, instead of making it more complicated than brain surgery.

Marian University-Ancilla is a Junior College in Plymouth, IN. As a Junior College we are always actively recruiting all weights. If you are a Senior and looking to wrestle in college and still looking for your home at the next level, I would like the opportunity to talk with you about the opportunity here. This year we had 4 National Qualifiers and 8 Academic All-Americans. In the past 5 yrs we have had 14 National Qualifiers and 18 Academic All-Americans. We wrestle a predominant schedule of 4 yr schools and have success at helping our wrestlers move on to a 4 yr school. Athletes, parents and coaches, if you are interested or know of someone that may be interested, please feel free to contact me at the following: mline@marian.edu 219-712-1861 (cell)

Castle Coach Bob Harmon retires after a very long and successful coaching career. Congratulations Coach. https://castleknightsathletics.com/Article/23242

Rest in peace Coach Tim Brown. He was ALL IN ALL a good man and gave a ton to YOUNG wrestlers and the sport of wrestling in general. Tim gave all he could (willingly). Lots of good memories for a ton of people. A reminder to be present in the everlasting now. SS

Frustrating that schools like Rider, Little Rock (x2), Campbell, and Columbia can put people on the podium, but both our B1G schools are shut out again. I know IU is getting better, and Purdue had success last year, but still frustrating nonetheless.

2 DAC in the NCAA Finals, just saying

Wow. I really assumed he would have one more final year left in him with having a decent team and bringing in Colman Scott already to help with guiding the program. Heck of a career for him as both a competitor and coach.

Middle School State Champ DoubleB to Ft Wayne and @Y2CJ41 becomes his new Daddy

Seen on Flo that Veazy is committed to Michigan. Go Blue! Michigan De'Alcapon Veazy 49 Ponderosa CO 197

When you see Davidson from Michigan and Chesterton in the finals after Mason Parris just won it. Gable was born here. Streck just won his second D2 title. Greg Wagner was a 3 time AA. Tony Vaughn was an AA. Hartleroad already has won U16's. Can we say that we produce the best Heavy's in the Country?

125 - Christian Mejia 133 - Cayden Rooks 141 - Jesse Mendez 149 - Graham Rooks 157 - Brayton Lee 165 - Johnathan Kervin 174 - Brody Baumann 184 - DJ Washington 197 - Silas Allred 285 - Lucas Davison Mostly our D-1 guys, but there were a couple that could be starters on that list that are already behind studs. Blubaugh and Streck would be good starters for this team if we didn't already have Allred and Davison.

Add Mark Durham, Amber Hyde (though not living in Indiana anymore, she’s a native) as well working the tournament.

That was clutch! Congratulations Jesse!

Mendez gets it done! Awesome scramble at the end! Great match

I think he ended up wrestling the perfect match. He pressured, pressured, pressured, wore him down, and kept testing the waters to snipe a low attack all through the last half of the match before finally getting that opening at the death. It was absolutely perfect and he needed every second to pull it off. What a thing of beauty!

Actually the Doster family kind of enjoyed Evansville this year!!!

Man… They stepped it up and gave them gear!!!! In the past they wrestled in school gear. Sounds like a great event. Congrats to all that participated.

Nice after season event. And the even better thing is the person and people that put in the time to tackle the event,And produce a great organized production. The first one that I’ve been to in a while. Ladies added makes for lots of pre production organization. Good job. Hope it continues.

Congratulations to Cameron Crisp Congratulations to from Merrillville for signing with North Central. Projected to wrestle 174. View full signing

It was a great day at Mooresville for Indiana Wrestling. One high light for me was the amount of team members both boys and girls who came up to me and thanked me for having them on the team and how much they appreciated the opportunity to compete one more time. We really are producing some great wrestlers in our state and more importantly these kids have a lot of class and respect. Indiana Gold boys battled hard but came up short 37-22. Winners for the gold team were; Mason Jones Luke Rioux Tony Wood Chis Bohn Duke Myers Indiana Blue sealed a victory for our home state 35-27. Winners were: Gavyn Whitehead Griffin Sanders Carson Fettig Michael Cain Keegan Martin Tyler Schott Brady Byrd Josiah Dedeaux The girls beat Iowa 63-12, but came up short against Illinois 21-44 Double Winners for the girls were: Tola Aluka Sophia Buechner Rose Kaplan Leila Thomas Winner vs Iowa were; Tola Aluka Sophia Buechner Rose Kaplan Leila Thomas Kyra Tomlison Alexes Spaulding Kaylea Beauchamp Jaiah O'Neal Michela Clifford Portia Weaver

WOW! Christian Mejia! He comes in as the 3-seed, having lost only to the top two seeds during the year. Facing the 2-seed, who beat him 9-2 during the year, he hips into a high-c attempt and takes him to his back for the pin only a minute into the match!! He's been on the podium twice before, and now he gets his shot for a title tonight! He'll face the 4-seed, who took out the top seed, and who was the runner-up at this event last year.

Indiana State Legends

List revised: T #1 Dave Doster T #1 Larry Bird # 3 John Wooden (Coach) # 4 Bruce Baumgartner # 5 Burl Ives (Snowman from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) # 6 Kurt Thomas # 7 Bubba The Love Sponge (This is true!) For proof below, #1 on the list!! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indiana_State_University_people Athletics[edit] David Doster, former Major League Baseball player Nevin Ashley, former Major League Baseball player Richard Atha, professional basketball player[50] Robbie Avila, current Sycamores basketball player Clint Barmes, former Major League Baseball player[51] Tim Barrett, former Major League Baseball player Bruce Baumgartner, wrestler, Olympic gold medalist, James E. Sullivan Award[52] Jeff Belskus, president, Indy Eleven Soccer franchise[53] Junius “Rainey” Bibbs, professional baseball player[54] Larry Bird, professional basketball player and administrator[55] Jerry Blemker, junior college baseball coach, Vincennes University 1980-2006; leader in wins, NJCAA; 1,188 wins Cheryl Bridges, women's marathon world record holder, Dec 1971-Dec 1973 Jim Brumfield, professional football player[56] Billy Clapper, head coach, men's basketball Penn State Altoona[57] Roger Counsil, NCAA champion gymnastic coach; former head USA Gymnastics[58] Wayne Davis, professional football player[59] Brian Dorsett, former Major League Baseball player[60] Steve Englehart, head coach, Presbyterian Blue Hose[61] Stewart “Red” Faught, head coach, football, Franklin College[62] Mike Gardiner, former Major League Baseball player Tom Gilles, former Major League Baseball player Vencie Glenn, professional football player[63] Alex Graman, former Major League Baseball player[64] Rick Grapenthin, former Major League Baseball player[65] Robert Griswold, Paralympic swimmer Mitch Hannahs, head coach, Indiana State Sycamores Bill Hayes, former Major League Baseball player & coach John Hazen, professional basketball player[66] Tunch Ilkin, professional football player[67] Blaise Ilsley, former Major League Baseball player Jeff James, Major League Baseball player Tommy John, retired Major League Baseball player[68] Harold Johnson, professional basketball player Wallace Johnson, former Major League Baseball player[69] Doug Kay, professional football coach[70] Beverly Kearney, head coach, University of Texas women's track and field team[71] Duane Klueh, professional basketball player, former head coach of men's basketball, tennis at Indiana State University[72] Danny Lazar, former Major League Baseball player[73] Bryan Leturgez, Olympic bobsledder;[74] bronze medalist - 1993 World Championships Sean Manaea, Major League Baseball player Pancho Martin, professional football player[75][76] Thad Matta, head coach, Men's Basketball; Ohio State University[77] Carl Nicks, professional basketball player[78] Jake Odum, professional basketball player, European Leagues (2014–present) Brian Omogrosso, former Major League Baseball player [79] Jake Petricka, Major League Baseball player Dr. Ferne E. Price, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player; ISU alumni and coach, women's softball and swimming squads[80] Colin Rea, Major League Baseball player Jerry Reynolds, professional basketball coach, general manager[81] Bob Royer, professional basketball player[82] Micah Shrewsberry, head coach Penn State Nittany Lions Chuck Smith, former Major League Baseball player Steve Smith, silver medalist, high jump, 1995 Pan Am Games Zane Smith, former Major League Baseball player[83] Dan Sparks, professional basketball player; NJCAA champion coach[84] Mitch Stetter, Kansas City Royals, Major League Baseball coach[85] Ryan Strausborger, former Major League Baseball player Ryan Tatusko, professional baseball player Joe Thatcher, former Major League Baseball player[86] Kurt Thomas, Olympic participant, gymnastics; James E. Sullivan Award[87] Robert Tonyan, National Football League player (Green Bay Packers) Bobby Turner, Atlanta Falcons, assistant coach (running backs)[88] Jayson Wells (born 1976), basketball player Paul "Billy" Williams, athletic director, Indiana State Muncee Hoosieroons (1921-1958) John Wooden, college basketball player and Hall of Fame college coach[89] Andy Young, Major League Baseball player

I felt like Jason wrestled a much slower pace and more defensive style when he go to college, I remember him being pretty fun to watch in highschool. But pretty boring in college. Still one of the greats! Mendez is a point scoring machine!!

That roll to turn Barletts takedown into his own was insane. JESSIEEE MENDEZZZ!

Davison really opened up the offense in the semi.. been waiting for that kind of action from him, so capable…off to the finals! Well done!

That would be impressive. Not placing at Sectional this year but makes the jump two months later to win a DII national championship.

@UncleJimmy

They possibly had two state champs at HWT! He wrestled well on Sunday!