backtothemat

My kiddo Baxter Annakin has decided to "retire" from wrestling his senior year. He as had too many concussions and values his brain more than one more year on the mat.  He has loved wrestling ever since he joined Castle Wrestling Club as an 11-yr old.  It was 100% his decision, which I think is important to mention.  His Mom and I were crushed, but very proud at the same time.  Concussions are a scary thing and not to be taken lightly.  He will be at Castle's matches rooting on his teammates, especially his senior class.  I've become a big wrestling fan as a result of Baxter's involvement in this great sport, and an even bigger fan of Baxter after watching him grow into a fine young man.
Good luck to all our wrestlers out there this year.  May they stay injury free.
Doug Annakin

By STEVE KRAH
stvkrh905@gmail.com
A willingness to work toward constant improvement has helped raise Elkhart Central High School’s wrestling profile on the bigger stage.
The 2016-17 Blue Blazers forged an 11-5 dual-meet record, beat crosstown rival Elkhart Memorial in a dual meet for the first time in many years then raised an Elkhart Sectional team trophy for the first time in 28.
With Nick Conner (285 pounds), Tykease Baker (160) and Xander Stroud (145) winning their respective weight classes Blue Blazers edged Northridge by two points. It was the ECHS program’s first sectional team title since 1989.
The Blazers won the sectional with a come-from-behind pin victory in a consolation match. 
“It takes a lot of team effort,” says Central head coach Zach Whickcar, now in his sixth season of leading the wrestling program at his alma mater. He grappled for four seasons, graduating in 2006. “Everybody needs to pull their weight.
“We won sectional with 14 guys, but it was the 14 behind them were every bit as important. They needed someone to practice with.”
“It’s been a total buy-in. We took 11 kids to the Jeff Jordan’s State Champ Camp (during the high school off-season). The kids genuinely like being around each other.
“It’s consistency and being present that gets you to where you want to be.”
While they want to win during the regular, everything the Blazers do is focused toward the postseason.
“I’m always telling them that we want to be peaking at sectionals,” says Whickcar. “We want to put out a product that’s competitive. But we want to do what is best for the kids. We want to win a sectional (team title) and we want to do well (as individuals) in the state tournament.”
Since Whickcar took over as head coach for the 2012-13 season (the Blazers were 2-16 in duals that year), Central has produced five IHSAA State Finals qualifiers — Johnny Tredway (eighth place at 160 pounds in 2013), Eliseo Guerra (sixth at 220 in both 2014 and 2015), Stroud (eighth at 145 in 2017) and Chaz Boyd (did not place at 138 in 2017).
Whickcar calls Stroud a “mat junkie.”
“He’s always wrestling,” says Whickcar of a grappler who regularly attends Indiana State Wrestling Association Regional Training Center sessions at Jimtown High School and Midwest Extreme Wrestling Club events at Penn High School besides going to places like Virginia Beach and the Iowa Nationals during the summer. “He takes advantage of those opportunities.”
Stroud said competing in big tournaments has one effect and practicing against good wrestlers has a another.
“The wrestling is done in the RTC’s,” says Stroud. “The tournaments help you with your mindset. It’s about not being worried about who you are facing and just working on your stuff. You wrestle like how you want to wrestle.
“It’s just you wrestling that other kid.”
Plenty of time in the circle has led to acute mat awareness for Stroud.
“He has a real feel for what he needs to do,” says Whickcar. “Like all of our wrestlers, he is able to find a couple of good things he is good at and uses them. He has pretty good leg attacks. But he definitely can get better.”
The wrestler talks about what mat awareness means to him.
“Where I’m at on the mat and the moves I chose to make depends on where I’m at,” says Stroud. “If I’m we’re the outer edge of the mat and I’m on the inside part of the mat and he’s closer to the line, I might shoot him out to get him out-of-bounds to re-set my position to the center.”
“Or maybe he has my leg, I’ll watch my position and step out so we can re-set and go back to the center.”
A rule change this season also allows wrestlers to get pins outside the circle. Before they could get “back” points but not falls.
“You still have to have a supporting part (of your body) inbounds,” says Stroud. “Now you can go for a pin instead of just getting points.
“You have to really watch your position more now since you can get pinned out-of-bounds.”
The current Central lineup features Sean Johnson (106), Eric Garcia (113), Brad Felder (120), Jacob Hess (126), Tony Lopez (132), Raul Martinez (138), Peyton Anderson or Austin Garcia (145), Nathan Dibley (152), Xander Stroud (160), Carlos Fortoso (170), Peterson Ngo (182), Alex Lucias (195), Omar Perez (220) and Nick Conner (285).
Stroud, Conner, Lucias, Martinez, Perez and Ngo (back after wrestling for Central as a sophomore) are seniors leading the 2017-18 Blazers.
“Those six seniors have busted their butt,” says Whickcar. “They love the sport.”
Stroud, who is planning to study biomedical engineering in college and may wrestle at the next level, says he prefers to lead by example.
“Omar Perez and Alex Lucias — They are pretty vocal,” says Stroud. “I only yell when I have to. 
“Our team is pretty good about doing what they are supposed to (be doing). During the season, we do larger things. At the end of the season, we fine-tune things. That’s when you want to peak — at the end of the season.”
The Blazers opened the 2017-18 varsity season Saturday, Nov. 25 by placing second to Central Noble at the Elkhart Central Turkey Duals.
Before the New Year, the Blazers have home dual meets slated against Northridge Dec. 5 and Mishawaka Dec. 7. 
Then comes  the Jim Nicholson Charger Invitational at Elkhart Memorial Dec. 9 and dual meets at Elkhart Memorial Dec. 12 and South Bend Adams Dec. 14 followed by the 32-team Al Smith Classic at Mishawaka Dec. 29-30.
Coming down the stretch of the regular season, there’s a dual at Penn Jan. 4, East Noble Invitational Jan. 6, Northern Indiana Conference meet Jan. 13 and dual at Jimtown Jan. 18.
Besides Whickcar, ECHS wrestlers are pushed by a coaching staff with Central graduates Abe Que, Trevor Echartea and Zack Kurtz, Elkhart Memorial graduates Carson Sappington and Steven Vergonet and Concord graduate Brian Pfeil.

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My kiddo Baxter Annakin has decided to "retire" from wrestling his senior year. He as had too many concussions and values his brain more than one more year on the mat.  He has loved wrestling ever since he joined Castle Wrestling Club as an 11-yr old.  It was 100% his decision, which I think is important to mention.  His Mom and I were crushed, but very proud at the same time.  Concussions are a scary thing and not to be taken lightly.  He will be at Castle's matches rooting on his teammates, especially his senior class.  I've become a big wrestling fan as a result of Baxter's involvement in this great sport, and an even bigger fan of Baxter after watching him grow into a fine young man.
Good luck to all our wrestlers out there this year.  May they stay injury free.
Doug Annakin

My kiddo Baxter Annakin has decided to "retire" from wrestling his senior year. He as had too many concussions and values his brain more than one more year on the mat.  He has loved wrestling ever since he joined Castle Wrestling Club as an 11-yr old.  It was 100% his decision, which I think is important to mention.  His Mom and I were crushed, but very proud at the same time.  Concussions are a scary thing and not to be taken lightly.  He will be at Castle's matches rooting on his teammates, especially his senior class.  I've become a big wrestling fan as a result of Baxter's involvement in this great sport, and an even bigger fan of Baxter after watching him grow into a fine young man.
Good luck to all our wrestlers out there this year.  May they stay injury free.
Doug Annakin

I dont have a clue why Jaden Sonner of New Albany isnt not only on there but not in the top 8. He is 59-1 in his last 60 High School matches. Has quite a few noticable wins over that period also. He got upset in the ticket round last 2 years. Had a few good tourneys in the offseason also. 

My kiddo Baxter Annakin has decided to "retire" from wrestling his senior year. He as had too many concussions and values his brain more than one more year on the mat.  He has loved wrestling ever since he joined Castle Wrestling Club as an 11-yr old.  It was 100% his decision, which I think is important to mention.  His Mom and I were crushed, but very proud at the same time.  Concussions are a scary thing and not to be taken lightly.  He will be at Castle's matches rooting on his teammates, especially his senior class.  I've become a big wrestling fan as a result of Baxter's involvement in this great sport, and an even bigger fan of Baxter after watching him grow into a fine young man.
Good luck to all our wrestlers out there this year.  May they stay injury free.
Doug Annakin

Unless he really picked up a lot of size we can add a very tough Owen Sego from Indian Creek in the mix too. I believe he's only a sophomore this year. 

As you all know us grapplers don't get our repsect in a ball bouncing state. Look at da article and you will see we got a purdy good group of young men up hear in da region.

The toughest on I know of is Evansville 138. It’s crazy! In no order....
Mulkey- brownsburg- senior
Miranda- Avon- senior
Campbell- Ben Davis- senior
Combest- Columbus East- Senior
Matt Lee- EMD
and the first three are in the same sectional!!! 
Dont see a tougher semi-state weight class out there. Prove me wrong.

I think a more interesting question what are the toughest SS's by weight class?  Anyone up for the challenge?

University of Chicago is one of the most competitive (to get into) and respected institutions of higher learning in the U.S.  Congrats Chandler.  Just don't venture to far off campus in the wrong direction!  

Edgewood moved their Mustang Invite to the day before Thanksgiving to alleviate some turkey day stress!
Teams   Round 1   Round 2   Round 3   Round 4   Round 5   Round 6 Ben Davis                         Bloomington North Mat 1 Edgewood vs BC   Edge vs FC   WW vs JC   Edge vs Mart   Edge vs JC   Edge vs Sey Brown County                         Edgewood Mat 2 North vs Seymour   BD vs New Albany   North vs BD   BD vs WW   NA vs Mart   JC vs North Floyd Central                         Jennings County Mat 3 Ben Davis vs J.C.   Jennings C vs Mart   BC vs NA   BC vs North   BC vs WW   BD vs Mart Martinsville                         New Albany Mat 4 Martinsville vs FC   West Wash vs Sey   FC vs Sey   NA vs Sey   North vs FC   BC vs FC Seymour                         West Washington                       NA vs WW

I know it’s out of topic but without the people that serve in the military there is no website!
Thank you to all that served and are serving now!

Middle School state should be combined with the Freshman/Sophomore state the weekend after the state finals.

The Walsh Jesuit Ironman is doing a 4-man round robin Junior High exhibition showcase of the best middle schoolers in the country before the finals. 
Along with Jesse is:
-Nic Bouzakis(Lake Highland Prep FL)
-Ryan Crookham(Bethlehem Catholic PA)
-Gavin Brown(Legacy Christian OH)
Will we ever see the travel restriction rule removed so Indiana can get some teams in this tournament?
 

Good to see Mike Golic giving wrestling a little "love" by wearing a polo short with USA Wrestling's logo on it.
Thumbs up to the big man!

Congratulations to Dawson Combest from Columbus East for signing with Indianapolis. He is projected to wrestle 141.

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Congratulations to Jack Eiteljorge from Carmel for signing with Indianapolis. He is projected to wrestle 157, 165.

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Brigham Kleinhenz had an article called Tackling Machine in the Columbus Republic.  Great kid and a 2X semi-state qualifier for North.
http://www.therepublic.com/2017/10/12/tackling_machine/

I have started getting info which is nice and if you know who to watch or weight confirmation s please pm me here

We had a great time with this group of young men.  After going 5-0 and winning our pool, we ran into 3 outstanding academy all-star teams in the gold pool and went 0-3 to finish 4th overall.  Our guys really battled hard and carried themselves well.  Thomas Penola (Zionsville) went undefeated for Hoosier Hustle and wrestled out of his mind!  He was in great shape and pushed his opponents past their breaking point in about every match.  Several of our wrestlers rallied in individual matches to tie it up and then won in OT.  Each of the wrestlers on this squad undoubtedly had a weak spot or two exposed that they need to come home and work on, but that is why we go to events of this nature.  Many of the PA wrestlers really, really ride and turn efficiently on top.  Overall, a great experience with a great group of young men who each represented their school and community with great effort and sportsmanship.  Thank you to the IN and IL coaches who supported this project by allowing their wrestler to compete with Hoosier Hustle.  A special congratulations to Ty Mills and Thomas Penola who have committed to wrestle for Duke and Purdue respectively.  Two fine student-athletes!
As I told the wrestlers this past weekend, the upcoming high school season will be my 30th, and final, season as a head high school wrestling coach.  This past weekend was my last preseason event, and I, and our coaches, had a blast with this group of guys.  These guys were a class act all the way around!  Best of luck to all of the Hoosier Hustle squad members this upcoming high school season.
Coach McCormick

Congratulations to Ty Mills from Brownsburg for signing with Duke. He is projected to wrestle 125.

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Nicely done.  Nothing like early preseason predictions!

Nicely done.  Nothing like early preseason predictions!

106: 1.) B. Lowery - RHS
          2.) L. Bailey - CHS
          3.) A. Cottey - PM
          4.) D. Pierson - WC
113: 1.) AJ Black - Shenandoah 
         2.) G. Smith - LC
         3.) R. Luhmann - HSE
         4.) C. Eldred - Westfield 
120: 1.) S. Fair - PM
         2.) G. Rose - GC
          3.) S. Johnson - NM
          4.) B. Mattingly - Carmel
126: 1.) A. Viduya - RHS
         2.) L. Walendzak - CHS
         3.) T. Ragle - NC
         4.) B. Hall - SD
132: 1.) A. Mosconi - CHS
         2.) T. Freije - RHS
         3.) C. Noehre - GC
         4.) B. Coleman - WC
138: 1.) Z. Melloh - CHS
          2.) E. Smiley - BG
          3.) A. Strueder - Fishers
          4.) A. Warren - PM
145: 1.) J. Slivka - CHS
          2.) A. Graves - WC
          3.) J. Mancera - LC
          4.) J. Servies PM
152: 1.) N. Warren - PM
          2.) E. Rogers - CHS
          3.) G. Lane - EC
           4.) C. Groves - NM
160: 1.) J. Eiteljorge - Carmel
          2.) C. Klettheimer - Frankton
           3.) T. Coffman - UC
           4.) A. Mosconi - CHS
170: 1.) D. Berkebile - Frankton
         2.) E. Mahan - RHS
         3.) T.  Booker - LC
         4.) B. Davis - PM
182: 1.) S. Allred - Shenandoah 
          2.) T. Penola - Zionsville
          3.) B. Lowe - GC
          4.) C. Baker - Frankton
195: 1.) J. Rolfes - Lawreceburg
          2.) S. Hansen - RHS
          3.) D. Brooks - LC
           4.) D. Delph - Frankton
220:  1.) J. McClaine - Lebanon 
           2.) A. Guhl - CHS
           3.) K. Cornwell - Elwood
           4.) L. Burton - NP
285: 1.) M. Parris - Lawrenceburg
          2.) C. Kunkleman - HSE
          3.) J. Obst - CHS
          4.) M. Stone - Elwood