Years ago, my son C.J. came home from elementary school, pulled a crumpled flyer from his backpack, and announced that he wanted to try wrestling.
My wife and I shrugged, saying, "Sure, why not?," quietly assuming this little sports experiment would end the way soccer, karate, flag football, swimming, and basketball had ended: with a few Saturdays spent in a local gym or park or pool with similarly bored parents drinking wine out of coffee mugs in a weekly ritual that culminated in C.J.'s declaration that "(insert sport here) isn't my thing."
I assumed, given he was always a head taller than his classmates and I was once upon a time a decent basketball player (cue Springsteen's "Glory Days"), that his hoops genes would eventually kick in.
Oh, how wrong I was.
At the time, everything I knew about wrestling I had learned from Emilio Estevez in "The Breakfast Club." My wife, the over-preparer, bought "Wrestling for Dummies" and read it, but I never bothered. This wasn't going to last. I had a karate uniform, football cleats, and a soccer goal in the storage room to prove it.
In his first wrestling match at Jesuit, he trotted out onto the mat in the "required uniform" (tights!) with a similarly spandex-ed youth. They proceeded to grapple and roll around with each other like baby elephant seals on espresso until apparently my son's opponent did something good and the ref smacked the mat, declaring C.J. had been pinned.
I turned to my wife and said, "This is the stupidest sport ever." We got up and prepared to leave wrestling behind for good. Perhaps now I could get him back on the basketball court and teach him some of my mad hoops skillz. He ran up to us, flushed with excitement. "Did you SEE ME?"
Uh oh.
C.J. enrolled at Archbishop Rummel High School and joined the wrestling team.
Over the next five years, we learned many things. We learned that, unlike football and basketball, which were played for finite amounts of time at reasonable hours, my wife or I was expected to be up before dawn to drive C.J. hundreds of miles to and from rural gymnasiums, where we would spend our entire Saturday sitting on hard bleachers, lunching on Cheetos, and watching our son get pinned and eliminated in a grand total of 60 seconds.
We learned that the smell of a wrestling practice can literally knock over a full-grown rhino. We learned to read wrestling brackets clearly designed by insane mathematicians. We learned to work concession stands selling donuts to the kids who didn't have to cut weight. We learned what "cut weight" means.
We learned about the diagnosis and treatment of exotic skin diseases like impetigo and ringworm (sadly, at the same time). We learned how long it takes to get an X-ray in the emergency room (hint: really long). We learned that leaving wrestling shoes in the car overnight effectively makes the car uninhabitable forever.
During those five years, I never saw a TV camera at a wrestling match. C.J. didn't get his name in the paper. He didn't run through a painted banner. There were no cheerleaders, pep rallies or marching bands. Wrestling is a lonely sport that attracts little media and fewer groupies.
The first time C.J. got his arm raised in victory, it wasn't because he'd won, but because the other kid failed to appear. That was wrestling's first life lesson to C.J.: Sometimes, success means just showing up.
The first time he won a match, he looked up at us in the stands with the same expression our Labrador gets when he accidentally catches a squirrel. When he had his arm raised in victory, he said he felt "like a god."
Meet the area's 19 2017 LHSAA wrestling state champions
Here are the 19 area athletes that won state championships
In the ensuing seasons, he didn't get that feeling too often, however. For a long time, C.J. lost more than he won, sometimes much, much more. But he never quit, even when we told him it would be OK (we secretly wanted our Saturdays back). He stuck with it. "You just bought yourself another Saturday."
Over the seasons, kids came and went from the wrestling program like radio stations on a cross-country drive, but not only did C.J. not give up, neither did his coaches. No one wants to feel like they are wasting someone else's time, but coaches Jon Orillion, Robert Pinero and Jim Ravannack continued to push him, to support him, and to encourage him while reassuring us that win or lose, C.J. belonged.
And on Saturdays, C.J. still got beaten.
And C.J. kept getting up, shaking the hand of his opponent and praising their effort.
And on Mondays, C.J. went back to practice to start all over again.
We began to realize that wrestling was teaching our son something about life: how to win with humility and to lose with dignity. Winning, despite what we are frequently told, is not what life is about. Life is about getting back up after you've been knocked flat or humiliated. "Screws fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place" and you'd better be ready to deal with it.
Life is as much about perseverance as talent. Probably more.
In his senior year, C.J. was now 6 feet 4 with a decidedly basketball player's body, but long hours in the weight room had him benching over 300 pounds. He was no longer the chubby little elephant seal who got pinned in his first match. The massive investment of time and faith by C.J.'s coaches and by C.J. himself had begun to pay off. He won a score of matches in his senior season, usually employing his 5-foot long arms for his signature cradle.
Wrestling had become fun for both him and his long-suffering parents, though there was a family-wide competition to see who was more nervous before a match.
At the state wrestling championships this past weekend in Bossier City, my wife and I, like many wrestling parents, asked ourselves how we ended up here, years removed from the day C.J. waved that crumpled wrestling flyer at us. High above the 10 mats on the floor of the CenturyLink Center, C.J.'s name appeared on the JumboTron along with that of his upcoming opponent. We were preparing to watch some muscular, intense young man who shaved attempt to mash our precious baby boy into the ground. Then we realized that his opponent's parents were probably somewhere in the bleachers thinking the exact same thing.
We calculated that we'd spent at least a total of a month of the past five years sitting in the car waiting for him to emerge from practice and twice as long sitting on wooden bleachers. We'd absorbed through our skin a gallon of ink from tournament hand-stamps. We'd weighed him 7,000 times to make sure the previous night's pizza bacchanalia didn't put him into a higher weight class. This weekend, it was all ending.
As his match approached, his mother slipped from the stadium, as usual unable to watch. My hands shook. They never shook in Iraq, or while shooting Super Bowls, or in the middle of hurricanes, but now I couldn't control them. I wanted to throw up. C.J.'s teammates lined the railing behind him, screaming along with the coaches as C.J. and his opponent battled fiercely.
And after six intense minutes, C.J. had his arm raised. He had won. But before everything, he offered his hand to his opponent to lift him from the mat.
Late in the day, C.J.'s wrestling career ended. There will be no wrestling scholarship, no Olympics, he has no ride to blow. He is unlikely to ever again put on headgear and the "required uniform" (I learned it's actually called a singlet). After losing for the second time, he was eliminated from the state championship.
But he got up from the mat with a big smile. He congratulated his opponent. He first hugged Coach Jon, then all his other coaches and teammates, then he hugged me. He didn't throw his headgear. He didn't blame the ref (even if it DID look like C.J. had the pin in the second minute. Just saying.) He lost but that was OK, and wrestling taught him that.
The points he earned with his win helped put Rummel into second place and C.J. hoisted the team's runner-up state championship trophy on the podium surrounded by the brothers we couldn't give him (because children are REALLY expensive.)
As the wrestlers headed back to the team buses, some with medals, some without, the wrestling parents packed up too and headed back to their wrestling shoe-infected vehicles, their season of long drives and hard bleachers finally over. At C.J.'s first match, I said that wrestling was a stupid sport. I was wrong.
When we got back home to New Orleans, C.J. hung his team runner-up state champion medal on the mantel and said, "I guess I'm retired. What's next?"
1. Brownsburg - 8 wrestlers, 5 with a decent shot at a title, a couple others should advance. I don't think anyone will be close to them
2. Yorktown - They bring 7 with a couple that could win it all. They have a couple of tough first round matches (Stephenson vs Triana, Rutter vs Noah Warren) where they could lose a couple guys early. But they always wrestle solid, manage the score and are potential for a good run
3. Chesterton - 6 wrestlers. Both Davison brothers are a threat to title. I think Pokorney and Lemley both could win a couple matches for them. If either of the Tolin brothers get through the first round then I like their changes to possibly challenge Yorktown for #2
4. Cathedral - Also 7 wrestlers. Bailey, Slivka, Melloh, Stewart could have deep runs. I think Oliver exits early, but 145 Rodgers got a favorable first round draw and could get some team points. Guhl would be a bonus but I see him losing in first round
5. Portage - 8 wrestlers but I think 4 or 5 don't score after being eliminated Friday night. Peele, Poynter, and possibly Torres could place. Rumph and McIntosh could challenge for title, but both would have to wrestle lights out to get there as the path is steep.
6. Columbus East - only 5 wrestlers, but some real potential for big points. Both Rooks brothers could legitimately challenge for title so they could each score 20+ team points. Combest has a favorable draw as the #1/2/3 guys are on the opposite side of the bracket. If Schoenegge makes a nice early run and if Pollitt can win that opening round against Cathedral freshman Rodgers then they could pass Portage
7. Avon - Again only 5 wrestlers but they have some big guns. I have Garcia winning it all. Larson gets put on the Parris side of the bracket so that might limit his points. Rioux is great and he could make the difference in team placement but he has some tough opponents. Both Conley and Clark should win first round, then get challenged in the 2nd round. Avon could finish as high as 5th I think but just doesn't have the numbers or the draws to climb higher
It seemed like a person or two was concerned with MD only getting 5 thru and how the mighty had fallen. I look at the young talent they already have at the HS and all that MS talent, its hard for me to imagine them being anything but great for many years to come.
Evansville had a lot of great performances, my top ones would be
1. Logan boe of Danville...4 seed over a 1 seed who was/is a ranked returning State qualifier. Followed by a pin in the ticket round and then a close match (3-1) with a tough avon kid...followed by another win for 3rd.
To put it all in perspective one kid from Danville scored more points than the entire Castle team who brought 13 kids.
2. Columbus east as a team...semi-final round was crazy...they just couldn't lose I was almost worried for B. Lee at 145 lol
3. Monrovia 170lb Stock beating Vanhorn in the finals for the 2nd time
**Honorable mention** goes to New Washington's Noah Franklin (just cuz it's my list)
--Newcastle--
1. Perry Meridians B. Lowery at 106...what a day talk about beating some ranked kids..and beating some kids that had beat you.
Since no one is coming to the defense of Austin Bethel, it looks like I will...
1st point- The injury time was due to a medical condition that Austin has struggled with for 4 years. It is a huge accomplishment that he has been able to continue to compete when after his freshman year it was thought he would never wrestle again. The injury stoppage was MY call to check on the health of MY wrestler. I will not comment any further due to confidentiality.
2nd point- We used ALL of our injury time so that we would not stop the match again. If we had to stop again, we would have defaulted the match. We, Mt. Vernon, do not win that way. We do not break rules or take dives to win matches.
3rd point- The two stoppages AFTER the injury time were due to blood time. That is not on myself or Austin. The official saw it and HAS to stop the match to tend to the blood issue. If anyone watched Ripple's match with Henson, we were on the unfortunate end of that blood time...and we are not complaining about that nor would we be had we lost.
4th point- As to the remarks on his conditioning...I invite you to come watch our running, swimming, and live sessions and ask you to see who goes the hardest, the longest. Austin is in great shape and many don't see that due to his style of getting pins early in matches. For the record, he had Cooper pretty close to pinned (if not pinned) 3 times in the first period. Had that call happened, like it should have, this post would not exist.
Lastly- Neither Austin, the ref, or myself broke any rules during this match. It gets under MY skin that anyone would take a shot at a kid like this. This senior deserved his chance to finish the match even if it was on one leg. We are proud of Austin and all of his accomplishments. He became the FIRST wrestler in our school's history to qualify for state 4 times! That is what I will take away from this weekend and that is worthy of praise, not criticism.
Congrats Austin & Wade!! You guys make MV proud!!
Tim Alcorn
Mt. Vernon Head Wrestling Coach
Y2,
I respectfully ask that this post be haulted before it takes any turns for the worse. I know people are entitled to their opinion, but I think this week leading up to the state finals should positively focused on the kids.
1prouddad....As a MD alum and fan, I would love to agree with you about your statement but Luigs was pinned. Yes he bridged his way out of bounds but when he wasn't bridging he was clearly pinned. I'm glad he won, but he shouldn't have. I hope he brings his A game next week and finishes his career with a state championship.
Welcome to TripleB’s annual Evansville Semi-State Wrestling Preview Spectacular!!
Before we get into the good stuff, let’s cover what’s important:
The following PSA is brought to you by Markio:
Ford Arena info:
Parking and general information about the arena can be found at www.thefordcenter.com
Wrestlers can enter the arena at 7:30am for weigh ins. Wrestlers and coaches will enter at the interior ticket office lobby (to the far right of the main lobby doors) to check in and head back. You will pick up your credentials here.
The only coolers allowed are for wrestlers and must enter at the check in table through the interior ticket lobby. NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK for anyone else is allowed inside unfortunately. Not my rules, just standard building policy.
Public doors open at 8:00am CST. Enter on Main Street through the main lobby. We will look to create a separate door/entrance for those that already have tickets.
There is NO onsite parking. Please do not have any team vehicles attempt to park in the loading dock or attached outer lot. These are reserved spots.
There is no public Wi-Fi.
Tickets are $10 cash at the door. Premium loge seats are available for purchase now and on event day. They are $40 pre-event and $30 if you show up and want them day of. They include a $15 concessions voucher.There is an ATM in the lobby if you need to get some cash out.
Please do not jump over the dasher walls to access the floor. They try to control access to the floor, so you need to enter from the lower level hallway under section 103. You wouldn't jump the wall at Banker's Life would you? lol
The hospitality room for officials, etc. will be in the Corner Club. Enter from the main lobby and hang a right at lower level hallway.
If you are going to set up a camera please do not have the cord running across the aisle. You will be made to unplug any cords running across an aisle.
We will have full concessions available throughout the day. Coffee and hot chocolate are also available all day as well. (get the bbq pork nachos, huge and awesome)
There is no smoking on or in the Ford Center property, this includes e-cigarettes.
Brackets will be updated throughout the day and posted on several of the 170 or so TVs located all over the arena. The brackets end up kind of small, but hey, they are everywhere and pretty cool.
Lastly,if you are a wrestler that loses please don't kick,throw,or punch Ford Center property. We had a kid break off a door handle last year.Sent the bill to the school.
Thanks Markio!
Our next celebrity is Evansville owns HookandHalf and his better half Hookticia:
Introduction
Republic Aviation built the P-47 Thunderbolt—terror of America’s enemies—in Evansville, Indiana to support the allies’ WWII effort. 224 Thunderbolts will find their way to the mats at the Ford Center, this Saturday…
Hook's Recommendations:
Friday night- Hit historic Franklin Street; this one is a no-brainer. Tie on the feed bag at the Gerst Haus and enjoy 50 beers on tap. Smitty’s is an authentic Italian steakhouse. Sportsman’s Billiards is a 1920’s style pool hall with great bar food. The Tinman, Lamasco, Leroy’s….the list goes on and on. Saturday morning- Go to Rosie’s Diner! You will not be impressed with the neighborhood; you will be impressed with the wait staff and food. Saturday night- Angelo’s is two blocks from the Ford Center. You can thank me later. Enjoy Chicago-style pizza at Franklin Street Pizza. And, as always, when attending ANYTHING at the Ford Center—bring your wallet. You will need it.
Hook’s Dirty South All-Name Team
106 Logan “Sport” Stephenson, Owen “Wilson” Sego, Sam “I am” Owen, Camden “Oops, I Did It Again” Spears, Will “Purple” Hays, Drake “Soup” Campbell Ray “De Janiero” Rioux, Dayton “Deer” Hunter, Devon “Lightning” Casebolt Logan Boe “A Constrictor”, “Captain” Morgan Smith , Noah “The Vegetable” Gardner 113 Asa “Andy” Garcia, Brooks “Achy Breaky” Hartz, Joey “Flash” Gordon, Jay “Bird” Orman Kane “Scrambled” Egli, Aaron Adkins “Diet”, Jake “The Snake” Wilson, Camden Rose “Has Its Thorn”, Victor “Goes the Spoils” Antunez, Alex “High Octane” Petro Seth “Rogen” Rohrbach, Keandre “Elementary” Watson, Evan “Breakin’ The” Lawhead Seth Horty “Hears a Who” 120 “R” Cayden Rooks, Brycen “Grand Slam” Denny, Hunter “Uncle Ben” Rice, Ty “Sugar” Mills Justin “Time” Ruddick, Neal “The Real Deal” Bealmear, Zane “E” Sullivan, Eric “Harpen Yes” Harpeneau, Steven “Duck” Weddle, Trenton “Richie” Cunningham Eli “Whitney” Dickens, Justice “League” Cash, Lane “Wishing” Wells, Alex “Willie” Mosconi 126 “Welcome” Matt Lee, Zach “Turning” Lane, Gabe “Arm” Pitzulo, Dalton “007” Craig Noah “Rabbit” Hunt, Cameron “Bass” Fisher, Jonathan “Straightnen” Kervin Peyton “Manning” Pruett, Austin “Fry” Cook, “Peter” Parker McNeely, “Teddy” Graham Rooks Carson “Whatchu Talkin Bout” Willis 132 “Sweet” Kyle Luigs, Noah “Jim” Morrison, Carson “Black &” Deckard, Mason Miranda “Rights” David Teague “Of Their Own”, Ethan “Rooster” Hensley, Brett “Michaels” Smith, LJ “Heavy” Burdon Matt “Johnny” Kincaid, Noah “Ben” Franklin, Donald “Duck” Campbell, Tristen Dowell “Rod” 138 Derek “Red Ball” Blubaugh, Nolan “Double” Weidner, Jake “Arnold” Schoenegge, Levi “Strauss” Miller, Drew “N” Dearing, Brandon “Pencil &” Penegar, Ryan “Bam Bam” Bigelow Tristan “Buy Less” Sellmer, Dexter “Lab” Grubb, Colten “Bananas” Foster, Adam “Sapple” Anderson Robert “The Jeweler” Deters 145 Curtis “Tom” Collins, Brayton “Bruce” Lee, Austin “Texas” Heckman, Corban “Bernson” Pollitt Tony “Bologna” Mosconi, Luke “What The” Fleck, Harley “Race” Gorman, Joe “Don’t Worry B” Happe, Ethan “Hair Beginning” Wigand, Sam “Oh No” Osho Brooks “Trout” Wathen, Blake “Spider” Webb, Evan “No” Bullock, Logan “Spring” Coyle 152 Josh “Anderson” Cooper, Timmy “& Lassie” Burton, Zach “Michael” Myers, Austin Bethel “I Hear You Callin”, Tucker “Shaw” Schank, Zach “Fig” Newton, Clay “Almond Joy” McNutt, “Notta” Trace Thomas, Kye “Cabinet” Fehrenbacher Wyatt “Earp” Dalton, Andy “Harley” Davidson, Denver “Colorado” Aydelott 160 Zane “Meineke” Beineke, Shawn “P Diddy” Coane, Ethan “Beef” Stock “Car” Chase Wilson, Carson “Master” Brewer, Elliston Ross “Geller” “Jackie” Gleason Mappes, “Umbilical” Korde Weber, Macartney “Band on the Run” Parkinson Devon “Yikes” Stikes, DeShawn “Walking Tall” Buford, “Blue” Jaylen Adkins Jesse “James” Hunter, Jacob “Old MacDonald” Farmer 170 Conner “Moreno” Brown, Anthony “Fusilli” Cicciarelli, Andrew “Dice” Chapman “I Like” Ike Murrell, Burk “Enstock” Vanhorn, Wyatt “Field Marshall Bernard” Montgomery Joe “Folded” Creasey, Chris “Tipper” Spiller, Carson “Cougar” Mohler “Camp” Jonah “And The Whale” Hays, Kameron Fuller “House”, Eli Stock “Market” Micah “Rock” Keller 182 Jeremy “Mount” McKinley, Sam “Hungry Like The” Woolf, Eyan “Smoldering” Coldren Jake “Gimme Some” Moore, Jaden “Here Comes The” Sonner, Andrew “Dean” Koonce Camryn “Was in Egypt’s Land” Smith, Jacob “Jimi” Hendrich, Thomas “Sharpie” Dull Danny “Zuko” Reams, Will “Priestly” Nunn, Brigham “Young” Kleinhenz Nathan “Bill” Walton, “Tail” Gunner Williams, Karl “Shed” Hauser Kiave Guerrier “& Ives” 195 Jack “Russell” Michel, Luke “I’m Your Father” Smith, Grant Goforth “& Prosper”, Will “Rockin” Rolley, Bradley “Empty Pan” Philpot, Destin “Florida” Hardy Holden “On” Abshier, Ryan “Green Eggs &” Hammond Kurtis “Call Of The” Widerman, William “Iphone” Seri, Greg “Brady” Brown Aaron Breivogel “Electric”, Deion “Sanders” Cooper, Chris Barclay “Center” 220 Abel “Geraldo” Rivera, Clayton “Flat &” Scroggs, Dalton “Pencil Ground” Pinaire Brennan “Stormin” Norman, Gunnar “Bayonet” Larson, Aaron “Amsterdam” Hollen Payton “Place” Halbig, Josh “Wine” McCorkle, Michael Boots “Are Made For Walkin” Tyler “It’s” Allgood, Austin “Powers” Scheckles, Tanner “Hide” Christenberry Isaac “Spice” McCormick 285 Harley “Von” Hillenburg, Cory “Reef” Heinrichs, Alex “Trebeck” Lichlyter, “Mai” Ty Sorg Jordan Headdy “Lamar”, Silas Goff “Club”, Rickie “You’re So Fine You Blow My Mind” Clark Bryce “Is Right” Biddle, Brycen “Tiger” Woods, Dylan “Dean” Cain, “Hip” Wade “R” Ripple Brett “Gus” Henson, Nathan Long “Jump”,Kody “Love Shack” Moshak
Wow, thanks HookandHalf and Hookticia
How can I be expected to follow that?? We’ll preview all 14 weights. Each weight will feature:
The Charles Barkley “Turrible” Draws - ticket round matches that shouldn’t be happening in the ticket round!
The Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerkerss - Best first round matches!
Ford Fab 4 - I assemble a regional rep from each regional, myself, and this year a special guest voter (BacktotheMat) and they make their picks and I tally up the votes to assemble our Ford Fab 4.
[The Built Ford Tough Locks - The rare of the rare, a Ford Tough Lock is a wrestler who garners first place votes from all 6 voters. This year we had an amazing and record setting 7 Ford Tough Locks, and was just a few votes away from having 9.
The Cam Newton Dabs: Wrestlers who got points, but not enough to make the Fab 4, we’ll give them some Dab!
Without further ado...UNLEASH THE PREVIEW!!
Edit - I just got done with this and I realized that this year is the year of the semi-finals, holy smokes there will be some doozies! This will set up some murder’s row matches next Friday night in Indy!
106: Don’t be late, be sure to get to Stoll’s Country Inn early Saturday morning and leave yourself plenty of time to get settled in. “The” Drake Campbell and “There’s something about” Ray Rioux have waged war this year, with Rioux finally grabbing a win last week. Can Devon Casebolt bring drop a lightning bolt on this rivalry or do we see the next battle this weekend? Owen Sego spent a big chunk of the year at 113, he’s been behind Rioux and Campbell, can the Indian Creek Frosh take a big step this weekend?
This weight features 4 state ranked wrestlers and 2 great Barry Horowitz Curtain Jerkers!!
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - Regionals isn’t the best time to have an off day and Mater Dei senior Kaleb Hinderliter might see the light close on his career if he’s not ready right off the bat Saturday. Hinderliter and Rioux will mix it up right off the bat, the team race will also start to develop here as well. Unranked, Contender trained Logan Boe looks to go big early as he takes on Castle Knight Devon Casebolt. Boe has flown under radar this year, can he pull off the first early upset?
Charles Barkley Turrible Draws - Nothing here really sticks out outside of the aforementioned Hinderliter/Rioux first round matchup.
The Dab - Terre Haute Senior Logan Stephenson got some love but not enough to get out, but matches happen on the mat, not on the internet!
Ford Fab 4 - Campbell, Rioux, and Casebolt all got first place votes… but when the dust settled: 1st - Drake Campbell, Brownsburg. 2nd - Devon Casebolt, Castle. 3rd - Ray Rioux, Avon. 4th - Owen Sego, Indian Creek.
113: It’s Asa’s world at 113, and everybody else is just squirrels! Defending State Champ and Avon’s Asa Garcia is our first Ford Tough Lock and he’s repping #TheCounty and #AvonYoungGunz. After Garcia 4 other state ranked wrestlers fill the brackets at 113. That means at least 1 state ranked wrestler isn’t getting out, and the voters think another isn’t getting out either
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - This is turrrrible first round draw and definitely deserves a Baker BOOOOO!! Two state ranked wrestlers, two top four ranked SS kids will be going at it right off the bat; Evansville Memorial senior Seth Horty and Brownsburg Sophomore Evan Lawhead won’t waste time in bringing the fun to the Ford Center. The loser goes home, the winner more than likely punches his ticket to the finals.
Charles Barkley Turrible Draw - Not a terrible draw on paper, but #19 (#4 SS) Victor Antunez has had a marvelous season, but the voters like Center Grove’s Alex Petro. The votes were razor thin, this match could be a great one!
The Dab - See above, don’t be surprised if Antunez is in the finals. Built Ford Tough Lock: Asa Garcia, Avon, #TheCounty #AvonYoungGunz
Ford Fab 4 - 1 - Asa Garcia Avon. 2 - Seth Horty, Evansville Memorial. 3 - Kane Egli, Evansville Mater Dei. 4 - Alex Petro, Center Grove.
120: Let’s get this out of the way, no Lock at 120, okay let’s proceed. Team Dark Horses have to be the Columbus East Olympians. Injuries and bad first rd draws could cancel out some Wildcats, Bulldogs, and Orioles. Does that mean Columbus East Hammers can slip through to a very surprising team title? If so Cayden Rooks will need to get the ball rolling at 120. Brownsburg Sophomore Ty Mills has spent 2 years ranked #1 and is returning SS Champ, he hopes to squash Olympic hopes early as him and #3 ranked Rooks should lock up in the semis. This weight class looks lights out on paper w/ 4 ranked and predicted podium placers in the brackets, but also our first true Turrrrrrible Draw!!!
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - There are 2 quarter brackets in the whole semi state w/ no SS ranked wrestlers and 120 features one of those brackets. 3 of the four kids got votes and this quarter bracket should be a doozy, just hungry kids getting after it. Sullivan/Harpenau and Weddle/Cunningham start things off.
Also 2 Freshman Phenoms that are more like grizzled veterans will engage right off the bat. SS #3 and state #4 Eli Dickens and SS #7 Justice Cash will battle for the right to compete in a (see below)
Charles Barkley Turrible Draw - Two top 8 ranked kids going at it in the blood round?!?!?!?! Cash Me On the Mah, HowBow Dah??? Should Mater Dei’s Dickens survive some tough Justice in the first round, then he will get to dance w/ Indian Creek’s Alex Mascarpone Mosconi. Sir Charles is def not a fan of this….
The Dab - Mosconi, and the whole unranked quarter bracket all got some Dab, but not enough land in the Ford Fab 4
Ford Fab 4: 1st - Ty Mills, Brownsburg. 2nd - Eli Dickens, Evansville Mater Dei. 3rd - Cayden Rooks, Columbus East. 4th - Trenton Cunnigham, New Albany.
126: Blake Mulkey pulled a big semi state upset a year ago when he knocked off Graham Rooks, he then followed that up by showing everybody it wasn’t an upset when he beat him again in the third place match at state. 2 more wins in the off season has Mulkey now 4-0 against Rooks. They are now ranked 1st and 2nd in the state, can Mulkey pull out 5 and 6 over the next two weeks? The voters were split and we had to go to a tiebreaker to determine a winner. 126 features 3 former state qualifiers and some kid from Evansville named Lee, not really familiar w/ that name but hear he’s okay.
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - No SS ranked opponents square off, grab some drink, stretch your legs, and get ready for some Turrrrible draws.
Charles Barkley Turrible Draw - Another Panther, another Turrible draw, Dalton Craig is a returning state qualifier who’s battled tested from his matches against Rooks and Schoenegge a year ago. Mater Dei’s freshman Matt Lee has gotten better and better as the season as progressed. Now they meet for a shot at Bankers Life. Also SS #3 Carson Willis got nipped last weekend by Lee, and for that he gets Rooks in the ticket round. Rooks has been money in ticket round matches, but coach Bob Harmon will have his Castle Knight ready!
The Dab - Dalton Craig, and Center Grove’s Peyton Pruett both got some love.
Ford Fab 4: 1st - Graham Rooks, Columbus East. 2nd - Matt Lee, Evansville Mater Dei. 3rd - Blake Mulkey, Brownsburg. 4th - Noah Hunt, Bloomington South.
132: Our second Lock comes in at 132, Evansville’s own Kyle Luigs is undefeated and ranked #3 in the state. Outside of Luigs, this weight features 6 other state ranked kids and is one of the deepest weights at the Ford Center. #7 and returning state medalist Dawson Combest, #11 Mason Miranda, #16 The California Kid Brett Smith, #17 Donald Campbell, #19 Noah Franklin, and #20 Caleb Craig all highlight this field.
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerkers - Well luckily the 7 guys are spread out, no real Curtain jerkers here, Barry can rest. However, that does lead to some…...
Charles Barkley Turrible Draws - I mean if there are 7 ranked kids, is there really a terrible draw? Well Combest and Luigs on same side is turrrrrrible but this has been and will be a recurring theme throughout the brackets. I guess if I had to pick one it would be Luigs and Miranda, both are returning qualifiers and only one will be punching their ticket to BLF.
The Dab - Trips likes both Caleb Craig and Noah Franklin to punch tickets, but I was way, and I mean waaaaaay in the minority.
Ford Tough Lock - Sweet Kyle Luigs is our next lock, the Wildcat has punched his ticket twice and has one medal to show. He hopes to break through a tough weight class this year to finish as a state champ.
Ford Fab 4 - 1st - Kyle Luigs, Evansville Mater Dei. 2nd - Brett Smith, Bloomington North. 3rd - Dawson Combest, Columbus East. 4th - Donald Campbell
138: This weight class could be dubbed the Revenge of the Wrestlers. 3 of the 4 favored wrestlers left Evansville last year with sour tastes in their mouths. Tristan Sellmer leads this group off, he’s now a 3 time regional champ but was a victim of the worse draw ever 2 years ago and was upset last year. This year Sellmer will look to get through the blood round. Jake Schoenegge (officially pronounced Shun-uhh-gee) suffered a tough loss at last year's regionals to nemesis Dalton Craig and got to watch Craig advance. 2 year's ago Levi Miller of North Posey tasted greatness by making it to Bankers Life, but last year he was sent packing early. All 3 will look to join Nathan Conley from Avon on the podium Saturday.
I’ll also go on record to say that one of those top 3 kids will ruin the Rumph/Black feud. I think we see Schoenegge and Sellmer under the lights next week in Indianapolis.
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - Nolan Weidner has been a name that’s bounced around the Mater Dei line up now for a few years. Can the Wildcat play spoiler to Regional champ Derek Blubaugh?!?!?!?
Charles Barkley Turrible Draw - #19 Ryan Bigelow vs. Levi Miller. Let’s just say this, Levi Miller should be ranked. He’s certainly flown under the radar and with former Wildcat Cody Moll as his coach, he’ll be game. Ryan Bigelow has had a phenomenal year for Darrick Snyder’s Bulldogs, are the 8 losses deceiving? Not the worse of draws, but this should be a great ticket round match on Saturday. Also Derek Blubaugh vs. Jake Schoenegge, Blubaugh is solid, don’t discount him on sneaking one past Schoenegge.
The Dab - Ryan Bigelow got some votes and is state ranked, but Levi Miller slides by in a tight one.
Ford Fab 4 - 1st - Tristen Sellmer, Floyd Central. 2nd - Jake Shun-uhh-gee, Columbus East. 3rd - Nathan Conley, Avon. 4th - Levi Miller, North Posey.
145: Brayton Lee has been involved in one of the most exciting matches in Evansville Semi-State history and one of the most hyped matches in Evansville Semi-State history, what does he do to top that? Become a Ford Tough Lock and absolutely dominate the field at 145. After Lee, this weight class is literally wide open, expect great matches, upsets and our picks to be waaaay off as 7 other wrestlers garnered votes after Lee.
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - Both guys were ticket rounders a year ago, this year one of them will be done after round 1. Indian Creek’s Tony Mosconi took 4th in a tough Mooresville Regional last weekend, Columbus East’s Corbin Pollitt showed the magic that he’s starting to get a name for by knocking off season long rival Brooks Wathen. Now they meet for the right to just get to the ticket round!! Insane!!
Charles Barkley Turrible Draws - Bloominton South’s Blake Webb has had a great senior season, w/ 36 wins and only 4 losses. This regional champ is #14 in the state and will probably have a ticket round match w/ #8 Logan Coyle who has also had a stellar senior year. These guys probably punch their tickets in any other bracket minus Brayton Lees. Unfortunately one will go home Saturday.
The Dab - Arms will get tired w/ all The Dabs being given out here - Blake Webb, Joe Happe, Sam Osho Fo’Sho, and Tony Mosconi all got votes to get through and will be looking to crash some brackets.
Ford Tough Lock - Brayton Lee, Browsnburg, no drama, no excitement, the Bulldog will take care of business.
Ford Fab 4 - 1st - Brayton Lee, Brownsburg. 2nd - Logan Coyle, Center Grove. 3rd - Brooks Wathen, Jennings County. 4th - Corban Pollitt, Columbus East.
152: Our next Lock is a familiar name in the Evansville area Joe Lee, the only question at this weight is will this be the last time we Joe Lee at Semi-State, say it ain’t so Joe! The exciting part of this weight is the last quarter bracket w/ no ranked wrestlers. Keep an eye out for the 2nd quarter bracket featuring Tucker Schank, Zach Newton, Clay McNutt, and Trace Thomas. I say FIREWORKS!!
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - Outside of the FIREWORK bracket, look out for Josh Foster of Floyd Central and #16 Denver Aydelott of Edgewood, the winner gets Lee, but this should be a great first round match.
Charles Barkley Turrible Draw - Josh Cooper of Jeffersonville congrats on your Regional title, you get …… Austin Bethel in the ticket round!!! Boooooooooooo…..
The Dab - Tucker Schank, Zach Newton, and Clay McNutt take some dab, bc the voters like Trace Thomas
Ford Tough Lock - Joe Lee… Please don’t go!!!
Ford Fab 4 - 1st - Joe Lee, Evansville Mater Dei. 2nd - Austin Bethel, Mt. Vernon. 3rd - Jacob Clark, Avon. 4th - Trace Thomas, Greencastle
160: Our next Lock is at 160, Center Grove Junior Gleason Mappes brings a 35-1 record into Evansville. This weight features 4 other state ranked grapplers who hope to break this lock; Monrovia’s Ethan Stock, Princeton’s Chase Wilson, Avon’s Carson Brewer, and Castle’s Jacob Farmer will be in line looking for a SS title.
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - Jaylen Adkins is a 3x SSQ, his last two trips he’s ran into eventual SS champs. That’s either a really good sign for DeShawn Buford, or a real bad sign for Buford. This has us on a 4 over 1 upset alert.
Charles Barkley Turrible Draws - Chase Wilson appeared to be on his way to State a year ago when his ticket round match went south at the hands of Floyd Central’s Tyler Crowl. Wilson lost and exciting 12-8 match. This year he will have Carson Brewer, 5 losses between the 2. Does Wilson, coached by former Madison Cub Mike Duckworth (cheap plug) use that loss to get him over the top or does Brewer’s year's of experience propel him? Regardless Charles is none too happy… Turrrrriiibbbllleeee
The Dab - Chase Wilson, get some dab son, you got some votes but just not enough
Ford Tough Lock - Gleason Mappes continues this middleweight run of LOCKS!!
Ford Fab 4 - 1st - Gleason Mappes, Center Grove. 2nd - Ethan Stock, Monrovia. 3rd - Carson Brewer, Avon. 4th Jacob “Hasn’t he been around forever” Farmer
170: Loaded, 7 ranked studs here. Burk Vanhorn, returning state runner up was on a tear and seemed destined to be a lock then he ran into a Stock. Eli Stock put Indiana 170lbers on notice at Sectionals when he defeated Vanhorn. Last week at regionals Vanhorn pulled a victory out in OT and now he’s been named a LOCK in a field full of ranked wrestlers.
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerkers - #18 Stock vs. #20 Micah Keller will get this weight class going early. They have 4 losses between them and the winner probably gets Greco City’s Kameron Fuller. Man that sounds like a
Charles Barkley Turrible Draw - Kameron Fuller and Aaron Mosley has had a great series this year and with them both being juniors hopefully for us we will get to see them go at it for another year, unfortunately both are victims of some terrible draws. Mosley will get Vanhorn and Fuller will get Stock. Mosley could be the true odd man out here as his loss last week had New Albany fans in an uproar. This draw won’t help calm them down at all.
The Dab - Kameron Fuller, Conner Brown, and Joe Creasy will be looking to prove the voters wrong as they all received votes to advance to Bankers Life.
Ford Tough Lock - Burk Vanhorn of Franklin will look to navigate a tough field and bring Bob Hasseman’s Franklin squad another SS championship
Ford Fab 4 - 1st - Burk Vanhorn, Franklin. 2nd - Jonah Hays, Center Grove. 3rd - Eli Stock, Monrovia. 4th - Tony “Nick’s kid” Cicciarelli
182: Brownsburg’s Nathan Walton is ranked #1 in the state, defending SS champ, and a 2 time state medalists. He certainly has the credentials to be a lock, but NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND! In a match dubbed - The ChinWhip vs. The HeadLock on the IndianaMat hangout this rematch of last year’s SS semi final match ( won by Walton 3-0) has some saying Terre Haute’s Thomas Dull could get the win. This bracket is another great one with 7 (including the #1, #2, and #5 ranked wrestlers) ranked grapplers vying for 4 tickets to Indianapolis!
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - Keep an eye out for Camryn Smith vs. #12 Jacob Hendrich. Also Floyd Central’s Karl Hauser and #11 Kiave Guerrier of Evansville Central should be a great match.
Charles Barkley Turrible Draws - Both Tecumseh’s Jeremy McKinley and Franklin’s Jake Moore has had great seasons, but only one can advance come Saturday. Also #12 and returning state qualifer will take on New Albany’s #5 Jaden Sonner. Sonner was a victim of turrrrrible draw a year ago, can the Bulldog punch that ticket or will Hendrich’s experience in ticket round matches be enough for the Northview Knight?
The Dab: While Hendrich and McKinley have the tools to advance, the voters settled on their opponents.
Ford Fab 4 - 1st - Nathan Walton, Brownsburg. 2nd - Jaden Sonner, New Albany. 3rd - Thomas Dull, Terre Haute North. 4th - Jake Moore, Franklin.
195: In the following 3 weights the Mooresville Regional will attempt to apply a strangle hold and advance all 12 wrestlers. Will any other wrestler be able to rep their schools and regionals? 4 returning state qualifiers shine at 195 and all are ranked 5-8th in the state. Can Evansville’s own Kurtis Wilderman break up the Mooresville Regionals dominance?
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - Whiteland’s Ryan Hammond was a rare upper weight Freshman state qualifier 2 years ago, he sat out last year with an injury. Evansville Memorial’s Holden Abshier has quietly put together a solid year. They will meet first round in hopes of becoming a state qualifier.
Charles Barkley Turrible Draws - Floyd Central’s Brady Philpott will by far have the best mustache at Evansville, but he’s a victim of 2 years worth of turrrible draws. This year he will have Ryan Hammond, can the Highlander shake the bad draws off and advance? Also Southridge Senior Jack Michel has put together a stellar season at 44-2 and his reward is returning state qualifier Indian Creek’s Grant Goforth, not fair says Charles!
The Dab - Brady Philpott, this HHC fan will be rooting for you, but according to the voters Hammond gets the nod
Ford Fab 4 - 1st - Kurtis Wilderman, Evansville Mater Dei. 2nd - Ryan Hammond, Whiteland. 3rd - Kyle Shaffer, South Putnam. 4th - Grant Goforth, Indian Creek
220: Avon’s Gunnar Larson has put together a stellar career. He’s currently a 3 State Qualifier w/ 2 medals and a 2x SS champ. The Oriole is our last Lock of the year as he looks to add a third SS championship to his impressive career. Mooresville Regional was pretty crazy at this weight and they will look to send all 4 to state.
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerker - How about winning regionals as a senior with hopes of going to state and then see your draw is the #3 wrestler in the state. Awful. Terre Haute South’s Abel Rivera and #3 Clayton Scroggs of Martinsville will lock up in rd 1. That’s a turrrrrrrrrrilbe draw!
Charles Barkley Turrible Draws - Monrovia’s Garrison Lee and Evansville Mater Dei’s Michael Boots both lost heart breakers last year in the ticket round. This year they have each other. While it’s the best draw either could have gotten, it’s still a turrrible draw!
The Dab - Regional Champ Austin Sheckles of Columbus East and Lee will look to punch their tickets Saturday but neither got great draws, best of luck!
Ford Tough Lock - #TheCounty will get to see Gunnar Larson ride off to Indy with one last SS championship!
Ford Fab 4 - 1st - Gunnar Larson, Avon. 2nd - Michael Boots, Evansville Mater Dei. 3rd - Clayton Scroggs, Martinsville. 4th Isaac McCormick, Brownsburg.
285: What’s TripleB’s favorite weight?!?!? I can’t hear you?!?!?!?! The big boys, 2-8-5! Don’t you dare leave early! Like The New Days says “SHAME” if you cut out! Watch the top quarter bracket as 3 of the 4 wrestlers got votes, there will also be some great ticket round matches here also!
Barry Horowitz Best Curtain Jerkers - Here’s a great idea, let’s have the #3 and #4 state ranked guys go at it in the first round, said no one ever! Why?!?!? Avon’s Brett Henson appears banged up and he gets Mt. Vernon’s Wade Ripple. I guess Henson’s injury could have a Ripple effect on the entire weight class and team race? Bad joke?!?!?
Charles Barkley Turrible Draws - See above, really?!?!? Also Regional champ Harley Hillenburg from Bloomington South get’s a former state qualifier in Jennings County’s Brendan Sutton. The winner gets returning Center Grove grappler Cory Henrichs. Ouch.
The Dab - Floyd Central’s Ty Sorg (TripleB picked you btw), Center Grove’s Cory Heinrichs (another TripleB pick) and Evansville Memorial’s Alex Lichlyter all got votes.
Annnnnnnd that’s a wrap folks! Enjoy Evansville! As of now Trips will be missing is first semi-state in over 10 years!! But I’ll be at Bankers Life next week, feel free to buy me a cold one, or give me a sweet suite ticket. I take bribes!!!
The Ford Tough Locks are based on the EV SS Secret Geniuses who Report to the Dirty Souths BBB A lock is given when all 5-6 geniuses unanimously pick a wrestler to win the weight class....that being said you can pick anyone you like as a regular old lock but do not confuse it with the world renowned Ford Tough Locks
You should have watched the fantastic show last night and all of this would be clear
Along with the "sarcasm font", can we get an ignore poster button? When somebody makes JMILL look like the "poster of the day"...there's a problem! I kid, of course JMILL.
106
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Sego 29-2 vs Scott 38-3
Sutton 41-6 vs Campbell 35-3
Rioux 29-5 vs Hinderliter 25-8
TICKET ROUND
Stephenson 30-8 vs Scott 38-3/Sego 29-2 winner
SEMIFINALS
Casebolt 30-2 over Rioux 29-5
Campbell 35-3 over Stephenson 30-8
FINALS
Campbell 35-3 over Casebolt 30-2
OVERVIEW
The Mooresville and Evansville regional have the best 106’s and they got paired together first round. The freshman from Boonville and Heritage Hills both surprised some people in beating Mater Dei last week. Can they pull another upset this week? I don’t see any major upsets here….the only question for me is Stephenson vs Sego/Scott winner. Rioux snuck one past Campbell last week to win the regional but has a tougher road ahead than Rioux does.
113
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Horty 38-5 vs Lawhead 32-9
TICKET ROUNDERS
Petro 21-5 vs Antunez 37-4
SEMIFINALS
Garcia 34-0 over Egli 27-7
Antunez 37-4 over Lawhead 32-9
FINALS
Garcia 34-0 over Antunez 37-4
OVERVIEW
Lawhead vs Horty will be a battle between two seasoned veterans. Lawhead has wrestled the best the state has to offer and Horty has been around forever fighting to punch his ticket. The other question mark comes from the Antunez/Petro matchup. Petro is capable of placing 2nd and seems to be turning it on lately. Antunez has battled Conaway to a 8-2 loss and Viduya to a 10-2 loss. I’m taking Antunez with the risky pick to place 2nd. Garcia sharpens his saw for a tough state finals next weekend.
120
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Rooks 38-1 vs Denny 34-8
TICKET ROUNDERS
Bealmer 28-5 vs Mills 31-1
Dickens 27-3 vs Mosconi 37-1
SEMIFINALS
Rooks 38-1 over Mills 31-1
Dickens 27-3 over Weddle 28-7
FINALS
Rooks 38-1 over Dickens 27-3
OVERVIEW
Denny vs Rooks first round is crazy. Denny lost to Mills 3-0 and is a returning state qualifier. He comes from the toughest regional in the state and if 3 of the Mooresville regional punch their ticket it wouldn’t surprise me. IT’s a shame Mills and Rooks has to happen in the semifinals. Mosconi vs Dickens feature two kids who are top 10 in the state and capable of placing. Rooks and Mills can be a finals match as well.
126
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Hunt 31-9 vs Fisher 27-5
TICKET ROUNDERS
Lee 24-3 vs Craig 33-5
Hunt 31-9 vs Pruett 26-7
Rooks 38-0 vs Willis 37-3
SEMIFINALS
Lee 24-3 over Hunt 31-9
Rooks 38-0 over Mulkey 32-0
FINALS
Rooks 38-0 over Lee 24-3
OVERVIEW
WOW…Rooks and Mulkey in the semifinals?? This could be a preview of a state finals match! Mulkey has Rooks number but Rooks is due for a win. This is the first weight we see that is pretty deep with talent. Lee/Craig Hunt/Pruett Rooks/Willis will all be great matches. How good is Lee? Hunt and Craig are State qualifiers and Mulkey and Rooks are place winners. Very tough weight class!
132
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Nothing that stands out
TICKET ROUNDERS
Luigs 31-0 vs Miranda 16-6
Smith 39-3 vs Franklin 38-2
SEMIFINALS
Luigs 31-0 over Combest 38-1
Smith 39-3 over Campbell 31-4
FINALS
Luigs 31-0 over Smith 39-3
OVERVIEW
C’MON IHSAA! Another possible state finals match in the semistate semi finals! Smith from Bl. North and Franklin from New Washington will be a good match. Franklin was a state qualifier as a freshman and hasn’t made it back since. He is itching to punch his ticket and avoids Luigs and Combest in the draw. I don’t know much about Campbell other than he beat Miranda… Top heavy weight with Luigs and Combest
138
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Blubaugh 35-6 vs Weidner 21-12 just because you can never count out MD
TICKET ROUNDERS
Blubaugh 35-6 vs Schoenegge 35-6
Miller 37-4 vs Bigelow 23-8
SEMIFINALS
Schoenegge 35-6 over Miller 37-4
Conley 30-5 over Sellmer 34-2
FINALS
Conley 30-5 over Schoenegge 35-6
OVERVIEW
Lots of great underclassmen here…Sellmer has the most upside and has really had a solid season but I picked against him going with Conley and the “upset”. Blubaugh vs Schoegge in the ticket round will feature to future high placers next year. Sellmer, Conley and the Blubaugh/Schoenegge winner can all place top 8.
145
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Politt 31-10 vs Mosconi 33-7
Osho 27-6 vs Wathen 41-5
Bullock 35-6 vs Coyle 33-3
TICKET ROUNDERS
Happe 25-8 vs Osho/Wathen winner
Webb 36-4 vs Coyle 33-3
SEMIFINALS
Lee 38-0 over Mosconi 33-7
Webb 36-4 over Coyle 33-3
FINALS
Lee 38-0 over Webb 36-4
OVERVIEW
Lee tech falls the field… Politt/Mosconi is a great first round match as both are battle tested and winner punches their ticket. Osho/Wathen first round is a match between two top 20 wrestlers. Wathen is a great young wrestler but Avon is always strong at semi state. Coyle and Webb may be the best ticket round match this weekend. I’m picking Webb but don’t be surprised if Coyle gets 2nd and places top 8 the following week.
152
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
McNutt 29-11 vs Thomas 36-5
Dalton 34-7 vs Davidson 29-9
Foster 27-9 vs Aydelott 31-4
TICKET ROUNDERS
Schank 43-5 vs Thomas 36-5
Clark 26-4 vs Thomas 36-5
SEMIFINALS
Bethel 37-3 over Thomas 36-5
Lee 28-0 over Clark 26-4
FINALS
Lee 29-0 over Bethel 37-3
OVERVIEW
This seems to be a pretty clear cut weight with Lee and Bethel leading the class with Clark in the second tier. Schank vs Thomas/McNutt winner gets a state finals birth after they all got a great draw!
160
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Parkingson 28-6 vs Stikes 30-7
TICKET ROUNDERS
Stock 28-4 vs Beineke 37-7
Wilson 34-3 vs Brewer 33-2
Farmer 33-7 vs Adkins 26-6
SEMIFINALS
Brewer 33-2 over Stock 28-4
Mappes 35-1 over Farmer 33-7
FINALS
Mappes 35-1 over Brewer 33-2
OVERVIEW
I think we will see some upsets here. Wilson and Brewer meet in the ticket round and before last weekend I would have said Brewer, but after Stock put the hammer on Brewer, it’s up in the air! The Stock boys are wrestling lights out as of late! I think Brewer gets his bearings back this week and makes a run.
170
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Brown 34-7 vs Cicciarelli 30-9
Chapman 32-7 vs Murell 26-12
Creasy 22-2 vs Spiller 22-11
Hays 27-9 vs Mohler 27-11
Stock 33-2 vs Keller 33-2
TICKET ROUNDERS
Brown/Cicciarelli winner vs Chapman/Murrell winner
VanHorn 33-1 vs Mosley 39-4
Fuller 45-3 vs Stock/Keller winner
SEMIFINALS
Vanhorn 33-1 over Brown 34-7
Fuller 45-3 over Hays 27-9
FINALS
Vanhorn 33-1 over Fuller 45-3
OVERVIEW
I think everyone will be watching this weight come together. There really isn’t a bad match throughout the matches. You would have thought Vanhorn was a LOCK but Stock slayed the giant and showed everyone he is beatable. The top 4 can be flipped in any order. I have Cicciarelli losing first round but he can easily place 3rd. Very deep weight here…
182
FIRST ROUND BATTLES
Smith 29-5 vs Hendrich 31-5
Hauser 28-9 vs Guerroer 38-4
TICKET ROUNDERS
McKinley 4-0-2 vs Moore 36-2
Sonner 41-0 vs HEndrich 31-5
Walton 38-1 vs Guerrier 38-4
SEMIFINALS
Sonner 41-0 over Moore 36-2
Dull 34-0 over Walton 38-1
FINALS
Dull 34-0 over Sonner 41-0
OVERVIEW
Another deep weight class here…Hendrich is a returning state qualifier and all his losses are to Dull x3, Gray from Delta 1-0, and Guerrier 3-1. He can easily pull the win out from Sonner. I don’t see Guerrier pulling the upset on Walton but remember a few years ago when Lee was upset by Bethel and the crowd went wild? anything can happen! Dull and Walton will be a preview of a possible state finals match.
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