My favorite finish, but I'm bios........
The Warsaw wrestler rallied in the final seconds to earn a thrilling victory in the IHSAA State Finals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Hatch, a WCHS freshman, posted an incredible come from behind 13-12 win by decision over Lakeland senior Lukas Long in first-round action in the 106-pound weight class.
Hatch, who rallied from being down 7-1, avenged a loss to Lukas earlier this season to move into quarterfinal action Saturday morning.
“It was just fantastic,” said Warsaw coach Justin Smith about the win in a phone interview Friday night. “It seemed like the whole arena was watching this match. I know this one will stick in my mind forever.”
Hatch trailed 9-3 entering the third and final period. He got three takedowns to pull within 12-10 late in the match before getting the final three points in the final few seconds on a stalling call on Long and a final takedown just before the match concluded for the 13-12 victory.
“Everyone, including us knew the score and that Kyle had won 13-12,” recounted Smith. “But, Kyle thought at first it was 12-12 and he went back to the center ready for overtime. He then found out he had won and was jumping up and down and screaming like the rest of us.”
He shot 4 sweeps back and forth, back and forth till he chopped the tree down. The crowd went wild. One of the few matches I don't have on tape, because ISHAA was supposed to tape it and they didn't. The company that did it for them no longer exist and I haven't been able to find a copy.