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Tenser310

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  1. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, IHSAA Announces State Tournament Realignment   
    Changes:
    Semi-State
    From Fort Wayne to East Chicago: Caston and Rochester
    From East Chicago to Fort Wayne: Wawasee and Tippecanoe Valley
     
    Sectional and Regional Changes
    New Castle Semi-State
    From Arsenal Tech/Pendleton Heights to Southport/Perry Meridian
    Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central, and Mount Vernon(Fortville)
     
    From Southport/Perry Meridian to Arsenal Tech/Pendleton Heights
    Cardinal Ritter, Crispus Attucks, Providence Cristo Rey, and George Washington
     
    East Chicago Semi-State
    From Laporte/Crown Point to Plymouth/Penn
    North Judson
     
    From Winamac(Twin Lakes now)/Logansport to Plymouth/Penn
    Winamac
     
    From Crown Point/Crown Point to East Chicago Central/Hobart
    Lake Central
     
    From Winamac/Logansport to Crown Point/Crown Point
    North Newton and South Newton
     
    Evansville Semi-State
    From Mooresville/Mooresville to Jennings County/Jeffersonville
    Franklin Community
     
    From Bloomington North/Bloomington South to Jennings County/Jeffersonville
    Indian Creek
     
    From Jennings County/Jeffersonville to Bloomington North/Bloomington South
    Brown County
     
    Fort Wayne Semi-State
    From Carroll/Carroll to Peru/Peru
    Huntington North
     
    Sectional Changes
    From Southridge to Bloomington North
    Bedford North Lawrence
     
    From Jeffersonville to Jennings County
    Eastern (Pekin) and Salem
     
    From Plymouth to Mishawaka
    LaVille
     
    From Bloomington North to Southridge
    Paoli
     
    Sectionals
    1. East Chicago Central (9):  East Chicago Central, Gary West Side, Hammond Bishop Noll, Hammond Central, Hammond Morton, Lake Central, Merrillville, Munster, Whiting
    2. Portage (8): Andrean, Calumet, Griffith, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station Edison, Portage, River Forest
    3. Crown Point (10): Boone Grove, Crown Point, Hanover Central, Hebron, Illiana Christian, Kankakee Valley, Lowell, North Newton, South Newton, Wheeler
    4. LaPorte (7): Chesterton, Glenn, Knox, LaPorte, Marquette Catholic, Michigan City, New Prairie, Valparaiso
    5. Mishawaka (9): LaVille, Mishawaka, Mishawaka Marian, Penn, South Bend Adams, South Bend Clay, South Bend Riley, South Bend Saint Joseph, South Bend Washington
    6. Plymouth (10): Bremen, Caston, Culver Academies, Culver Community, North Judson-San Pierre, Plymouth, Rochester Community, Triton, Warsaw Community, Winamac Community
    7. Twin Lakes (12): Benton Central, Frontier, Logansport,  North White, Pioneer, Rensselaer Central, Tri-County, Twin Lakes, West Central
    8. Lafayette Jefferson (10): Attica, Carroll (Flora), Delphi Community, Faith Christian, Harrison (West Lafayette), Lafayette Central Catholic, Lafayette Jefferson, McCutcheon, Seeger, West Lafayette
    9. Elkhart (8): Concord, Elkhart, Fairfield, Goshen, Jimtown, Northridge, NorthWood, Wawasee
    10. West Noble (9): Angola, Central Noble, DeKalb, East Noble, Fremont, Lakeland, Prairie Heights, West Noble, Westview
    11. Carroll (Fort Wayne) (9): Carroll (Fort Wayne), Churubusco, Columbia City, Eastside, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran, Fort Wayne Northrop, Garrett, Whitko
    12. TBD (10): Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, Fort Wayne North Side, Fort Wayne Snider, Fort Wayne South Side, Fort Wayne Wayne, Heritage, Homestead, New Haven, Leo, Woodlan
    13. Peru (10): Lewis Cass, Huntington North, Maconaquah, Manchester, North Miami, Northfield, Peru, Southwood, Tippecanoe Valley, Wabash
    14. Oak Hill (11): Eastbrook, Eastern (Greentown), Kokomo, Madison-Grant, Marion, Mississinewa, Northwestern, Oak Hill, Taylor, Tri-Central, Western
    15. Jay County (9): Adams Central, Bellmont, Blackford, Bluffton, Jay County, Norwell, South Adams, Southern Wells, Union City
    16. Delta (10): Cowan, Daleville, Delta, Monroe Central, Muncie Central, Randolph Southern, Wapahani, Wes-Del, Winchester Community, Yorktown
    17. Crawfordsville (10): Covington, Crawfordsville, Fountain Central, North Montgomery, North Vermillion, Parke Heritage, South Vermillion, Southmont, Western Boone, Zionsville
    18. Frankfort (10): Carmel, Clinton Central, Clinton Prairie, Fishers, Frankfort, Hamilton Southeastern, Lebanon, Rossville, Sheridan, Westfield
    19. Elwood (10): Alexandria Monroe, Anderson, Elwood Community, Frankton, Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Heights, Lapel, Noblesville, Pendleton Heights, Tipton
    20. Indianapolis Arsenal Technical (10): Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory, Indianapolis Arsenal Technical, Indiana School for the Deaf, Indiana School for the Blind, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, Indianapolis Cathedral, Indianapolis Crispus Attucks, Indianapolis George Washington Community, Providence Cristo Rey,
    21. Southport (10): Beech Grove,  Christel House, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, Mt Vernon (Fortville), North Central(Indianapolis), Perry Meridian, Roncalli, Southport, Victory College Prep
    22. Shelbyville (9): Franklin Central, Greenfield-Central, Indianapolis Lutheran, Indianapolis Scecina Memorial, New Palestine, Purdue Polytechnic, Shelbyville, Triton Central, Warren Central
    23. Centerville(11): Blue River Valley, Cambridge City Lincoln, Centerville, Eastern Hancock,  Hagerstown, Knightstown, New Castle, Northeastern, Richmond, Shenandoah, Tri
    24. South Dearborn (11): Batesville, Connersville, East Central, Franklin County, Greensburg, Lawrenceburg, Milan, Oldenburg Academy, Rushville Consolidated, South Dearborn, Union County
    25. Avon (12): Avon, Ben Davis, Brownsburg, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis), Danville Community, Greencastle, North Putnam, Pike, Plainfield, South Putnam, Speedway, Tri-West Hendricks
    26. Mooresville (11): Cascade, Center Grove, Cloverdale, Decatur Central, Eminence, Greenwood Community, Martinsville, Monrovia, Mooresville, Whiteland Community
    27. Bloomington North (12): Bedford North Lawrence, Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Brown County, Edgewood, Northview, Owen Valley, Sullivan, Terre Haute North Vigo, Terre Haute South Vigo, West Vigo
    28. Southridge (10): Floyd Central, Forest Park, Jasper, Mitchell, New Albany, North Knox, Paoli, Pike Central, Southridge, Tell City
    29. Jennings County (13): Columbus East, Columbus North, Eastern (Pekin), Franklin Community, Indian Creek, Jennings County, Madison Consolidated, Salem, Scottsburg, Seymour, Southwestern (Hanover), Switzerland County, West Washington
    30. Jeffersonville (13): Borden, Charlestown, Clarksville, Corydon Central, Crawford County, Henryville, Jeffersonville, New Washington, North Harrison, Providence, Rock Creek Academy, Silver Creek
    31. Castle (10): Boonville, Castle, Evansville Bosse, Evansville Harrison, Evansville Reitz Memorial, Heritage Hills, South Spencer, Tecumseh, Washington, Wood Memorial
    32. Evansville Central (9): Evansville Central, Evansville F.J Reitz, Evansville Mater Dei, Evansville North, Gibson Southern, Mt Vernon, North Posey, Princeton Community, Vincennes Lincoln
     
    Regionals
    1. Hobart: Feeder Sectionals: East Chicago Central, Portage.
    2. Crown Point: Feeder Sectionals: Crown Point, LaPorte.
    3. Penn: Feeder Sectionals: Mishawaka, Plymouth.
    4. Logansport: Feeder Sectionals: Lafayette Jefferson, Twin Lakes.
    5. Goshen: Feeder Sectionals: Elkhart, West Noble.
    6. Carroll (Fort Wayne): Feeder Sectionals: Carroll (Fort Wayne), TBD(Former New Haven).
    7. Peru: Feeder Sectionals: Peru, Oak Hill.
    8. Jay County: Feeder Sectionals: Delta, Jay County.
    9. North Montgomery: Feeder Sectionals: Crawfordsville, Frankfort.
    10. Pendleton Heights: Feeder Sectionals: Elwood, Indianapolis Arsenal Technical.
    11. Perry Meridian: Feeder Sectionals: Shelbyville, Southport.
    12. Richmond: Feeder Sectionals: South Dearborn, Shenandoah.
    13. Mooresville: Feeder Sectionals: Avon, Mooresville.
    14. Bloomington South: Feeder Sectionals: Bloomington North, Southridge.
    15. Jeffersonville: Feeder Sectionals: Jeffersonville, Jennings County.
    16. Castle: Feeder Sectionals: Castle, Evansville Central
     
    Semi-States
    1. East Chicago Central: Feeder Regionals: Crown Point, Hobart, Logansport, Penn.
    2. New Haven (Allen County War Memorial Coliseum): Feeder Regionals: Carroll (Fort Wayne), Goshen, Jay County, Peru.
    3. New Castle: Feeder Regionals: Frankfort, Pendleton Heights, Perry Meridian, Richmond.
    4. Evansville F. J. Reitz (Ford Center): Feeder Regionals: Bloomington South, Castle, Jeffersonville, Mooresville.
  2. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, #MondayMatness with Steve Krah: Rensselaer Central’s Stanley controls emotions, stacks up victories   
    By STEVE KRAH
    stvkrh905@gmail.com
     
    Rensselaer Central High School wrestler Mason Stanley sports a career mark of 112-27 — 18-9 as a freshman, 19-7 as a sophomore, 42-8 as a junior and 33-3 as a senior so far.
     
    He was an IHSAA State Finals qualifier as well as sectional and regional champion as a 132-pound junior. The three-time semistate qualifier also earned Hoosier Athletic Conference crowns at 132 in 2021-22 and 126 in 2022-23.
     
    Fifth-year Bombers head coach Hunter Hickman has witnessed a change in Stanley the past two seasons.
     
    “He’s a very passionate individual and he wears his emotions on his sleeve,” says Hickman. “Where we’ve seen the most growth from him is that he’s really started to dial that back a little bit.
     
    “As he’s grown up he’s been able to control his emotions and that’s why he’s had the success he’s had.”
     
    Stanley, who was born in Rensselaer and began wrestling in grade school, has turned into a force on the mat.
     
    “He’s a very physical wrestler,” says Hickman. “He’s a very smart wrestler. He’s not a super-athletic kid but he loves to wrestle. He works hard to make himself what he is.”
     
    Hickman and Stanley’s relationship goes back to the beginning to freshman year so the coach and educator knows the student-athlete well.
     
    “A lot of kids let wrestling results define who they are,” says Hickman, who teaches ninth grade English and had Mason in class, too. “We’ve had a lot of heart-to-hearts over the years. We’ve had a lot of good conversations and a lot of ugly conversations.
     
    “Wrestling is fun, but it’s not going to define who we are at the end of the day.”
     
    Stanley has learned to be aggressive.
     
    “Even if I know I’m the underdog or I’m not as good as the person across from me I’m going to go out there and keep attacking them,” says Stanley. “I wasn’t always this way. I started at the end of last year.
     
    “I’ve been grinding hard in the off-season and realizing it’s the work and how bad you want it and the maturity.”
     
    With guidance from Hickman, Stanley opted to go to 126 this season.
     
    “126 gives me to the best chance to get on the podium,” says Stanley. “I’ve done a lot better than I thought I would (with cutting weight). I don’t think I’ve lost very much strength. I feel good when I wrestle.”
     
    As a senior, Stanley takes his turn as meet captain and he enjoys the leadership role.
     
    “I try to lead by example and work hard in the practice room,” says Stanley. “Kids are watching me and they see what is expected of us.
     
    “I try to have a good attitude even when things don’t go my way.”
     
    Stanley enjoys the team aspects of wrestling.
     
    “We’re a really tight group. It’s a lot of fun everything we do.”
     
    The holder of 4.0 grade-point average through the end of the fall semester, Stanley’s favorite school subject is Social Studies.
     
    “I’ve always liked learning about history,” says Stanley, who has been especially fascinated about World War II. His great grandfather was a pilot in the war. He passed when Mason was young.
     
    While he has not yet made a college choice, Stanley says he is leaning toward Wabash College to study and wrestle.
     
    For the first time since junior high, Stanley chose to go out for cross country last fall.
     
    “I can’t stand running but I really liked being with the team,” says Stanley, who was named to academic all-state honorable mention in cross country. “It’s good for staying in-shape in wrestling.”
     
    Mason is the son of Walt and Jenny Stanley, younger brother of Colin Stanley and twin to sister Claire Stanley. Walt (Class of 1992) and Colin (Class of 2018) wrestled for Rensselaer Central. Jenny teaches at Rensselaer Central Middle School.
     
    Claire and Mason both turn 18 in March.
     
    Hickman, a 2013 Rensselaer Central graduate, is in his fifth season as Bombers head coach after two as an assistant — the first when he was a student and wrestler at Wabash College. He grappled two years at Virginia Military Institute, underwent shoulder surgery as a sophomore and transferred to Wabash.
     
    Assistant coaches in 2022-23 include Matt Anderson, Kent Korniak, James Oliver, Kim Schmid and Bryce Tanner plus middle school coach Elliott Zimmer and volunteers Kyle Carter and Eli Hickman.
     
    Tanner is a 2012 West Central High School graduate and a former semistate qualifer.
     
    Everyone else is a Rensselaer Central alum. Oliver runs the Bomber Wrestling Club, which is mostly for Grades K-8.
     
    Schmid was brought on to have a woman to coach the girls on the Bombers squad. She has two younger wrestling daughters. 
     
    Carter attends Colorado State University. Eli Hickman, Hunter’s brother, plays baseball at Concordia University Chicago.
     
    The Bombers have participated in three straight Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association Class 1A State Duals, placing sixth in 2020-21, eighth in 2021-22 and eighth in 2022-23.
     
    Rensselaer Central has won 13 sectional titles all-time, including five straight from 2017-18 to 2021-22. The program’s first regional team title came in 2021-22.
     
    A dozen individuals placed in the top six as the Bombers wound up third at the 10-team Hoosier Athletic Conference meet held Jan. 14 at Western.
     
    RC champions were Stanley (126) and senior Jordan Cree (285). Sophomore Beck Doughty (106), junior Larz Hughes (152) and senior Trenton Simmons (195) came in second.
     
    Third-place finishers were senior Kolton Ploughe (120), senior Caleb Oliver (132), sophomore Avery Stanley (145) and sophomore Jack Jordan (160).
     
    Senior Austan Pullins (182) placed fourth while senior Elias McAdow (138) and senior Dominick Maddox (170) came in fifth.
     
    Cree is 38-1 this season and 124-31 for his career. He was a state qualifier at 220 in 2021-22.
     
    Mason Stanley counts Avery Stanley as a cousin and McAdow as a regular practice drill partner.
     
    There are 34 boys and nine girls on the 2022-23.
     
    “We’ve been able to retain everybody this year,” says Hickman. “Nobody’s quit.
     
    “It’s been a really good year.”
     
    Rensselaer Central team. Sophomore Kylie Spencer (126) qualified for the Indiana High School Girls Wrestling State Finals Jan. 13 at Mooresville.
     
    The Bombers went 26-7 in dual meets.
     
    The IHSAA state tournament series sees Rensselaer Central go through the Winamac Sectional Jan. 28, Logansport Regional Feb. 4 and East Chicago Semistate Feb. 11 on the way to the IHSAA State Finals Feb. 17-18 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
     
    Hickman has a theory about competing in semistate.
     
    “You’ve got to set yourself up the week before,” says Hickman. “The best way for us to qualify for state is to win our regional.”
     
    On Feb. 17, gates for Session I open 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time/11:30 a.m. Central Time with Parade of Champions at 1:30 ET/12:30 CT, weight classes 106-145 at 2 ET/1 CT and 152-285 at 5:30 ET/4:30 CT.
     
    On Feb. 18, gates for Session 2 open at 8 a.m. ET /7 a.m. CT with quarterfinals/semifinals at 9 ET/8 CT. The fieldhouse will be cleared of all spectators following the semifinals.
     
    Gates for Session 3 open at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT with consolations at 4:30 ET/3:30 CT and championships at 7:30 ET/6:30 CT.
  3. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, College Rundown – NWCA National Duals Edition   
    By Blaze Lowery
     
     NWCA National Duals Recap --

    The NAIA #7 Marian Knights achieved a historic victory by defeating #5 Indiana Tech for the first time in program history during the NWCA National Duals, with a final score of 21-18. Despite forfeiting at the 149lbs weight class, the Knights were able to secure a win due to Aundre Beatty’s sudden victory at 141lbs over Kyle Kantola. Additionally, the absence of Gimson resulted in Mulkey securing a win over Elijah Anthony which is usually a match the Warriors can count on.
     
    Marian Box Scores:
    #7 Marian defeated #9 Campbellsville 30-9 
    #3 Southeastern defeated #7 Marian (IN) 21-13 
    #7 Marian defeated #16 Baker (Kan.) 46-5
    #7 Marian defeated #14 Morningside 34-4
    #7 Marian defeated #5 Indiana Tech 21-18
     
    Indiana Tech Box Scores:
    #5 Indiana Tech defeated #16 Baker (Kan.) 43-5
    #4 Doane defeated #5 Indiana Tech 19-13 
    #5 Indiana Tech defeated #12 Reinhardt (GA) 30-12
    #7 Marian defeated #5 Indiana Tech 21-18 
     
    The DII #12 ranked Indianapolis Greyhounds secured a commendable 7th place finish at the NWCA National Duals, with a noteworthy victory over the highly ranked #2 Nebraska-Kearney. The match was decided through criteria, with Logan Bailey delivering a decisive pin to secure the win for the Greyhounds. Additionally, during their dual against Central Oklahoma, #11 Derek Blubaugh was able to exact revenge from his loss at last year's National Finals against #1 Dalton Abney in sudden victory. Even with Breyden Bailey and Jack Eiteljorge getting upsets over the Lucas brothers, it was not enough to make an impact over the Bronchos. Cale Gray also seals a dual with a 24 second pin during the Indianapolis – Gannon dual with a final score of 21 – 19.
      
    Indianapolis Box Score:
    #12 Indianapolis defeated #14 Gannon 21-19
    #1 Central Oklahoma defeated #12 Indianapolis 25-9
    #12 Indianapolis defeated Newberry 23-15
    #5 Lander defeated #12 Indianapolis 21-18
    #12 Indianapolis defeated #2 Nebraska-Kearney 20-19
     
     
     
    Upsets on Upsets
     
    IU pushes themselves to #17 in the country with win over #16 Maryland earlier this week by tie-breaking criteria (17-16) with #33 Graham Rooks securing a nice win over #22 Ethen Miller.
     
    The Hoosiers also get it done with a win over the new #16 Rutgers at home with a final score of 24 – 16. Indiana matched up well against the Scarlet Knights and make it hard for their front three to pick up any bonus. Surprisingly, Nick South was down at 165lbs after wresting 184 earlier this week and ended up finding 6 points with a pin early in the third period. With South, Washington, and Bullock picking up bonus, Rutgers stood no chance in the end.
     
    With their only dual loss being Ohio State, the Hoosiers continue to knock teams out of the rankings.
     
  4. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, New Year College Rundown   
    By Blaze Lowery
     
    Sicker Than a Hound Dog 
    The Greyhounds of Indianapolis look to bounce back this weekend In Louisville at the NWCA National Duals after unfortunate turn of events recently at the Midwest Classic. Heading into the 43rd Midwest Classic, Indianapolis was ranked 4th in the nation with five returning national qualifiers, where they have now dropped to #12 as a team after some illness struck the team and kept them from performing at the level they anticipated.
     
    Both #3 Logan Bailey and #11 Derek Blubaugh fall to illness early on, keeping them from wrestling the second day of the tournament. Bailey gave up a fall to #2 Gabe Johnson of Central Oklahoma and forfeited out the rest of the tournament. Likewise, Blubaugh took a tough a loss to Western Colorado’s Porter Fox, which has now pushed him down the rankings from #2 to #11 at his weight.
     
    Cale Gray takes a loss early to #11 Laron Parks of Notre Dame, and another to #7 Zach Ryg of Upper Iowa on the backside which knocked him out of the rankings all together.
     
    Indianapolis had two wrestlers compete on the second day of the tournament, #8 Breyden Bailey and #8 Jack Eiteljorge. Breyden Bailey ended up taking a loss to #7 Elijah Lusk of Lander in the quarterfinals and started his second day on the backside of the bracket. Consi-semis is where Bailey fell to #5 Eric Bartos of Mercyhurst, sending him to earn fifth place over #9 Collin Metzgar of Colorado Mesa.
     
    Eiteljorge defeated #12 Drew Weichers of Ashland, who was ranked third before this tournament, to send himself into the semifinals match against returning national champion, Shane Gantz of UW Parkside. After losing to Gantz by decision, Eiteljorge finds himself on the backside where he ends up finishing 6th at 165 for the Hounds.
     
    Although it was not the best tournament for the Greyhounds, they look to reclaim some ground at the NWCA National Duals in Louisville this weekend with a healthier team and positive outlook.
     
    Other Indiana-Native Place winners:
    285 Champion Shawn Streck of Central Oklahoma
    157 8th Placewinner Carter Noehre of Colorado Scool of Mines
     
     
    Duo at the Due 
    After the Boilermaker’s recent dual losses to both Campbell and Drexel at the Purdue Duals, the team seems to still have some individual talent shine through at the Southern Scuffle in 2023. Placing ninth as a team, Purdue finishes with two finalists, #11 Matt Ramos and #3 Kendall Coleman.
     
    Ramos defeated #21 Stevo Poulin of Northern Colorado in the semifinals in sudden victory. Then in another close match, Ramos defeated #14 Noah Surtin of Missouri in a 4-3 decision to crown himself as the 125lbs Southern Scuffle Champion.
     
    Coleman, coming into the tournament with a recent win over #4 Will Lewan of Michigan, seemed to keep the train rolling. He won a close one against #11 Jarrett Jacques in a sudden victory win to push himself to the finals. Coleman then fell to #2 Jared Franek of North Dakota State in an ultimate tiebreaker match.
     
    It is safe to say that these two wrestlers know how to keep themselves in the dog fight, but will this magic fizzle out by the end of season? The Boilermakers will be put to the test with their dual against Iowa this Sunday at 2:00PM on BTN.
     
     
    Best Dual Team in the State? 
    Indiana is proving to be much better in a dual than they are come tournament time. Although they do not have the greatest turnouts in their recent tournements, the Hoosiers are currently undefeated in all their duals thus far. They have a tough schedule ahead, but they have already been knocking on the doors of ranked teams this year.
     
    #17 Derek Gilcher defeated both #18 Anthony Artalona of Penn and #21 Andrew Clark of Rutgers at Midlands. There have been major shifts happening at the 157lbs weight class and this could mean good things for Gilcher when tournament time rolls around. Jacob Moran also has a decent tournament with an 8th place finish at 125lbs.
     
    Let’s see if Indiana can keep their undefeated dual record alive as they take on the Buckeyes of Ohio State on Monday, January 9th at 6:30PM on BTN+.
     
     
    Other Indiana Wrestling Events: 
    Indiana Tech, Marian, and Indianapolis at NWCA National Duals on Friday, January 6
    Indiana at #22 Maryland on January 9 on BTN+ at 6:30PM
    Trine at Olivet on January 12 at 7:00PM
     
  5. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, 2023 IHSWCA Team State Information   
    Date: January 7th, 2023
     
    Qualification Procedures
    Click here to see the qualification procedures for teams participating
     
    Qualification Leaderboard
    Click here to see the leaderboard throughout the state series
     
    Team State Pick'ems
    Click here to access the pick'ems
     
    Locations 
    1A and 3A- Franklin Community High School
    2A- Jay County High School
    4A- Brownsburg High School
     
    Schedule
    Weigh-ins 7:30am
    Doors open 8:00am
    Wrestling beings at 9:00am
     
    Admission
    $15- Adults and Students
    Preschool and IHSWCA members FREE
     
    Teams
    1A Event Link
    Adams Central, Bluffton, Cascade, Cowan, North Posey, Prairie Heights, Rochester, Southmont, Tell City, West Central, Winamac 
    Vote-In: South Adams
     
    2A Event Link
    Bellmont, Delta, Garrett, Hamilton Heights, Heritage Hills, Jay County, New Prairie, Norwell, Rensselaer Central, Wawasee, Western
    Vote-In: Owen Valley
     
    3A Event Link
    East Central, Floyd Central, Hobart, Mishawaka, Roncalli, Terre Haute South
    Vote In: Greenfield-Central and Columbus East(New Haven withdrew from the event)
     
    4A Event Link
    Brownsburg, Carmel, Center Grove, Crown Point, Evanville Mater Dei, Indianapolis Cathedral, Penn
    Vote In: Perry Meridian
     
    TrackWrestling Link
    ****Including Streaming Info****
    Streaming is through TrackWrestling/FloWrestling and cost is a yearly subscription of $150.
    Click here to access the event on TrackWrestling
    Click here for FloWrestling Streaming page
     
    *Note: If you want a monthly subscription option you can subscribe to FloBowling and utilize that membership to watch wrestling or any other sports they offer. The cost is $30 per month for a monthly option.
     
    Brackets

     
    Past Results
    2022 Results
    Location: Martinsville High School, Franklin Community High School, and Brownsburg High School
    1A: Tell City
    2A: Bellmont
    3A: Columbus East
    4A: Crown Point
    2021 Results
    Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Franklin Community High School, and Brownsburg High School
    1A: Tell City
    2A: Garrett
    3A: East Central
    4A: Evansville Mater Dei
    2020 Results
    Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
    1A: North Posey
    2A: Bellmont
    3A: Indianapolis Cathedral
    2019 Results
    Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
    1A: Adams Central
    2A: Western
    3A: Brownsburg
    2018 Results
    Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
    1A: Prairie Heights
    2A: Wawasee
    3A: Brownsburg
    2017 Results
    Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
    1A: Prairie Heights
    2A: Yorktown
    3A: Brownsburg
    2016 Results
    Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
    1A: Prairie Heights
    2A: Bellmont
    3A: Brownsburg
    2015 Results
    Location: Ball State
    1A: Adams Central
    2A: Yorktown
    3A: Evansville Mater Dei
    2014 Results
    Location: Westfield High School
    1A: Churubusco
    2A: Yorktown
    3A: Franklin
    2013 Results
    Location: Westfield High School
    1A: Adams Central
    2A: Yorktown
    3A: Perry Meridian
  6. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, #WrestlingWednesday with Jeremy Hines: Cougars read for first taste of Team State   
    By JEREMY HINES
    Thehines7@gmail.com
     
    Ed Hamant loved everything about the team state tournament. The longtime Greenfield-Central assistant coach never got to see one of his team’s compete in team state. He tragically passed away last year.
     
    Hamant coached the Cougars for 40 years. During that time Greenfield never made it to team state. This year the Cougars were the vote-in team for class 3A.
     
    “For us, getting here has been a long, long time coming,” Greenfield coach Josh Holden said. “The big thing on our mind is that this is something Ed Hamant loved. Ed coached for 40 years at Greenfield. He loved the individual state tournament but the team state really had a special place in his heart. He always dreamed of taking a team to it but never got to. When we were selected to compete a lot of people got really excited because they knew Ed would have loved to see this.”
     
    Greenfield is a bit of a mystery team, according to the rankings and the team state selections. The Cougars are ranked No. 3 in 3A, but they were the last team to get selected to the field in team state.
     
    “We are in an interesting situation,” Holden said. “Are we the eighth best team or are we one of the top three that can go in and make some noise? We have to look at ourselves as one of the top teams. We are excited to be there. We feel blessed and humbled and even honored that people would vote us in and we just want to compete and showcase what we can do.”
     
    The Cougars aren’t one of those squads loaded with ranked wrestlers. In fact, Greenfield has just two individuals ranked at all.
     
    Junior Clay Guenin is ranked No. 3 at 170 pounds. He’s the top ranked grappler at that weight in the New Castle semistate.
     
    “Clay is about 6’4,” Holden said. “Our whole team looks like basketball players. Clay hates to lose. He’s probably the most intense kid in our room. He does basic things on the mat, but he does them very well. He’s so aggressive and hard-nosed that you can’t wear him down. He’s an arm bar kid. He’s old school and he pins almost everyone he goes up against.
     
    “Clay is also a 4.1 student. He’s an all-around great kid. We have an entire group of outstanding men and women on this team.”
     
    The only other ranked grappler on the Cougar squad is Isaiah Holden, the coach’s son. Isaiah, a senior, is ranked No. 18 at 152 pounds.
     
    For Isaiah, wrestling is not his only focus. He is very involved with choir. He’s in show choir. He was the lead in a school musical last year. He also is known around Hancock County as the Greenfield Spider-Man. He dresses up as Spider-Man and performs at birthday parties.
     
    “Isaiah is just one of those special kids that has his hands in a little bit of everything,” coach Holden said. “He’s the best teammate I’ve ever been around. I don’t say that because he’s my son, I just truly believe that. If he had the choice between winning state himself or one of his teammates winning, I am sure he would pick for his teammate to win all day, every day.”
     
    Holden has coached at Greenfield for 20 years and he believes this is the best team Greenfield has had during that span.
     
    “I don’t know what the difference is, exactly,” Holden said. “We’ve had good teams in the past. We only have two ranked wrestlers and I have five freshmen in my lineup. I really thought we would struggle this year. But this is such a fantastic group of wrestlers. They make good decisions and work hard. If you asked my team right now how many of them get up in the morning and make their bed, I would bet 99 percent of them do. Everything they do is the right way.”
     
    Holden also says this is the most fun he’s had coaching.
     
    “I told my kids at the beginning of the season that I don’t know what my future holds, but I want to make this a special year,” Holden said. “And we’re doing that. We’re getting ready for team state for the first time ever. We’re going to the Connersville tournament and we’re hoping to win that. There are all kinds of first that we’re trying to get. This has been the most fun year I’ve had coaching.”
     
    Nobody in the Cougar lineup has ever qualified for state. Two years ago Greenfield advanced seven wrestlers to regional, but a Covid spread caused the school to close down all activities and prohibited the Cougars from competing from that point.
     
    The decision was disappointing to the wrestlers, but it also taught them a lesson.
     
    “We know now that you’re never promised tomorrow,” Holden said. “You can’t look to next year or next week. You have to be ready. You don’t always have as much time as you think. You never know when it will be your last match so you have to go out and treat everyone as if it could be.”
     
  7. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, Indiana Little State Recap + More   
    By Blaze Lowery
     
    Indianapolis continues to dominate the Little State tournament with five champions and eight finalists. Wabash, Marian, and Indiana Tech each having two champions, respectively. Trine continues to show glimmers of success and Manchester remains in rebuild mode. Year after year, this tournament gets stronger, and it is always good to see where Indiana’s universities in the state lineup against each other.
     
    125 –
     
    Wabash freshman #7 James Day defeats Aidan Sprague in a close 6-5 decision by a riding point. James Day comes to the Hoosier state from New Jersey and is fitting in well with the Little Giants. Having only a single loss this season, he could be a key component to this Wabash lineup, especially come tournament time.
     
    133 –
    Indiana Tech’s, #4 Matt Gimson, earned a takedown in sudden victory to defeat #6 Blake Mulkey of Marian. It felt like everyone at the tournament had their eyes on this match with Mulkey’s early takedown earned in the first period. Gimson will see Mulkey again in their dual in January but could see him again even sooner at NWCA National Duals.
    141 –
     
    UIndy’s Ray Rioux and Brayden Lowery share the Little State title for the greyhounds after both win their sides of the bracket. Being college roommates and wrestling each other in the state finals a few years prior, they decided it would be best to conserve their energy for the infamous Midwest Classic. The two will wrestle-off for the spot in the coming week.
     
    Lowery knocks off the one-seed, #5 Logan Wagner, who has recently been making noise in the NAIA scene, in a 6-4 decision. Rioux defeats Aundre Beatty with an uncontested 12-0 major decision. Both these hounds cannot run away from each other for too much longer with the 141-pound spot up for grabs.
     
    149 –
     
    #8 Nick Gates defeats Nathan Conley by 3-1 decision in the Little State finals for the second year in a row. Gates also defeats Asa Garcia in a 7-1 decision in the semis. Gates is a proven guy and is on his way to placement at the NAIA National Championships, after not placing in last year’s tournament.
     
    157 –
     
    UIndy’s #3 Logan Bailey obliterates the competition with three falls and takes the title by injury default in the finals over Tyson Nisley. After moving up from 149, Bailey has filled into the weight class nicely and rolls into the Midwest Classic with six falls on the season.
     
    165 –
     
    Owen Zablocki secures another title for the Greyhounds with a fall by spladle over Sam York of Indiana Tech. #6 Jack Eiteljorge injury defaults out of the tournament and allows Zablocki to win his last wrestling tournament ever, as he graduates at semester.
     
    174 –
    #4 Elliott Rodgers pins his way to a Little State title after he misses weight for 165lbs. Rodgers pins #11 Raymond Arebalo, who was seeded first this tournament. It is safe to say Rodgers is dangerous no matter what weight he ends up at.
    184 –
     
    #3 Sam Osho wins Marian’s first Little State title of the day with a 13-6 decision over Aidan Petersen of UIndy. Osho did not give up a single takedown this whole tournament and continues to be a great leader for the Knights.
     
    197 –
    #2 Derek Blubaugh gets his revenge with a 3-0 decision over Marian’s #7 Jack Servies. After falling to Servies at last season’s Little State tournament, Blubaugh was excited to make up for it. Blubaugh will roll into the Midwest Classic where he will more than likely see Dalton Abney of Central Oklahoma who beat him at the 2022 NCAA DII National Champions.
    285 –
     
    Wabash’s #3 Jack Heldt makes himself the third wrestler this tournament to pin his way through the tournament with a fall over Mayes-Butler of Indiana Tech, who had all falls as well going into the finals. Heldt stays undefeated on the season for the Little Giants.
     
     
    D1 Significant Results:
     
    #2 Mason Parris (Michigan) defeats #5 Lucas Davison (Northwestern) at CKLV by 6-4 decision
    #18 Silas Allred (Nebraska) wins by 5-2 decision over #15 Gavin Hoffman (Ohio State) at CKLV
    Graham Calhoun (Wisconsin) wins Jim Kock Open
     
    Upcoming Events this Weekend:
    Dec 10th – Wabash @ Luther College (Triple Dual)
    Dec 11th – IU @ Cleveland State Open
    Dec 11th – Marian & Indiana Tech @ NAIA Challenge Duals
  8. Thanks
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, Indiana Women’s Collegiate Preview   
    Indiana Tech:
     
    From a year of experience to Fargo All-Americans, Indiana Tech is a place where women’s wrestling is beginning to thrive. Having a roster of 53 athletes, the Warriors are looking to be a top five team at this year’s National Duals Tournament. Head Coach Paul Rademacher has brought in an underrated freshman class and is on the hunt to have seven All-American’s this season.
     
    Notable Freshman Recruits:
    Riley Dempewolf of McCutcheon, 4x Indiana State Champion, 2x Junior Duals All-American
    Makayla Young of Bellefontaine Chieftain (OH), World Team Member
    Adriana Sanchez of Purdue Polytechnic, State Runner-up
    Cydney Bassett of Purdue Polytechnic, State Runner-up
    Andrea Hernandez of Bellmont, State Runner-up
    Trinity Coyne of Bellmont, State Runner-up
    Haley Thompson of Columbia City, State Runner-up
     
    With a recruiting class this stacked, it puts some pressure on the current lineup that Rademacher has been working with for the past few years. One of the biggest impacts in the room has been how large the Warrior’s roster has become. Having 53 athletes on a team with the ability to only take 12 to the NAIA Championships, makes for some great competition internally. Rademacher believes his recruiting class is “under the radar,” due to the pandemic not allowing these women to compete at the national level.
     
    Another goal of Rademacher’s is to finish as a top eight team at the NAIA National Tournament this season, a legitimate goal with these returning starters and captains.
     
    Returning All-Americans:
    Tehani Soares of Shadow Ridge (NV), 4th place
    Sam Snow of Los Alamitos (CA), 4th place
    Elly Kuzma of Carlson (MI), 7th place
     
    These few have been setting the example of what it takes to get to that next level that Rademacher is talking about. The Warriors have been putting in time in the offseason to really take advantage of the big strides they took last season. With a big dual win over Campbellsville, a new confidence has lit a fire in the room says Rademacher. With workout plans and some structure this offseason, they will likely exceed their goals.
     
    Rademacher is more than ecstatic that the IHSAA is recognizing women’s wrestling as an emerging sport. He believes that opportunity to wrestle in college is something that every female wrestler should take advantage of, even if it’s not in Fort Wayne.
     
    The Warriors are getting bigger and better by the year, and it does not look like they are slowing down anytime soon.
     
    Trine:
    Trine University hires on new head coach, Theresa Rankin, to tackle the 2022–2023 season for the Lightning. Rankin, being a seasoned veteran and All-American, came in this June and is already seeing growth in the room. With a small team, they will have more than enough one-on-one time to make something spark. The Lightning brought on three freshman this offseason and are excited to see what the future holds for them.
     
    Freshman Recruits:
    Charissa Fauber (West Lafayette, IN)
    Emma Seiler (Auburn, IN)
    Keira Wilson (Elkhart, IN)
     
    Fauber, coming off a shoulder injury, is a firecracker on the mat says Rankin. Placing second in freestyle at the 2021 ISWA State Finals, she will a great asset for Trine in the coming years. Rankin, also excited about Seiler and Wilson, is really trying to get her newcomers to soak in everything about wrestling so they are better prepared when competition begins.
     
    Speaking of competition, Riley Morrison (TX) qualified for nationals as a sophomore last season and is sharpening her skillset for a potential podium finish. Also coming back for their junior season is Michelle Sanchez (IL). Rankin believes Sanchez could potentially make it to nationals this year with the amount of talent she brings to the table. Lastly, Ashton Francis (NY) could also find herself at nationals if she focuses on her craft.
     
    Although this team is young, Rankin is ready to strengthen weaknesses and take the Lightening to the next level.
     
    Alara Boyd:
    Being one of, if not, the best female wrestler to ever come out of Indiana, Alara Boyd of Yorktown continues to make history and could see herself with another National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling title this season. Being a three-time National Collegiate Women’s Championships finalist, Boyd has proven time and time again that she is able to compete with the best. Staying at 143lbs this season, Boyd is “staying consistent” with her training and lifestyle to stay at the top. Boyd highlights how important the little things are when trying to compete for national titles. Simple things like eating right and going to bed at a decent hour are sacrifices she is willing to make to win.
     
    Boyd is well known around the state of Indiana, but left to attend McKendree University, ranked #2 in the 2021-2022 NWCA’s women’s coaches’ rankings. When she joined the Bearcats, Boyd was pushed out of her comfort zone a bit. She is a firm believer that people grown when they are uncomfortable, which is why she has enjoyed her time at McKendree. A challenge she has had to face since enrolled is having to prioritize her time. Having to juggle wrestling and school, it is tough to stay on top of everything, especially when wrestling all around the world. Attributing her success to her parents, Boyd is grateful for the support she receives.
     
    “Keep Going,” is Boyd’s ask of all young female wrestlers. She dreams of seeing women’s wrestling sanctioned in Indiana and the only way for that to happen is to keep growing the sport.
     
    Boyd will continue to dominate and will wrestle in the NWCA All-Star Classic on November 22nd on FloWrestling. Be sure to tune in and support Boyd on her journey to greatness.
  9. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, NCAA DI Preview   
    By Blaze Lowery
    Indiana University
     
    The Hoosiers of Indiana University are stocking up on more talent for the upcoming 2022-2023 season. Signing 11 recruits, this team is beginning to shape itself into a bit of a shock for the Big Ten Conference. Coming off a not-so-great ending to their previous season, the Hoosiers are in search of redemption. As they bring back many starters for this upcoming season, Head Coach Angel Escobedo and the squad will have the opportunity to prove that IU isn’t just a basketball school.
     
    With the majority of the new recruiting class from out of state, one familiar name that rings a bell in southern Indiana is Gabe Sollars from Evansville Mater Dei. Having a great end to his high school career as a two-time state champion, Sollars could be the missing piece to the puzzle in Bloomington. Also joining the Hoosiers is two-time placer, Ben Phillips of Charlestown, who had a record of 142-22 throughout his high school career. Transfer, Clayton Fielden of Garrett, who has seen some mat time for Army, comes back to his home state to compete for the Hoosiers as well. Fielden could potentially crack the Hoosier lineup this season as he takes on Robert Major of Carmel for the 165lbs spot.
     
    Bringing back the bulk of their starters from last season only gives this team more time to grow and compete at a higher level. Returning this season is Donnell Washington of Portage, who was the only wrestler to score for the Hoosiers at the NCAA DI National Championships. Having been ranked as high as #6 in the nation last season, he is someone that is bound to make sparks fly, especially after hearing he is dropping down to 174lbs for the Hoosiers. This spot, currently held by Nick South of Columbus East, is going to make for an interesting curveball in their lineup. Escobedo indicates that although he thinks both men could potentially be All-Americans, championship teams have guys at the same weight class more frequently than not.
     
    The infamous brother duo, Graham and Cayden Rooks of Columbus East, have been more than entertaining throughout their wrestling careers. These guys are both high scoring wrestlers who always seem to pull off some big upsets year after year. The Rooks brothers both fell short of their goals last season, but it only gave them more motivation to grind this offseason. Escobedo has been assisting the brothers’ transition to “approach the sport differently this offseason,” which has made these men hungry and excited for what their future holds.
     
    Happy to bring back Jacob Moran of Portage at 125lbs, the Hoosiers are going to be just fine to start out their duals this season. With multiple wins over ranked opponents, and being ranked the first half of last season, it is Moran’s time to make a statement. Like most of his teammates, this offseason has been a time for him to refine and build on his skills.
     
    Do not sleep on Nick Willham of Greenwood at 195lbs. Although Willham does not have too many collegiate accolades to date, he is a “workhorse in the room,” says Escobedo. Willham has been making himself known around the nation with multiple overtime matches with All-American’s in his weight class. Escobedo also points out how those matches only led to more confidence for Willham to reach All-American status. “The sky is the limit,” states Escobedo.
     
    Returning to Bloomington, as an associate head coach, Mike Dixon 01’. Dixon having a lofty coaching resume will make for an impactful addition to the Hoosier coaching staff. Another coach added is volunteer assistant coach and three-time All-American at Nebraska, C.J. Red. Red, a four-time Indiana state champion, has a vested interest in the future of the Hoosier wrestling program.
     
    This is truly a year for IU to take the next step and possibly make some magic happen.
     
    Purdue University
     
    Purdue University continues to churn talent and develop Indiana recruits into national qualifiers. Bringing on seven newcomers, these recruits are entering a program that could finish top 15 in the country. The Boilermakers bring on a very skilled recruiting class, with an already young team as it is. Being in the room since June, these freshmen who came in as boys, are going to enter their season as men states Assistant Coach Jake Sueflohn.
     
    First recruit up is Brody Baumann of Evansville Mater Dei, who was a two-time Indiana state champion. He is a proven winner and has shown he is ready to compete at the next level. Up next is Ike Ruble of Bellmont, who is likely hungrier after his season did not go as planned. It is likely that Ruble is still growing and could end up at a much higher weight class than intended. Coach Sueflohn also sheds light on Ruble’s “attitude and positive energy” that lifts the room up. Ruble finished his high school career at 133-10 and is likely going to crack lineup in his time as a Boilermaker.
     
    Kade Law of Columbus East was the guy the Olympians could always count on when they needed it most. Being a 2021 IHPO Champion, Law has always been a well-rounded competitor. Brac Hooper of Zionsville is the last recruit of Indiana natives. This guy always knew how to scrap but only started to fill out by the end of his high school career. It would not be a surprise if we saw Hooper become West Lafayette’s secret weapon.
     
    Some of the success from this previous year’s tournaments was from #10 Thomas Penola of Zionsville. Penola, a three-time NCAA national qualifier, is settling into his redshirt senior season nicely. Always willing to do whatever it takes, Penola has been “opening his offensive attacks this offseason,” says Sueflohn. Although his signature underhook is nothing to shy away from, development this offseason will push him to that All-American status at the tournament this year.
     
    Cooper Noehre of Greenfield Central has the chance to solidify himself at 165lbs. After he wrestled in a few varsity duals in the previous season at 157lbs, he has proven himself more than capable of holding his own for the Boilermakers.
     
    Potentially cracking lineup at 149lbs is Jaden Reynolds of Avon. Reynolds being a three-time place winner for the Orioles has proven himself as a viable option for the Boilermakers. Having a few solid wins under his belt his redshirt season, Reynolds is continuing to build on his already solid foundation. Someone else really filling out is Indiana state champion, Tristan Ruhlman of Bloomington South, who is likely to see time at heavyweight this season.
     
    This team understand how to put its nose to the grindstone and really make it count. Excited is an understatement when talking about Purdue wrestling.
     
  10. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, NCAA DII Season Preview   
    By Blaze Lowery
     
    Having only a single DII university in the state of Indiana, I was more than willing to reach out to a few familiar faces from the Hoosier state that have found success around the nation.
     
    University of Indianapolis
    The Greyhounds roll into this season off one the best seasons the team has ever had in program history. Bringing back six National Qualifiers, four of which were All-Americans, the University of Indianapolis is looking to compete for a trophy at the NCAA DII National Championships. Coach Jason Warthan is excited to have “a good mix of experience and youth” in the room but is even more excited to “watch the greyhounds grow and compete.”
     
    Returning National Qualifiers:
    Derek Blubaugh of Bloomington South, National Runner-Up
    Logan Bailey of Cathedral, All-American (6th)
    Dawson Combest of Columbus East, 3x All-American (7th)
    Jack Eiteljorge of Carmel, All-American (2020)
    Breyden Bailey of Cathedral, National Qualifier
    Cale Gray of Norwell, National Qualifier
     
    Losing only a single national qualifier from last year, Andrew Sams (OH), this team is stacking up nicely once again. Finishing sixth at the NCAA DII National Championships this past season, the talent in this room does not end there. Senior, Chase Wilkerson of Mt. Vernon – Fortville, and redshirt sophomore, Ray Rioux of Avon, were Super Regional placers in these past few seasons for the Greyhounds.
     
    Other Notable Returners:
    Noah Cantu (MI), returning starter at 125
    Jay Thompson (OH), returning starter from 2021
    Brayden Lowery of Roncalli, potential starter at 133lbs or 141lbs
    Nathan Conley of Avon, potential starter at 149lbs
    Jake Lone of Northwood, potential starter at 184lbs
    Aidan Petersen (MI), potential starter at 184lbs
    Shane Bates of Zionsville, potential starter at 174lbs
    Owen Butler (MD), potential starter at 174lbs
     
    So much talent and not enough weight classes; the Greyhounds run deeper than what meets the eye. Warthan having a next-man-up approach is something that only the best in the nation can handle, making this team ready for anything in its path. Speaking of the next man up, this incoming freshman class should be on everyone’s radar.
     
    Incoming Freshman:
    Aidan Sprague of East Noble, potentially starting at 125lbs
    Nathan Smith of Southport, Fargo Runner-Up, Preseason Nationals Champion
    Gavin Garcia of Brownsburg
    Mason Cantu of Hart (MI)
    Jacob Johnson of Franklin Community
    Bryce Crump of Center Grove
    Maleec Griffin of Pike
    Zach Haughton of Mt. Vernon – Fortville
    Carson Johnson of Mt. Vernon – Fortville
    Tyler Jones of Warren
    Porter Keevers of New Palestine
    Jakobe Leavell of Pike
    Tabor Lock of Edwardsburg (MI)
    Noah Salary of LaPorte
    Sam Strouse of Center Grove
     
    This recruiting class is only going to keep business steady in Indianapolis. Tackling this preseason is going to be what sets the Greyhounds apart from its competition, complementing the foundation built this offseason. Being detail oriented and making ever rep count comes natural to this team, setting them up for another great year. To put it simply, Warthan is playing chess, not checkers.
     
     
    Out-of-State Spotlight
     
    Drake Kendrex of Mt. Vernon – Fortville
    West Liberty’s starting 197-pounder, Drake Kendrex, enters his senior season with his eyes on the prize. Originally from Indiana, he found great success and experiences with his time in West Virginia. Going to school in another state can me be “nerve-wracking,” says Kendrex, but “getting out and traveling” has been a focal point for his growth on and off the mat.
     
    His personal goal this year is to qualify for the national tournament. Selflessly, he says he owes a lot of his previous success to his coaches and practice partners. Danny Erwin, Head Coach at West Liberty, and previous Head assistant at Wabash College, brings in Kyle Hatch of Wabash College as a graduate assistant.
     
    Kendrex reiterates that the end goal for the team is to be national champions, but claims that his pre-season workouts, even the ones at six in the morning, make these goals comes to life. Bonding with his team more and more has prepared him to go to war and Kendrex invites the challenge.
     
    Carter Noehre of Greenfield Central
    Colorado School of Mines’ starting 157-pounder, Carter Noehre, is set on placing at the NCAA DII National Championships. As if studying mechanical engineering wasn’t enough, Noehre continues to impress as he appears in the NWCA’s 2021-2022 preseasons rankings as 12th in the nation. Placing fifth at the Super Regional Vi Championships last season, the bitter taste of defeat burns like fuel as he makes his way into his senior season.
     
    The Orediggers sent three to nationals last season, but Noehre sets the bar at five wrestlers for this upcoming national tournament. Although Noehre is far away from home, he has found his second family within his time in Golden.
     
    Ready to grind for the podium finish, Noehre is bound to make sparks fly.
     
    Christian Mejia of Elkhart Memorial
    McKendree University’s starting 125-pounder, Christian Mejia, looks to bounce back onto the podium as he enters into his fifth year. After winning the 42nd Midwest Classic tournament, held in Indianapolis, Mejia fell short of his goals of being a national champion. Although last season did not go as planned, he comes back for another year with redemption on his mind. Grinding day in and day out, Mejia and the Bearcats are looking to keep their 15-win dual record rolling.
     
    Mejia’s goal this upcoming season is to not only win the NCAA DII National Championships, but to dominate the weight class as well. Mejia has found his home away from home in Illinois. Exploring all options and keeping an open mind was how he found himself at McKendree and hopes that every Indiana high school wrestler does the same.
  11. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, NCAA DIII Season Preview   
    By Blaze Lowery
     
    Trine University:
    Trine looks to have a breakout year in its future with a couple leadership shifts that are only improving the culture for the Thunder. Coach Thomas Hall is more than ecstatic to bring on some extra hands, as Trine will bring out more than 40 wrestlers to its room this season. The Thunder are continuously bringing more and more capital to the division and is becoming a place for the love of wrestling to thrive. Adding 17 incoming freshmen, 15 of which are Indiana natives, there is no question they have a highly competitive room of guys who want to compete.  
     
    Coach Hall highlights how his team, unlike most, gained from the time away from competition during the pandemic to really focus on his team’s craft and technique. Building this team since he was 23 years old, passion for the sport is what keeps him going. Development, learning, and growing are Hall’s big three this upcoming season.
     
    Key Returning Wrestlers:
    Jett Boots of Angola, Conference Runner-Up, Regional Placer
    Isaac Hawkins of Fremont, Conference Placer (4th)
    Phil Burney, Conference Runner-Up
    Ethan Nash of Franklin Community, Conference Placer (3rd)
     
    These wrestlers have tough competition, as this upcoming class is massive and talented. With only one senior graduating, and no seniors on their roster now, the staff will have some time to cater toward technique and complimenting styles.
     
    Incoming Freshman:
    Jacob Behm of Fremont
    Colin Corbin of Jeffersonville
    Ben Edwards of Yorktown
    Sean Gaston of Monrovia
    Quentin Keesee of Franklin Central
    Bradie Porter of Eastern Greentown
    Shaun Pratt of Winamac
    Dalton Robinson of Bellmont
    Baily Rucker of Delphi
    Chase Seifert of Peru
    Jacob Simpson of Hobart
    Jake Stall of McCutcheon
    Trey Tobias of Northwood
    Lakin Webb of Rensselaer Central
    Carson Wools of Center Grove
    Tommy Miller of Mt. Prospect (IL)
    Kyle Smith of Dundee (MI)
     
    Hall states this incoming class has, “…high goals and are holding each other accountable.” His additions at the leadership level are what will drive these goals and accountability home.
     
    Coaching changes that Trine is making for this upcoming season: Zach Rieger of Adrian College ‘18, 3x NWCA Academic All-American, 2017 National Qualifier; Josh Stephenson of Manchester College ’22, NWCA Academic All-American, 4x Varsity Letter Winner; Luke Carver of Trine University ’21, 2x Regional Placer
     
    Building reputation and culture seems to be the focal point of this program and the proof should be in the pudding as we enter this 2022-2023 season.
     
    Wabash College
    The Little Giants have reigned over Division 3 for some time now and it does not look like this dynasty is ending anytime soon. Coming off a National Runner-up finish this past season; these men are ready to get another shot at taking the title. Recruiting fare and wide, their recruiting class is only getting more and more impressive as the years go by. Falling to Wartburg by a single point at the 2022 NCAA national tournament, the taste of defeat is only fuel to the fire for what this team is going to do in the coming season.
     
    Key Returners:
    Jack Heldt of Carmel, 2022 NCAA National Runner-Up
    Chase Baczek, 2022 NCAA All American (6th)
    Daniel Uribe, 2022 NCAA National Qualifier
    Blake McGee, 4th at NCAA Central Regional
    Ray Arebalo, 6th at NCAA Central Regional
    Tyson Nisley of LaPorte, 7th at NCAA Central Regional
     
    It takes more than hard work to crown five All Americans and three national finalists, it takes a plan. Coach Brian Anderson, going into his 19th season, is very strategic what he turns his attention too. Although Anderson is excited about what this season may bring, he and his coaching staff believe that pre-season is the time to make big strides in comparison to the competition. This upcoming recruiting class, similar to their new teammates, have some significant accolades themselves.
     
    Incoming Indiana Freshmen:
    Eli Johnson of Norwell
    Sammy Saunders of Terre Haute North
    Brandon Hammer of Tippecanoe Valley
    Dylan Barron of North Newton
    Dominic Litchfield of Bellmont
    Jesse Herrera of Highland
     
    Top National Recruits include: James Day, 3X New Jersey State Qualifier; David Gelman, 4X State Qualifier, 2X Placer; Arlie Benson, 2X Ohio State Placer; Justin Hood, Rhode Island State Champion; Aidan Lutes, 2X Illinois State Qualifier; Tim Smith, 3X Ohio State Qualifier, 2X Placer; Austin Morris, New Hampshire State Champion
      
    Anderson states ,“The team will have a mix of veterans and a nice group of newcomers to keep the program chasing down NCAA team trophies.” An excited coaching staff and a loaded roster secures Wabash College in for yet another amazing year.
      
    Manchester University
    Manchester University acquires third coach in the last three seasons, officially finding the one. Hiring on Josh Hardman, Manchester University ‘00, the Spartans could find that spark they have been searching for. Hardman thrilled for what’s yet to come, is truthful is saying that it is going to “take some time” for the Spartans to really build out a solid foundation. After 5 seasons with Wabash College, Coach Hardman returns to make Manchester wrestling what it used to be. Indiana wrestlers that are willing to put in the work and are excited to be coached should be looking at Manchester as a potential spot for greatness.
     
    Key Returners:
    Devontay Moore of North Central
    Justin Brantley of Western
    Ellisston Ross of Bloomington South
     
    With a smaller roster, these Spartans could make exponential growth in a short time and possibly shock the Central Regional. Even with a new coaching hire, Manchester seemed to rake in a couple of recruits that could break lineup in its first year.
     
    Incoming Freshman:
    Keagan Mabie of Mishawaka
    Jason Orr of Muncie Central
     
    Small rosters mean big opportunities, meaning any spot goes to the hungriest in the room. Hardman, having vested interest with the university’s future, this team is going to compete and compete they will.  
  12. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, NAIA Collegiate Season Preview   
    By Blaze Lowery
     
    Indiana consistently produces quality wrestlers that elicit remarkable feats in their collegiate careers. Whether its Division I or NAIA, Indiana is becoming a beacon for successful wrestling programs, especially at the next level. So much of the time, these accomplishments are not recognized: which is why I am here to do so: Without further or due, you NAIA Collegiate 2022-2023 Season Preview.
     
    Indiana Tech:
    Indiana Teach has nine incoming freshmen from Indiana’s 2022 graduating class, the most of any college in Indiana, and not even accounting for the out-of-state recruits. There are eight of 11 national qualifiers returning for another season, and of which are national champions. The Warriors are looking to secure yet another top five finish at the NAIA Championships this season, in addition to winning another WHAC title.
     
    2022 NAIA National Champions:
    Conner Gimson (133) of Jimtown – NAIA National Champion
    Gimson won his second national title this past season, making him the first two-time national champion for the Warriors wrestling program. He also secured a 2nd team COSIDA Award for his academic and athletic accomplishments. There are talks of Gimson possibly coming back for his COVID year, but its looking like he will not be continuing his time on the mat.
     
    Eric Vermillion (184) – NAIA National Champion (Returning)
    Vermillion also won his second national title this past season for Tech, becoming the second wrestler in program history to have repeat championships under his belt. As if that was not enough, he also secured the 1st team COSIDA Award, the most prestigious award earned in the NAIA.
      
    2022 NAIA National Qualifiers:
    Kyle Kantola (141) – 8th Place (Returning)
    Nathan Orum (125) – National Qualifier (Returning)
    Matt Gimson (133) of Jimtown– National Qualifier (Returning)
    Nick Gates (149) – National Qualifier (Returning)
    Corey Cavanaugh (149) – National Qualifier (Returning)
    Nate Wheeler (157) – National Qualifier (Returning)
    Hunter Gasper (174) – National Qualifier
    Vernon Willis (285) – National Qualifier
    Braydon Erb (285) of Western– National Qualifier (Returning)
     
    Although the numbers did not translate into placement for many of the Warriors at Nationals, I am certain that it will this upcoming season with such a large recruiting class. In other words, Indiana Tech is not rebuilding, it is reloading for an even better post season in 2023.
     
    Incoming Freshmen: Braxton Vest (125) of Westfield, Michael Tharpe (125) of Center Grove, Zimani Malomboza (125) of Fort Wayne Northrop, Elijah Anthony (133) of Frankfort, Corbin Walston (149) of Lawrenceburg, Landon Buchanan (165) of Jimtown, Nathan Critchfield (285) of Evansville Mater Dei, Ian Clifford (285) of Columbia City, Ryan Lattimore (285) of Purdue Polytechnic.
     
    Out of these nine incoming freshmen, I’m highest on Elijah Anthony. I think Indiana Tech will be a great fit for Anthony with the Gimson brothers departing in the coming year. Another guy to look forward to is Braxton Vest; with a showstopping performance at the state tournament this past season, this kid is a proven gamer.
     
    Coach Thomas Pompei is locked in for yet another season of greatness.
     
    Marian University:
    The Knights took advantage of the portal this offseason. Not even mentioning the eight recruits they acquired in the 2022 recruiting class, this team is stacked to say the least. After placing 10th at the NAIA Championship last season, Marian is taking strides to gain a top five finish at this year’s tournament.
     
    Recent Transfer List:
    Alex Cottey of Perry Meridian, Chattanooga University
    Cottey transfers after a season-ending leg injury that kept him from showing his true potential for the Mocs. He is a two-time Indiana state champion, and two-time runner-up for the falcons of Perry Meridian. His homecoming is a great chance for him to showcase the skills he picked up in Tennessee.
     
    Asa Garcia of Avon, Indiana University
    Garcia was in and out of the lineup for the Hoosiers, but never solidified himself as the guy down in Bloomington. With his little brother, Blaze Garcia of Brownsburg, joining the Knights this offseason, this was an awesome place for him to land coming out of the portal. Garcia was a three-time Indiana state champion and was ranked 9th in the nation his senior year.
      
    Head Coach Steven Bradley will have his hands full with these transfers, as he already has eight returning qualifiers from last year’s tournament.
     
    2022 NAIA Nationals Results:
    Sam Osho (184) of Avon – 3rd place (Returning)
    Elliot Rodgers (165) of Cathedral – 6th place (Returning)
    Jack Servies (197) of Perry Meridian– 6th place (Returning)
    Anthony Hughes (125) of Lawrence North– Qualifier (Returning)
    Aundre Beatty (141) of Warren Central– Qualifier (Returning)
    Logan Wagner (141) of Zionsville– Qualifier (Returning)
    Seth Johnson (149) of North Montgomery- Qualifier (Returning)
    Bailey Moore (157) of Beech Grove– Qualifier (Returning)
     
    Honorable mention goes to Blake Mulkey of Brownsburg, Gardner-Webb transfer, who placed 4th at nationals the year prior, but suffered a season-ending injury that kept him from wrestling last season.
     
    In addition to the national qualifiers and incoming transfers, this 2022 freshmen class is also full of hammers.
     
    Incoming Freshmen: Landon Bertsch (133,141) of Bluffton, Braden Haines (141) of Brownsburg, Drew Willis (141) of Roncalli, Jude Barger (149) of Franklin Community, Blaze Garcia (149) of Brownsburg, Zach Wilson (149) of Roncalli, Dylan McKelvey (149) of Brownsburg, Liam Begley (285) of Crown Point.
     
    I do not see any of these freshmen making a significant impact in the coming season, but I feel like a large majority of them have potential to start in their later years for the Knights.
     
    Marian is one of Indiana’s newer collegiate teams in the state and its lineup has only gotten deeper. It is safe to say that the Marian Knights are not only here to stay but are here to play as they enter their 7th season as a program.
     
  13. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, West Vigo's Torieonna Buchanan working to make history   
    By JEREMY HINES
    Thehines7@gmail.com
     
    Torrieanna Buchanan’s wrestling coach, Brian Otte, gave her a choice about an upcoming tournament. He told her she could wrestle at 106 pounds and probably win the tournament, or she could wrestle at 113 pounds and face a few ranked wrestlers. The decision was an easy one for the West Vigo senior – she wanted to face the ranked guys.
     
    “I want to wrestle all the ranked kids I can in my weight class,” Buchanan said. “Even if I get beat by them, they’re going to make me a better wrestler. You don’t get better wrestling kids you know you can beat. I want to wrestle the ones that are up there, that are going to push me the most.”
     
    That mindset is what has fueled Buchanan since she started wrestling at just 4-years-old. She challenges herself to get better every day. That’s led her to three consecutive girls state titles. She also became West Vigo’s first-ever female to reach the IHSAA semistate tournament.
     
    “Torrie never backs down from anything,” Otte said. “She is willing to outwork anyone. She’s not been treated as a girl ever in our room. She proves herself every single day.”
     
    For Buchanan, the key to her success is in her technique. She believes her strength will help her compete against girls, but it’s her technique that gives her the edge against the guys.
     
    “I really have to rely on technique,” Buchanan said. “Technique is the most important thing to me. You can have strength, but the person with the better technique is going to win almost every time. Technique has helped me more than anything else.”
     
    Coach Otte also believes Buchanan’s mental toughness is the key to her success.
     
    “Her best strength is her mental toughness,” Otte said. “She’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever been around, mentally. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to become better. She trains here in the spring and summer, then she’ll go over to Red Cobra and train with Coach Red on the same day. She’s willing to work harder than anyone else.”
     
    That work ethic helped her with her college search as well. She has committed to wrestle for Campbellsville University. There she will wrestle for Coach Lee Miracle, the father of one of the wrestlers Buchanan has been a fan of for a long time – Kayla Miracle.
     
    Miracle was on hand when Buchanan signed with Campbellsville. She was also there when Buchanan tried out for the World Team.
     
    “She talked to me and told me I need to have fun in wrestling,” Buchanan said. “I need to go out there with the mentality that I want to win. She talked about not cutting wait and being the best version of me that I can be.”
     
    Miracle is one of the wrestlers Buchanan has always looked up to. She is the only female in Indiana to qualify for the state tournament, a goal Buchanan says would be her dream.
     
    “I really want to win girls state for the fourth time,” Buchanan said. “But I also want to make a run for boys state. I know Kayla was the last girl to make it to Friday night, and I want to make it past Friday night.”
     
    Buchanan has changed her perspective on her losses this season. In the past she would get frustrated at losing. Now she uses those losses to learn how to do better the next time.
     
    “I used to think that I sucked after a loss,” she said. “Now I take them as a win and I learn from them. They make me get better. The next time I wrestle the same kid, I’m hoping I can learn from that loss and go out and beat them.”
     
    Buchanan would like to get into coaching after college, and ultimately would love to represent the United States at the Olympic level.
     
    “She’s a great kid,” Otte said. “You really couldn’t ask for anything better. My wife and I call her one of our daughters. She’s polite and willing to help anyone with anything. She’s been raised right.
     
    “She’s the only girl in our room but she’s also the one that I use to demonstrate any move I’m teaching. She’s a leader on our team.”
  14. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, #MondayMatness with Steve Krah: Senior Bailey has already forged unprecedented career with River Forest Ingots   
    By STEVE KRAH
    stvkrh905@gmail.com
     
    Jeffrey Bailey is doing things that the wrestling program at River Forest High School in Hobart has never witnessed.
    With a 2021-22 season-opening victory (takedown/near-side cradle/pin in 31 seconds) Nov. 17 against East Chicago Central, Bailey, a 106-pound senior, added to what is already the best mark in Ingots mat history at 106-12.
     
    He went 35-5 as a freshman in 2018-19, 38-3 and an IHSAA State Finals qualifier as a sophomore in 2019-20, 32-4 as a junior in 2020-21 and became River Forest’s first state placer when he came in sixth.
     
    As a freshman, Bailey came in fifth at Frosh-Soph State and placed second at Frosh-Soph State as a sophomore.
     
    Bailey grappled in middle school, but he really became serious about the sport as a freshman – the same year that Mark Hidalgo became Ingots head coach.
     
    Hidalgo, a 1989 Merrillville High School who has coached wrestling and football at several schools the past 25 years, brought enthusiasm and made the mat matter at River Forest.
     
    “Before Coach Hidalgo got here we didn’t have a tradition,” says Bailey. “Guys just showed up.”
     
    Bailey points to a turning-point moment during his sophomore year when Hidalgo sat him down for a heart-to-heart talk.
     
    “He told me I have potential to do something no one has ever done in the school before,” says Bailey of the coach/Physical Education teacher. “I used to struggle with my confidence. I didn’t have confidence in anything I did.”
     
    Suddenly, Bailey was full of tenacity and that showed in his matches.
     
    “He knows wrestling, says Hildalgo of Bailey. He’s always watching it and trying to better him better. He’s pretty solid in all aspects, but he’s best on his feet.
     
    “He’s been shooting doubles for years. He’s added a lot more to his arsenal over the summer and in the offseason.
     
    “There’s a lot of good things about Jeff. He cares about this team. He pushes himself everyday in practice. He also puts in the work in the classroom. He’s a fun kid to be around. We’ve got a pretty good relationship.”
     
    Hidalgo placed fourth at state as a senior heavyweight. He was in football, wrestling and baseball (one year) at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill., where he was coached by former Eastern Illinois University heayweight All-American Dave Klemm who had clashed with future NCAA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Bruce Baumgartner. Hidalgo was also at Purdue University for one year when  Jeff Jordan coached the Boilermakers.
     
    Marcus Shrewsbury, a 189-pound state champion at Crown Point in 2009, is Hidalgo’s nephew.
     
    The coach was on the Bill Kelly’s East Chicago Central staff when Hector Mendez ascended to the top of the IHSAA state heap at 125 in 2002.
     
    Hidalgo says Bailey had a real shot to win a state championship in 2021.
     
    “This year he’s focused,” says Hidalgo. “It’s state title or bust — one of those things.”
     
    Some chances for Bailey to get better and for fans to see him include Nov. 27 at the North Newton Invitational, Dec. 4 at the Harvest Classic (Lake Central), Dec. 11 at the Traicoff Memorial (Calumet New Tech), Jan. 8 at the Lake County Tournament (Hanover Central) and Jan. 15 at the Greater South Shore Conference Tournament (Hanover Central) – where River Forest will be trying of a third-straight title. The IHSAA tournament series includes the Jan. 29 Portage Sectional, Feb. 5 Hobart Regional and Feb. 12 East Chicago Semistate followed by the Feb. 18-19 State Finals at Gainbridge (formerly Bankers Life) Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
     
    Bailey says he has gotten to the point where he is good in the top wrestling position.
     
    “I like to turn and a I like to ride,” says Bailey. “It happened over time. My freshmen year, I gave up reversals.”
     
    Charles Voss, Jeffrey’s uncle, was a state qualifier at Owen Valley, but that’s the only wrestling Bailey has in his family tree.
     
    Jeffrey’s father – DeWayne Bailey was a high school basketball standout at Maranatha Christian in Portage and his youngest son also took the court when he was younger.
     
    “I tried, but I would get dejected and get mad,” says Jeffrey Bailey. “Everybody was so much bigger than me. I really couldn’t do anything.”
     
    At 5-foot-8, Bailey is among the taller 106-pounders and he uses those longer limbs to his advantage.
     
    “In scrambles I don’t get in bad positions where I’m uncomfortable,” says Bailey.
     
    But even with parents DeWayne and Heather preparing his meals he just wasn’t going to be that big. In fact, Jeffrey tried to add weight in the off-season and go up a class or two, but it just didn’t stick.
     
    “I burned too many calories,” says Bailey.
     
    He does go against bigger practice partners, including senior Jonathan Schultz (126), junior Alejandro Ramirez (132) and first-year Ingots assistant Eric Keith. Schultz is a semistate qualifier and Ramirez has been to regional.
     
    Keith was a four-time state qualifier with a state title at 140 as a Portage High School senior in 2000. His career prep mark was 170-8.
     
    “We have smaller guys in the room, but they don’t give me the feel that I want,” says Bailey. “Wrestling stronger guys makes me better.”
     
    Bailey trains and competes pretty much year-round, going to workouts around northwest Indiana and many Indiana State Wrestling Association events. Last year, he also went with Hammond Gavit grapplers to the Disney Duals.
     
    After high school, Bailey can see himself wrestling college if that opportunity arises. He expects to study History and pursue a path to becoming a high school Social Studies teacher and coach.
     
    Bailey is particularly interested in Biblical history.
     
    “I’m a Christian,” says Bailey. “I’m always trying to learn about my faith.”
     
    Jeffrey and his father have Bible study twice a week and have enjoyed a net series called “The Days of Noah.”
     
    Jeffrey grew up in the River Forest area with his parents and older brother DeWayne. He enjoys walking around town now and having them ask him about wrestling. It’s a big deal there now thanks in large part to Bailey, who returns the affection.
     
    Says Bailey, “I love my community, my parents and my coaches.”
  15. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, Two exciting opportunities for the Fort Wayne area   
    By Dane Fuelling
     
    Decades ago, the stretch of land from Fort Wayne to Muncie was the heart of high school wrestling in Indiana. Storied programs like Bellmont, Delta and the now-shuttered high schools of Muncie South and Muncie North won 11 of the twenty-one state championships from 1974 to 1994. Since Bellmont’s title in 1994, the area has fallen behind the rest of the state. While plenty of wrestling fans around the state like to talk about the struggles of the Fort Wayne area, two men have taken big steps in their lives to put actions where others will only speak words. 
    Wade McClurg has been hired to a new dual position in the Indiana Tech athletic program. He will simultaneously be assistant coach for the Warrior program and the head of its new Warrior Regional Training Center. 
     
    “With the Warrior RTC,” says McClurg, “we have an opportunity to positively impact hundreds of boys and girls in the Fort Wayne community and surrounding area through the sport of wrestling.  In return, we will not only have the ability to produce elite athletes, but we will strive to form servant-leaders and mold outstanding individuals through the world’s oldest and greatest sport.”
     
    On the other side of town, coach Andy Oberlin has opened a new wrestling-focused facility on Goshen Road, not far from the Zoo in Fort Wayne. Oberlin has invested much of his own personal money and time into a venture that has no guarantee of success. It is a new idea for the city, a place for clubs and teams to host camps, retreats and for visiting coaches to hold clinics. 
     
    Oberlin has hooked up with ONE for sponsorship and his facility has new wall mats and wrestling mats being installed this week. He has enlisted the help of Anton Talamantes, one of the city’s all-time wrestling greats, to host the very first clinic at his facility. That will take place on June 12th. 
     
    Coach McClurg was a graduate of Beech Grove High School in Indianapolis who went on to wrestle for the Greyhounds of the University of Indianapolis. In five years at the helm of the Roncalli program, McClurg won 84 duals with 18 losses and had 17 state qualifiers, including three state champions. He qualified for Team State in his final four seasons and won a semi-state title in 2019. 
     
    With all that time spent on the south side of Indy, moving to Fort Wayne will be a big change for the coach. A state of the art, 25,000 square feet facility was a good place to start.    
     
    For Oberlin, Fort Wayne is home and since wrestling against two-time state champion Tim Myers multiple times in his high school career at DeKalb High School, Oberlin has also seen the drop in competitiveness in the area. 
     
    “The question is whether we have gotten worse or everyone else has gotten better,” says Oberlin. “But I think it is a combination of both.”
     
    Oberlin feels that the strong group of wrestlers out of Griffith High School in the early 2000s, which included current IU head coach Angel Escobedo, transformed high school wrestling in Indiana and created a new, higher ceiling. 
     
    “We have so many more kids competing nationally,” he says. “Just look at how many D1 wrestlers we have produced now. Things are so much more competitive now than they were 25 years ago.”
     
    Both Oberlin and McClurg see potential for the sport in the state’s largest school district, Fort Wayne Community Schools. 
     
    “Kids today need to see some success to get hooked on the sport,” declares Oberlin. “And when you try to get them to start the sport in high school, there isn’t much of a chance for success against experienced wrestlers. We need to change that.”
     
    McClurg’s program will open in September, and with established men’s and women’s wrestling teams at the school, things might just be looking up for wrestling in our area.
  16. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, 2021 IndianaMat Hoosier Preseason Open September 11th-12th   
    Date
    September 11-12, 2021

    Registration
    Registration has reached capacity, please see the petition information
    Click here to register
     
    Petition Information
    Click here to fill out the petition
     

    Brackets and Streaming
    TrackWrestling Link for brackets and streaming
    FloWrestling streaming link

    Stud List
    2021 Stud List

    Location:
    The Plex South
    5702 Engle Rd
    Fort Wayne, IN 46804
     
    Event Schedule
    Weigh-ins
    Saturday September 11th from 1:00-4:00 pm EST Wrestling Session 1
    Weights: 109, 129, 155, and 173
    Saturday September 11th from 5:00-9:00 pm EST Wrestling Session 2
    Weights: 116, 135, 148, 198, and 288
    Sunday September 12th from 9:00 am-1:00 pm EST Wrestling Session 3
    Weights: 123, 141, 163, 185, and 223
    Sunday September 12th from 1:00-6:00 pm EST  
    Weigh-In Information
    Saturday September 11th from 1:00-4:00 pm EST
    *Note: No weight change fee No Satellite Weigh-ins Weigh-ins will be in a singlet or NFHS approved two-piece uniform  
    Entry Fee
    $40 Registration by September 8th at 10:00pm EST or 800 paid entries, whichever comes first. No membership card is required to wrestle You must pay online by credit card ONLY! Per TrackWrestling policy there will be no refunds of paid entries.  If the event is canceled due to COVID-19 we will issue refunds to everyone. Online registration ONLY will be accepted this year. Registration will be cut off at the first 800 paid entries or September 9th at 10pm EST whichever comes first. Please note we had had around 650 preregistered entries the past four years and we sold out the past two years. The Tournament Committee will retain the right to add up to an additional 25 wrestlers, at their discretion, via a petition process, after the entry cutoff. Information about the petition process will be posted within a day after registration closes. Once we reach the entry limit registration will be shut down. After that point the ONLY way to enter is through a petition.
      Tournament Gear and Apparel

    3X Gear is the official gear distributor for the IndianaMat Hoosier Preseason Open. They will be on hand with a full selection of tournament apparel and other wrestling apparel and supplies.
     
    Spectators
    $15 per person cash only to be purchased at the door during weigh-ins or before each session.
     
    Age Groups
    Students currently enrolled in 7th-12th grades will be wrestling in one division.

    Awards
    Top 4 will receive medals and the top 4 will qualify for Super 32 early entry
     
    Contact
    Joe Caprino
    joe@Indianamat.com
     
    Wrestling Information
    -Wrestling will take place on Saturday September 11th and Sunday September 12th, 2021
    -Weight Classes: 109, 116, 123, 129, 135, 141, 148, 155, 163, 173, 185, 198, 223, 288
    -Wrestlers in 7th-12th grade may participate
    -Double elimination wrestle-backs to 4th place
    -Period lengths 2-1-1 Championship 1-1-1 Consolation
    -Overtime will be 1 minute sudden victory neutral and 30 second rideout
    -We will seed 4-16 wrestlers so please include your state or national credentials when registering 
    -2020/2021 NFHS rules will be utilized, except the overtime modification
    -Wrestling will be on full mats
    -Singlet or approved NFHS uniform is required
    -College out of bounds rules will be utilized.
    -Headgear is not required, but recommended
    -Mouthpieces are required if you have braces
    -Wrestlers need to be clean shaven when they step on the mat, long hair is allowed.
     
    Seeding Information
    Each wrestler that qualifies will be given a "Separation Criteria" from the list below. The criteria are ranked in order.
    1. Nationally ranked in FloWrestling or MatScouts rankings
    2. State Champion/IHPO Champion
    3. State 2-3/IHPO 2-4
    4. State 4-5
    5. State 6-8
    6. State Qualifier/IHPO Top 6 or 8
    7. Other Credentialed athletes that deserve separation
     
    With these groups we will determine seeds.  Here is an example
    If we have 2 wrestlers with #1 criteria, 4 with #2, 2 with #3, 2 with #4 and 5 with #5 this is how it will work.
     
    The top two seeds will be the two wrestlers with #1 criteria in a random order
    Seeds 3-6 will be the wrestlers with #2 criteria in a random order
    Seeds 7-8 wrestlers with #3 criteria in a random order
    Seeds 9-10 wrestlers with #4 criteria in a random order
    Seeds 11-14 wrestlers with #5 criteria in a random order
    The seeds will be determined randomly by TrackWrestling. 
     
    Host Hotel
    Hampton Inn- Fort Wayne Southwest
    8219 West Jefferson Blvd.
    Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804
    Booking Link: https://group.hamptoninn.com/hf9te9
    Group Name: INDIANA MAT
     
    College Coaches
    We will offer a special college coaches package for $50. Please follow this link to preregister in advance.
    You may pay in advance or pay if you are not attending the event and want the entry database using this button
    Click here for the PayPal link.
    The package will include:
    Registration list of all high school aged wrestlers with name, address, grade, weight, accomplishments, GPA, and college test scores* Admission to the tournament and floor access for up to two coaches. Preliminary entry list sent after registration closes  
    *Tournament entry information with addresses and contact information will be sent the week after the event and will have all high school aged wrestlers that opted to have information released to coaches.
     
    Past Results
    2020 Results(707 wrestlers from 16 states)
    2019 Results(610 wrestlers from 11 states)
    2018 Results(605 wrestlers from 12 states)
    2017 Results(607 wrestlers from 10 states)
    2016 Results(647 wrestlers from 11 states)
    2015 Results(580 wrestlers from 11 states)
    2014 Results(586 wrestlers from 14 states)
    2013 Results(598 wrestlers from 10 states)
    2012 Results(444 wrestlers from 8 states)
    2011 Results(254 wrestlers from 9 states)
    2010 Results(171 wrestlers from 9 states)  
     
    IHSAA Rules
    Regarding Coaching at the IHPO
    15-2 During School Year Out-of-Season
    15-2.1 Individual Sports (Cross Country, Golf, Gymnastics, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Wrestling)
    a. Students may participate in non-school contests as individuals or as members of a non-school team in non-school contests provided that participation during school time is approved by the school principal or his/her designee.
    b. Coaches, from a member school coaching staff, may coach students in that sport if NOT under the organization, supervision and operation of the member school.
    c. Member schools may not organize, supervise or operate athletic practices or interschool athletic contests.
    d. Member schools may not provide school-owned uniforms (jerseys, shirts, shorts, pants, singlets, or swimsuits, etc.) worn by the student in non-school contests.
  17. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, King sees Oak Hill earn its first semistate mat crown   
    Andrew King has seen plenty in his 35 years a wrestling coach at Oak Hill High School.
     
    Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Famer King has enjoyed more than 450 dual-meet victories and lots of in-season and postseason championships.
     
    But the 1981 Oak Hill and 1985 DePauw University graduate had never seen the Eagles celebrate an IHSAA semistate team title until Saturday, Feb. 13 at Memorial Coliseum.
     
    “The pieces all fell together,” said King moments after his team hoisted the trophy. “It’s a great feeling for Oak Hill.
     
    “Most people don’t know where Oak Hill is.”
     
    The Grant County school of about 520 students is located in Converse, Ind.
     
    Oak Hill’s first semistate crown came on the day the Eagles had two individual semistate winners — 152-pound senior Aidan Hardcastle and 138-pound junior Brody Arthur — for the first time.
    Hardcastle (36-0 on the 2020-21 season) pinned South Adams junior A.J. Dull in 5:26, bested Huntington North senior Julian Fletcher by 13-2 major decision and edged Adams Central junior Alex Currie 2-1 before besting Carroll senior Evan Ulrick 5-2 in the finals.
     
    Arthur (38-1) scored four pins for his semistate championship — Carroll junior Jared Landez in 3:13, Lakeland junior Ben Miller in 2:11, Columbia City senior Jarrett Forrester in 2:58 prior to Daleville junior Julius Gerencser in 1:38 in the finals.
     
    Seniors Jett Thompson (second at 182) and Harper Dedman (fourth at 126) were also placers for Oak Hill. Thompson goes to Indy at 34-4 while Dedman is 27-4.
     
    Senior Julian Perez (120) and Freshman Tyson Kendall (106) also represented the Eagles at semistate.
     
    The top four in each weight division advanced to the first round of the State Finals Friday, Feb. 19 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
     
    King talked about all the time put in my his wrestlers and their parents, grandparents and siblings.
     
    “That’s why makes a great wrestling program — the families that are involved,” said King. “It’s a family affair.
     
    “I”m proud to be a part of it. That’s all I am — a part of it — and everybody plays a part.”
     
    With 76.5 points, Oak Hill finished ahead of Western (67.5), Northridge (64.5), Fort Wayne Carroll (63) and the rest of the field.
     
    During all his years of coming to the semistate, King has seen the larger schools earn team titles.
     
    “I like to say that wrestling is classless,” said King. “Whether you’re a big or a little school, we’re all in the same boat.”
     
    In 2020-21, Oak Hill, Western and Kokomo finished 1-2-3 at the Oak Hill Sectional. Western, Wabash and Oak Hill took the top three spots at the Maconaquah Regional.
     
    “We love to hate Western and Western loves to hate us,” said King. “We thrive on it. Steels sharpens steel.”
     
    Like everyone in the athletic world, Oak Hill has had to deal with COVID-19 issues this season.
     
    “I’m a lay coach so when I come to school I have an open mind,” said King. “I’m not going to get mad about it. I deal with it as it is.
     
    “I walk into the school and see my athletic director (Ryan Fagan) coming down the hallway and I cringe because he’s going to tell me which two, three or four kids are now out of for the next 10 days because of social distancing. You just do what you can each day. We’ve had our challenges with that. but our kids have been really good.”
     
    Oak Hill has been extra-diligent about keeping the wrestling practice room clean.
     
    “We’ve gone overboard spraying down the room before practice after practice and in-between practice,” said King. “You can only have one practice partner, you can’t have three, four or five (because of contact-tracing protocols).
     
    “We have to keep doing what we’re doing.”
  18. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, #WrestlingWednesday: Jennings County getting a major upgrade   
    By JEREMY HINES
    Thehines7@gmail.com
     
    Howard Jones is, without a doubt, the face of Jennings County wrestling. Jones has coached the Panthers for over four decades (41 years to be exact). And during those 41 years he’s always had to do things the hard way. That’s all about to change.
     
    Jennings County has started the construction of a one-of-a-kind wrestling facility. Jones believes this might be the only dedicated wrestling venue for a high school in the Midwest, and possibly even the entire country.
     
    The new, five-million-dollar venue will feature seating for over 800 fans. It will have four full-size mats down with the ability to remove some seating and go up to six full size mats. The 24,000 square feet venue will also have two locker rooms and a coaches’ office.
     
    “We expect this to make our wrestlers feel like first-class athletes,” Jennings County Athletic Director Cory Stevens said. “They are going to have a facility that no other wrestlers in the region or in the state will have. We hope this attracts others to use it as well, for camps and things of that nature.”
     
    For Jones, this is a dream come true. His wrestlers have practiced in a balcony overlooking the basketball gymnasium. The school has two balconies on each side of the gym, and the wrestling team was often so large that it had to split the team up and use both sides.
     
    “I was lucky enough to have real good assistant coaches over the years,” Jones said. “I would go on one side and the assistants would go on the other. Sometimes we would divide by weight class. Sometimes we would divide by varsity and junior varsity.”
     
    The wrestlers would also have to move the 800-pound mats that were stored in various places throughout the school down to the gym floor for invitationals or dual meets.
     
    “Needless to say, it was an inconvenience, at the minimum,” Jones said. “We didn’t get the lighter mats until about four years ago. We always had to end practice early if there was a girls or a boys basketball game.”
     
    Jones didn’t much believe that the program was getting its own venue when he was first told about it. He had heard similar talk before. One time the school was going to build a 4.7-million-dollar facility that would house three basketball courts, a weight room, a track and a wrestling room. Ultimately that got voted down by the community.
     
    This time around school superintendent Teresa Brown told Jones that it was going to happen.
     
    “One day she told me ‘Coach Jones, we’re going to get you that wrestling room.’,” Jones said. “I didn’t believe her. That was about three years ago. Then, at the first of the year, she steps into the gym and said to me ‘Don’t you doubt me coach Jones, don’t you doubt me’.”
     
    Jones has had a hand in the design of the facility. He has looked at places like Purdue for inspiration and has tried to emulate what he knows works.
     
    “It’s been a very emotional time for me,” Jones said. “I have thought our kids deserved something better, but maybe not this elaborate, for years. I questioned why it was going to be so good. The principal at the time said ‘Howard, why can’t we have the best for our kids?’ That made sense to me. I think this state-of-the-art facility will be what’s best for our kids.”
     
    For Jones, the principal’s statement got him thinking.
     
    “I’m pretty conservative with things,” Jones said. “When he said that to me, I started thinking differently. I started thinking why not. The school wants to be greedy for the kids and it really shows.”
     
    The wrestling facility isn’t the only thing to get a major upgrade at the school. The baseball and softball fields got a multi-million-dollar upgrade. The weight room doubled in size. The football field got new turf. The tennis courts are getting a facelift. But, the largest change, is the wrestling renovation.
     
    According to Stevens, this might not have ever happened if it weren’t for the influence Jones has had on the students and the community through wrestling.
     
    “They say it has a lot to do with me, but it’s really for the kids,” Jones said. “The kids deserved better and we’re getting there. The educators care for the kids. But since this announcement I’ve had hundreds of people call or contact me about how much wrestling has done for them. That was done without this kind of facility. It’s not that we create champion wrestlers. It’s important that we realize we’re creating champion kids.”
     
    This has been an emotional journey for Jones. Former wrestlers are working on the building of the new facility and even the companies that put in the bids for the construction were ran by some of Jones’ former wrestlers.
     
    “Each of our six elementary schools have former wrestlers of mine that are coaching,” Jones said. “All but one of my assistants were coached by me. The middle school – all but one of the coaches was coached by me. It makes me very proud. One of the things that probably puts things in perspective for me the most is that I had a principal at one of the elementary schools come up to me and said ‘Howard, I’m tired of going to principal meetings and hearing about your wrestling program.’ But wrestling is a fraternity, not just within the school, but it creates a strong bond for life.”
     
    Stevens hopes to see other schools build similar facilities for their programs in the future.
     
    “We hope this inspires other schools to do something similar,” Stevens said. “Everyone is going to benefit from this – not just the high school, but the younger kids as well. Wrestling is a sport that does great things for kids. The more we can inspire other kids, the better. I was not a wrestler, but I see the value the sport offers for kids today.”
  19. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, 2020 Semi-State Information Center   
    Date: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020.
    Admission: $10 (Final session only); $12 (Season ticket).
    Advancement: The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the state finals.
     
    State Finals Pairings Show
    The brackets in each weight class will be announced exclusively via IHSAAtv.org on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 4 pm ET / 3 pm CT.
    Brackets for each host site are available via TrackWrestling.com
     
    1. East Chicago Central | 9 am CT 
    Feeder Regionals: Crown Point, Hobart, Logansport, Penn.
    TrackWrestling Brackets
    IndianaMat Brackets
    Pick'ems Link
     
    2. New Haven (at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum) | 8:30 am ET 
    Feeder Regionals: Carroll (Fort Wayne), Goshen, Jay County, Peru.
    TrackWrestling Brackets
    IndianaMat Brackets
    Pick'ems Link
     
    3. New Castle | 9 am ET 
    Feeder Regionals: North Montgomery, Pendleton Heights, Perry Meridian, Richmond.
    TrackWrestling Brackets
    IndianaMat Brackets
    Pick'ems Link
     
    4. Evansville Reitz (at Ford Center) | 9 am CT 
    Feeder Regionals: Bloomington South, Evansville North, Jeffersonville, Mooresville.
    TrackWrestling Brackets
    IndianaMat Brackets
    Pick'ems Link
     
    Ford Center Clear Bag Policy

     
  20. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, Semi-State Pick'ems Links   
    East Chicago Semi-State
    TrackWrestling Brackets
    IndianaMat Brackets
    Pick'ems Link
     
    Evansville Semi-State
    TrackWrestling Brackets
    IndianaMat Brackets
    Pick'ems Link
     
    Fort Wayne Semi-State
    TrackWrestling Brackets
    IndianaMat Brackets
    Pick'ems Link
     
    New Castle Semi-State
    TrackWrestling Brackets
    IndianaMat Brackets
    Pick'ems Link
  21. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, 4th Annual Indiana Frosh-Soph State Wrestling Championships   
    This tournament is for ALL Freshman and Sophomores who DID NOT PLACE in the IHSAA State Championships. This includes wrestlers who competed at Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman levels during the High School season.
     
    Qualifiers
    February 16, 2020
    Doors Open 8:00 a.m. CST Proceed directly to Scales for Weigh-In’s
    Weigh-In’s CLOSE at 9:30 CST. Singlet and shoes (4 pound total allowance)
    Weight Class changes will be permitted with no fee.
    Wrestling begins at 10:00 a.m. CST
    North at Portage High School
    South at Mater Dei High School
    Cost: $27.50(pay online)
     
    February 23rd
    Central at Indy Nationals
    Cost: $45(pay online)
     
    Finals
    February 29-March 1st
    Finals at Southport High School
    Cost: $25(pay at the door)
     
    Information
    Informational Page
     
    Contact Information
    Mark Durham
    markdurham@mac.com
     
    Automatic Frosh-Soph State Qualifiers: Any Indiana Freshman or Sophomore wrestler who qualifies for an IHSAA Semi-State is automatically qualified for Frosh-Soph State and will be imported into the State Final Tournament. They are not permitted in the North or South Qualifiers.
     
     
  22. Like
    Tenser310 reacted to Y2CJ41 for a article, #MondayMatness: After missing a junior season, Peru’s Sturgill focused for last high school go-round   
    By STEVE KRAH
    stvkrh905@gmail.com
     
    Trey Sturgill can hear his coach’s words of advice ringing in his ears.
     
    “He’s always told me to never live with regret,” says Sturgill, a 113-pound senior competing for Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Famer Andy Hobbs at Peru High School. “I’m
    determined. I’m driven. My job is to get the job done and be the best person I can be.”
     
    Sturgill, who Hobbs likes to call “Pancake” after a mat move of the same name, says he excels from the top position.
     
    “I’m a dog on top,” says Sturgill. “I like to get the pins.”
     
    So far, 65 of 96 career victories have come by fall. Sturgill (30-3 in 2019-20) won the 113 title at the Three Rivers Conference meet Saturday, Jan. 25 at Maconaquah.
     
    “He’s got a pretty good skill set,” says Hobbs of Sturgill. “He’s very savvy.”
     
    Sturgill missed all of junior season with an injury he can trace back to the freshmen-sophomore state when he was a freshmen. He continued to wrestle through his sophomore year, qualifying for the 2018 IHSAA State Finals at 106.
     
    “I really wanted to make my state run,” says Sturgill.
     
    The pain got to be too much and examination revealed Trey had four torn tendons and a broken shoulder. He them fixed and began physical therapy.
     
    “I wanted to be stronger for my senior season,” says Sturgill, who was cleared to wrestle the week after the 2019 State Finals. His off-season included meets in Michigan and Ohio. “My shoulder is doing fantastic right now.”
     
    Sturgill has multiple workout partners at Peru from 106 to 138.
     
    “We have a pretty open room,” says Sturgill. “Each kid’s different. It helps me with my defense and what to look for in a real match.”
     
    Trey is not the first member of his family to step into the circle.
     
    His father, Bill Sturgill, wrestled for Northfield High School and was a semistate qualifier.
     
    Trey was hooked on the sport when Bill took his youngest boy to a Peru Wrestling Club event at 3.
     
    Brother Peyton Sturgill, who graduated from Peru in 2016, was a two-time state qualifier. Half brother Kane Rockenbaugh (Peru Class of 2013) was a semistate qualifier. Mother Rana has been there to cheer them on.
     
    Peyton Sturgill is on his way to earning his college degree and becoming a math teacher. Trey Sturgill has sights set on teaching high school physical education.
     
    “I’m still deciding on wrestling (in college),” says Trey. “We’ll see how this season goes.”
     
    Away from wrestling, Sturgill likes to play disc golf at courses in Peru or Wabash.
     
    “I like getting out and enjoying the fresh air and nature and being with my buddies,” says Sturgill.
     
    Hobbs, a Tipton High School graduate, is in his 34th season as a wrestling coach and 25th season as head coach at Peru.
     
    “I’ve enjoyed every year of it,” says Hobbs, who has 453 dual meet victories and leads a Tigers program with the motto is “ No Magic, Just Hard Work!!!.”
     
    The veteran coach teaches his grapplers to “never walk past a piece of trash on the ground” and to “be humble enough to prepare and bold enough to compete with the very best!”
     
    “You control what you can control and don’t worry about the other guys,” says Hobbs, who has produced 41 state finalists — 39 at Peru and two while coaching at Princeton. “You drop the hammer and take more shots.“
     
    “Those are the ways you have success in the sport.”
     
    Hobbs, who is also a health teacher, believes in having and following a plan.
     
    “We’re specific with everything,” says Hobbs. “With nutrition, we avoid process sugar and drink a lot of water.
     
    “We get sleep, wash hands and wear hat and a coat. Everybody’s got to
    learn that curve.”
     
    Hobbs’ coaching staff features Daric Fuller (two-time state qualifer), Zak Leffel (two-time state qualifier), Colin Quin (two-time sectional two-time sectional champion), Jordan Rader (three-time state qualifier and 2018 state runner-uo at 170), Kegan Kern (four-time semistate qualifier and Al Smith Classic finalist) and Chris McKinney (conference and sectional champion). Fuller (history), Leffel (math), Quin (P.E.) and McKinney (chemistry and physics) are teachers. Rader is an Indiana University student. U.S. Air Force vet Kern is Miami County Sheriff. Kern owns his own law firm. McKinney served two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Army.
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