blueandgold

Posted this on the wrong board lol

Cathedral High School's team is shaping up to possibly be their best ever. They are ranked 42nd in the country with sophomore Zeke Seltzer ranked 15th per InterMat and dominated the IHSWCA State Duals in the 3A class and ran away with Al Smith, and I was wondering since they are a private school, would we ever see a time when Indiana allows private or independent schools to be in their own league? It would be much like how Texas has TAPPS, Pennsylvania has the PAIS, Virginia has VISAA, and Maryland has the MISAA, and so forth. If we had our own governing body for private and independent schools in Indiana free of travel restrictions, would it be interesting to see how a team like Cathedral fares at the National Preps tournament in Pennsylvania among others? Would it be a good way to create more depth or improve our talent pool in Indiana?

5 state champions in this bracket. Wow.

We’re two weeks out from sectionals and this is always the best time of the year. Most kids begin to peak around this time and wrestle their absolute best through February. What individuals or teams put together some of the most impressive, deepest, and/or memorable runs through Bankers Life can you remember? I have a few. 2015 – Jordan Vaughn, Franklin Central, 43-6, 11 | Runner-Up at 132 lbs. • Vaughn had previously been a two-time semi-state qualifier for the Flashes, and had just finished third in the Perry Meridian regional. The next two weekends were special though. Vaughn went on one of the most impressive hot streaks I can remember by bringing it to Jack Chastain in the semifinals followed by a good finals win over Nick Ellis. Vaughn then continued his run through the state by knocking off Griffin Schermer and upsetting Connor Knapp in the semis before ultimately falling to an otherwordly Nick Lee in the finals. 2015 – Nathon Trawick, Richmond, 48-2, 12 | Runner-up at 285 lbs. • Trawick had given up a loss earlier in the season to a kid ranked #4 (can’t think of who), but stormed back through the sectional and regional before reaching New Castle where he ran into a gauntlet of battle-tested heavyweights that started with an explosive ticket-round match with Perry Meridian heavyweight, Chris Ridle. Following that match-up, Trawick was met with more explosions from a young Robert Samuels of Lawrence North, and ended his day with Warren Central heavy, Jasion Brogan. He continued this run through state beating a battle-tested Cory Christman from Penn, followed by a huge upset victory over 2014 runner-up, Norman Oglesby of Ben Davis. Ultimately, Trawick fell in the finals to Shawn Streck, but he still put together a magical run nonetheless. 2015 – Mason Parris, Lawrenceburg, 54-1, 9 | 3rd at 182 lbs. • The eventual three-time champion at 220 lbs. and Big Ten phenom was smaller at one point in time. At 182 lbs., Mason Parris was a threat but no one knew how much. He ran the table at New Castle beating a game Ben Stewart 3-1 in the ticket round, followed by a huge pin over then-undefeated #4 Conner James of Roncalli, and a good championship win over returning placer Jonathan Morales of Western Boone. Parris would continue his dominant run through Bankers with a win over eventual state champion, Jake Kleimola, followed by a pin over Kyle Shaffer, and he would ultimately be stopped in the semis, where he took his lone loss, by that year’s champion, Chase Osborn of Penn in a wild 11-10 decision (I can still remember the crowd when Mason cut him).

Indiana has always been a state that produces great talent, but a lot of times, it never seems to materialize on the next level. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to this, but it’s always interesting to see who does well and who doesn’t in college. An individual that comes to mind for me is Dylan Lydy, a state champion in 2015 and now ranked 4th in the nation as a redshirt senior for Coach Ersland and only has one loss. He looks to be a for sure All-American this year if he can keep this momentum going, and while he is an incredibly hard worker, there have been more talented wrestlers to enter the collegiate ranks who fizzled out quickly. Also, I see Kris Rumph and Kyle Hatch are BOTH ranked #1 in the nation at their weights for very respective and competitive schools. Hats off to these gentleman for persevering and making the most of their college careers. I hope this new crop of talent can be successful. I have high hopes for Silas Allred, Zeke Seltzer, and Brayden Littell along with many, many others.

These are all great weights. Still haven’t seen a weight deeper than 2015 120 though that featured names such as: Brendan Black Breyden Bailey Brock Hudkins Cornelious Elliott Hunter Langeloh Jeremiah Reitz Kyle Hatch Sawyer Miller Tyler Ferguson Will Egli Deepest weight I’ve ever seen. 4 state champions in one bracket.

I feel if state increased to 20 qualifiers, it’d make wrestling grow within the state. The opportunity for one more semi-state place winner to be involved means another school in attendance which is great for any event. I think it’d add to excitement because a lower seed winning big matches is always fun. Long-term, I think it’d increase Indiana’s visibility as it’d be a step to creating depth.

I understand the whole qualifying process, but I’m just wondering what is the reason teams can’t be invited based on the current season’s performance? I saw teams there this year that have been beat by teams who weren’t. Franklin Community is ranked 10th and only has two losses total, one to Perry Meridian and the other to Cathedral, and they had a strong win over Columbus East, placed ahead of Mishawaka at Traicoff, and would have likely beat Avon, Mishawaka, Penn, and Roncalli. Just wondering why teams don’t qualify during the current season.

I didn’t kill my own point though. That’s what ISWA and USAW tournaments are for. Participation needs to go up there as well. You want a shot at the other class champ? Enter the same weight at Folkstyle State. People talk as if winning in a single class state means you’re automatically a super recruit. We NEED the depth. That’s what other states have that we don’t. That’s why going to classed wrestling can be a great thing because the states that we cannot compete with (IA, IL, OH, PA) have it and they have the depth to be good nationally. Just give these kids the incentive to want to wrestle and invest in wrestling. Isn’t there a saying that “the rising tide raises all ships”? How in any way would classed wrestling hurt? It wouldn’t. It’s just that most of you in this state are fearful of change and unwilling to open your mind, and everyone seems to believe a small school kid being successful would hurt a large school kid’s success when it wouldn’t. And I’m saying this as a graduate of a large school who won IHSWCA and IHSAA state and I qualified for state myself. Those smaller schools wouldn’t have disrupted my or my team’s successes in ANY way. No outcome would’ve been different because everyone my team or I lost to was from a larger school.

Tell that to David Taylor (4x OH Div. II State Champion), Gable Steveson (4x MN AAA State Champion), or Spencer Lee (3x PA AAA State Champion). I wonder if their classed championships make them any less of a state champion. In Illinois, state champion vs. state champion matches make for great entertainment. If I can recall, the Dvorak Invite back in 2013 featured an undefeated then-3X, eventual 4x Illinois 1A state champion in Josh Alber of Dakota against an eventual 4x Illinois 3A state champion in Jered Cortez, and Alber beat him. That same 1A Dakota team also was nationally ranked at the same time OPRF and Montini were, AND they won Disney that year when they WHOOPED a nationally ranked 3x defending national champion Perry Meridian, a team from a single class state, 55-4, but they were 1A so it doesn’t matter, right?

At the 2019 IHSAA State Finals, there were 108 schools represented. I’m not sure on the exact number, but last I saw there were about 300 or so schools in the state that had wrestling programs. I’m not saying we start handing out state qualifications, but we should be mindful of the direction wrestling could go. The purpose of this is to grow the sport and open it up to new eyes.

I understand the whole concept of ONE state champion, but in the best states (IA, IL, MN, OH, PA) you see three in all of these minus PA. Having more than one state champion doesn’t make you any less of a state champion. If that’s the case, put every college in one division and see how they fare.

I’ve been doing a lot of research and a lot of conceptualizing, and I think in order for us to increase the talent pool and further grow the sport of wrestling in Indiana we need to split into two or three classes for the state tournament on top of getting rid of our travel restrictions. I think we should follow the PA route and go AA/AAA. The enthusiasm from those 1A/2A schools who don’t have nearly as many resources as their 3A counterparts every year should be an indicator at what this sport could be. We have a GOOD state tournament, don’t get me wrong. However, it could be so much better if we opened up our travel restrictions and broke off by class. Imagine what kind of career guys like Trezdon O’Neal or other small/intermediate school guys could’ve had with a much better system.

Kid is just unreal. Saw him this weekend and was so impressed by how advanced his wrestling is for a sophomore. He was outstanding as a freshman and has managed to go up several more notches. The way he puts several attacks together and goes from one to the other and gets back points... You stress kids to drill that and he's the perfect example why. He's phenomenal. Was also really impressed with his win over Freeman. That was a statement.

I posted this on the College Board, but I assumed this would get replies faster on this. I've recently rejoined the sport of wrestling after healing up some injuries that halted and put a premature end to my collegiate career, and I was wondering if there were any opportunities available to train in Freestyle or Greco to compete in some opens to have some fun while I complete college before heading off to the next adventure. I've looked for info on CIA and others, didn't find much online. If there are any available opportunities in Central, Northwestern, or Northern Indiana that are willing to allow a 20-something year-old college kid into their room, I would be very grateful, even helping younger kids get better as I love to help out. I was a state finalist back in high school and really miss competing, if anyone has any info please reply below or personally message me.

I've recently rejoined the sport of wrestling after healing up some injuries that halted and put a premature end to my collegiate career, and I was wondering if there were any opportunities available to train in Freestyle or Greco to compete in some opens to have some fun while I complete college before heading off to the next adventure. I've looked for info on CIA and others, didn't find much online. If there are any available opportunities in Central, Northwestern, or Northern Indiana that are willing to allow a 20-something year-old college kid into their room, I would be very grateful, even helping younger kids get better as I love to help out. I was a state finalist back in high school and really miss competing, if anyone has any info please reply below or personally message me.

I just want to say thank you to IndianaMat for providing us with great content over this last decade and making this website highly accessible for those either getting into wrestling or those who have been around it for years. We don’t know how good we have it, guys. The only thing we have to pay for every year is the preseason magazine. Other states have followed a new custom of charging fans for things such as rankings, articles, etc. and IndianaMat has allowed us to be on here and explore with no charge. Thanks guys for all you do for Indiana wrestling. I love this sport so much.

Correct. Their single season performances are great, but when you compare 2014 Micic to Ayersman and 2015 Lee and 2016 Red to 2019 Garcia, it does the talking for itself. I tried to choose the weights they where their best performances came from, but in some cases they were in too stacked of a weight. For example, Deondre Wilson was nationally ranked at 132 after defeating Brandon James successfully three weekends in a row, but his 132 performance compared to Red, Lee, and Garcia called for me to put him at 120 where he defeated a young and talented Drew Hughes.

It is impressive when you think about it, as well as being a 4x Placer. Did Shawn wrestle in the PWC or was that Galligar?

Yes he did. Robert Samuels threw him to his back in the 2016 finals. And while he lost 1-0 to Winfield, he got pinned by Bernard in the first.

I am really glad you made 135/138/140 one group. I threw myself off trying to put them together making this list. I was just trying to follow the NFHS revisions of what weights were which and this makes it easier to group.

I like your thinking! Good stuff!

I've been following Indiana wrestling for years and I've wondered if we could put together an all-decade Indiana team from 2010-19. I'd love to take a shot at it, but there are other opinions and perspectives I'd like to see from all of the Indiana wrestling fans. I'll go first team, second team, third team, and honorable mention. 106 / 103 LBS. First Team: Nathan Boston, Lawrence North - 2011 IHSAA champion at 103 lbs. Second Team: Cody Phillips, Union County - 2010 IHSAA champion at 103 lbs. Third Team: Brennen Cernus, Culver Academies - 2019 IHSAA champion at 106 lbs. Honorable Mention(s): Brayden Curtis, Yorktown - 2017 IHSAA champion at 106 lbs. 113 / 112 LBS. First Team: Jarred Brooks, Warsaw - 2012 IHSAA champion at 113 lbs. Second Team: Colton Cummings, Lowell - 2016 IHSAA champion at 113 lbs. Third Team: Jacob Moran, Portage - 2019 IHSAA champion at 113 lbs. Honorable Mention: Garrett Pepple, East Noble - 2015 IHSAA champion at 113 lbs. 120 / 119 LBS. First Team: Brayden Littell, Center Grove - 2019 IHSAA champion at 120 lbs. Second Team: Paul Petrov, Hanover Central - 2012 IHSAA champion at 120 lbs. Third Team: Deondre Wilson, Warren Central - 2013 IHSAA champion at 120 lbs. Honorable Mention: Drew Hildebrandt, Penn - 2016 IHSAA champion at 120 lbs. 126 / 125 LBS. First Team: Stevan Micic, Hanover Central - 2014 IHSAA champion at 126 lbs. Second Team: Jesse Mendez, Crown Point - 2019 IHSAA champion at 126 lbs. Third Team: Kyle Ayersman, Lake Central - 2012 IHSAA champion at 126 lbs. Honorable Mention: Brock Hudkins, Danville - 2016 IHSAA champion at 126 lbs. 132 / 130 LBS. First Team: Chad Red, Jr., New Palestine - 2016 IHSAA champion at 132 lbs. Second Team: Nick Lee, Evansville Mater Dei - 2015 IHSAA champion at 132 lbs. Third Team: Asa Garcia, Avon - 2019 IHSAA champion at 132 lbs. Honorable Mention: Jared McKinley, Perry Meridian - 2012 IHSAA champion at 132 lbs. 138 / 135 LBS. First Team: Devon Jackson, Yorktown - 2012 IHSAA champion at 138 lbs. Second Team: Tommy Cash, Lawrence North - 2015 & 2016 IHSAA champion at 138 lbs. Third Team: Ethan Raley, Indian Creek - 2011 IHSAA champion at 135 lbs. Honorable Mention: Cayden Rooks, Columbus East - 2019 IHSAA champion at 138 lbs. 145 / 140 LBS. First Team: Jason Tsirtsis, Crown Point - 2012 IHSAA champion at 145 lbs. Second Team: Cody LeCount, Perry Meridian - 2014 IHSAA champion at 145 lbs. Third Team: Neal Molloy, Danville - 2013 IHSAA champion at 145 lbs. Honorable Mention: Matthew Lee, Evansville Mater Dei - 2019 IHSAA champion at 145 lbs. 152 / 145 LBS. First Team: Brayton Lee, Brownsburg - 2018 IHSAA champion at 152 lbs. Second Team: Joe Lee, Evansville Mater Dei - 2017 IHSAA champion at 152 lbs. Third Team: Tommy Forte, Mishawaka - 2015 IHSAA champion at 152 lbs. Honorable Mention: Eric Roach, Crown Point - 2011 IHSAA champion at 145 lbs. 160 / 152 LBS. First Team: Jacob Covaciu, Merrillville - 2016 IHSAA champion at 160 lbs. Second Team: Brian Harvey, Indianapolis Cathedral - 2012 IHSAA champion at 160 lbs. Third Team: Brad Laughlin, Yorktown - 2017 IHSAA champion at 160 lbs. Honorable Mention: Jordan Slivka, Indianapolis Cathedral - 2019 IHSAA champion at 160 lbs. 170 / 160 LBS. First Team: Drew Hughes, Lowell - 2016 IHSAA champion at 170 lbs. Second Team: Sean McMurray, Portage - 2010 IHSAA champion at 160 lbs. Third Team: Nicholas South, Columbus East - 2019 IHSAA champion at 170 lbs. Honorable Mention: Doug Welch, Castle - 2011 IHSAA champion at 160 lbs. 182 / 171 LBS. First Team: Chase Osborn, Penn - 2015 IHSAA champion at 182 lbs. Second Team: Drake Stein, Princeton - 2010 & 2011 IHSAA champion at 171 lbs. Third Team: Carson Brewer, Avon - 2019 IHSAA champion at 182 lbs. Honorable Mention: Tanner Lynde, Delphi - 2012 IHSAA champion at 182 lbs. 195 / 189 LBS. First Team: Mitch Sliga, Fishers - 2012 & 2013 IHSAA champion at 195 lbs. Second Team: Blake Rypel, Indianapolis Cathedral - 2015 IHSAA champion at 195 lbs. Third Team: Silas Allred, Shenandoah - 2019 IHSAA champion at 195 lbs. Honorable Mention: Andrew Davison - 2017 IHSAA champion at 195 lbs. 220 / 215 LBS. First Team: Mason Parris, Lawrenceburg - 2016, 2017 & 2018 IHSAA champion at 220 lbs. Second Team: Gelen Robinson, Lake Central - 2013 & 2014 IHSAA champion at 220 lbs. Third Team: Kobe Woods, Penn - 2015 IHSAA champion at 220 lbs. Honorable Mention: Trey Reese, Indian Creek - 2011 IHSAA champion at 215 lbs. 285 LBS.* First Team: Donte Winfield, Perry Meridian - 2013 IHSAA champion at 285 lbs. Second Team: Wes Bernard, Indianapolis Cathedral - 2014 IHSAA champion at 285 lbs. Third Team: Shawn Streck, Merrillville - 2015 & 2016 IHSAA champion at 285 lbs. Honorable Mention: Eli Pokorney, Chesterton - 2018 IHSAA champion at 285 lbs. * = Heavyweight had the easiest top three choices to pick, yet it was also very difficult to put them in order, but I decided Winfield would be named first team due to his wins over both Bernard and Streck the year he won the title, as well as his runner-up finish in Fargo at Junior Freestyle Nationals to Adam Coon. Bernard was 49-0 as a senior with a fourth place finish in Fargo, and Streck was 92-0 combined in his final two seasons with a third and fourth place finish in Fargo in Cadet Freestyle and Greco. You could argue them all any way you'd like because each way makes sense and a valid case. All-Decade Teams 2018 Indianapolis Cathedral - IHSAA Individual champions 2017 Brownsburg - IHSAA Individual & IHSWCA Duals champions 2016 Warren Central - IHSAA Individual champions, record for most points; IHSWCA Duals runners-up 2015 Evansville Mater Dei - IHSAA Individual 3rd & IHSWCA Duals champions 2013 Perry Meridian - IHSAA Individual & IHSWCA Duals champions 2012 Perry Meridian - IHSAA Dual State champions (FINAL) 2011 Perry Meridian - IHSAA Dual State champions 2010 Mishawaka - IHSAA Dual State champions Honorable Mentions: Franklin Community (2014 IHSAA Individual runners-up & IHSWCA Duals champions), Penn (2015 IHSAA Individual champions & IHSWCA Duals 3rd), Brownsburg (2016, 2018 IHSAA Individual runners-up & 2016-19 IHSWCA Duals champions), Perry Meridian (2018 IHSAA Individual 5th & 2017, 2018 IHSWCA Duals runners-up), Warren Central (2019 IHSWCA Duals runner-up), Avon (2019 IHSAA Individual runners-up & IHSWCA 5th), Cathedral (2014 IHSAA Individual champions & IHSWCA Duals 5th), Crown Point (2012 IHSAA Dual State runners-up)