The Spartan Classic Preview
A strong Roncalli (2a Champion) team looks to defend it?s 2010 over-all title at this year?s event in Connersville, IN. The Classic is scheduled for Dec. 28 and 29th. Participating teams are the following; Arlington, Batesville, Bedford North Lawrence, Beech Grove, Broad Ripple, Carroll (Ft. Wayne), Cathedral, Centerville, Columbus North, Connersville, Dekalb, East Noble, Evansville F. J. Reitz, Franklin County, Ft. Wayne North Side, Greenfield-Central, Hagerstown, Hamilton Heights, Indian Creek, Knightstown, Lebanon, Milan, North Central, Northeastern, Pendleton Heights, Preble Shawnee, Richmond, Roncalli, Triton Central, Union County, Valparaiso and Western.
Evansville Reitz (3a champion) battled to the very end last year as they were runner-up by a mere 4.5 points. The also return a strong team to the field this year and look to claim the top spot. Indian Creek won the 1a title but lost many of their big guns. Other teams to watch, Pendelton Heights, Connersville, Cathedral and Greenfield Central.
In individual action the toughest weight class on paper is 120 pounds. It boasts, Mason Todd (Pendelton Heights), 2010 state champion at 112, and 4 others that have made the trip to Conseco. At 126 you have 2x State Champ, Cody Phillips (Union County, he is always fun to watch. Other guys to keep an eye on Gideon VanHook (Reitz), Blake Rueger (Reitz), Brian Harvey (Cathedral, #1 Ranked 170lber Tyler Willis (Cathedral), Spencer Raypole (FW Carroll) and Keith Knura (Indian Creek).
The great thing about this tourney is that it is so unpredictable. Good luck to all teams and wrestlers.