The eighth-place medal presented to Joey Buttler in February serves two purposes.
Whiteland’s junior 126-pounder can look at the state finals keepsake and be reminded of the progress he’s made since breaking into the Warriors’ varsity lineup as a ninth-grader. Additionally, it’s a continual tap on the shoulder letting Buttler know how much work needs to be done to reach in his quest for a state championship.
Two seasons in the 113-pound division netted Buttler a 61-21 record and last season’s berth at the state meet inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. As high school wrestlers tend to do, he’s on the cusp of exploring a whole new world this season by bumping up two weight classes.
“I’ve always been a big 113-pounder, so I think going to 126 is going to be a natural move for me,” Buttler said. “It’s part of the sport as you grow, and will be new competition. I love that because it’s another chance to show the work you’ve been putting in.”
As a freshman, Buttler made it to the second round of the Evansville Semistate, but a loss to Cole Ross of Evansville Mater Dei was the straight-arm preventing him from state. He atoned last winter, winning sectional and placing third at regional before returning to southern Indiana (this time to Jasper) and finishing third at semistate.
COVID-related restrictions significantly altered the finals setup, with two sessions taking place in a nearly empty arena as opposed to the customary full house.
Nonetheless, the experience transported Buttler’s self-belief to new levels.
He started his state meet debut with 6-5 decision over Isaac Ward of Carmel, who had defeated Buttler during the regular season. He then ran into eventual state 113 runner-up Isaac Ruble of Bellmont, who jumped to an early lead and then held Buttler off for a 17-13 victory.
“That was a big confidence booster for me, knowing I can go out there and beat the best kids in the state when I’m dialed in,” Buttler said. “Last season was definitely a big step for me.”
Buttler, who maintains a grade-point average hovering just above 4.0, is a student of wrestling as well.
This leads to the junior asking questions — sometimes a lot of questions — but it’s all in the name of getting better and benefiting Whiteland wrestling as a whole.
“Joey does it the right way, and the weight he put on in the offseason is muscle,” Warriors coach Anthony Meister said. “He’s gotten a lot better on his feet and at being more agile. He’s one of those kids who, if he sees something he needs to improve on, he does what needs to be done to get better.
“That’s what makes him Joey Buttler. He’s always looking to get better — on the mat and off.”
