The ticket round, the fine line separating state finals qualifiers from unmistakable disappointment, wasn’t an obstacle for third-ranked Center Grove on Saturday.
All 12 of the Trojans who had qualified for the Evansville Semistate took it a step further by punching their tickets to this weekend’s two-day showcase at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“It’s definitely a lot nicer. Last year, there were only seven of us making it to state,” said Trojans junior Wyatt Krejsa, who returns to downtown Indianapolis for a second consecutive season after winning the 145-pound class at semistate.
“This year, it feels like another in-season tournament because there are so many of us. I would definitely say we’re in contention for a team championship. It would mean a lot.”
Center Grove’s other semistate champion was junior Charlie LaRocca at 113 pounds, who is now 38-2 on the season after defeating Indian Creek senior Jackson Heaston, 8-2, in the final. Meanwhile, four Trojans placed second — junior Reese Courtney at 138, sophomore 152-pounder Silas Stits, senior Andre Merritt at 160 and soph Julian Weems at 182.
The Trojans amassed 202.5 points to outdistance second-ranked Brownsburg (180.5).
In all, Johnson County will be represented by a total of 14 wrestlers in Friday’s opening round. The Trojan contingent is joined by Whiteland senior Joey Buttler, a winner at 132 pounds, and the Braves’ Heaston.
Buttler, ranked No. 1 in the state in his division with a mark of 41-0, has his sights fixed on a second consecutive match under the spotlight of an otherwise darkened Gainbridge Fieldhouse interior.
Last February, he lost a 5-3 decision to Logan Frazier of Crown Point in the championship match at 126 pounds.
And though Frazier chose to stay at 126 for this, his senior season, Buttler isn’t lacking motivation as he takes the final steps in his career with the Warriors.
“To win state, it would be beyond words. It’s something I’ve expected of myself for longer than anyone knows,” Buttler said. “I don’t work every day to just be the best 132-pounder in the state. I work every day to be the best wrestler in the state.
“Consistency wins championships, and now is the time to execute.”
Third-place finishers for Center Grove at semistate were Eddie Goss (120), Noah Clouser (170), Nate Johnson (220) and Tyler Schott (285). Taking home fourth-place ribbons were Hyatt Yeager (126) and Kaden McConnell (195).
At the New Castle Semistate, Roncalli senior Bryce Lowery upped his season record to 40-0 by winning the 152-pound weight class. Teammate Luke Hansen, also 40-0, won at 195 pounds.
Roncalli scored 67.5 points as a team to place sixth.
