Indian Creek sophomore Oliver Hallett, right, locks up with a teammate during a team practice.
Rob Baker | For the Daily Journal
The annual Johnson County wrestling tournament has an uncanny knack for shoehorning dozens of storylines into a few hours of competition.
This morning, Oliver Hallett looks forward to penning his own.
Not currently ranked among the state’s top 165-pounders, the Indian Creek sophomore is determined to win his weight class when the county’s five teams break in the school’s spacious new fieldhouse.
If the past few weeks are any indication, Hallett, who is off to a 12-1 start through last weekend’s individual tournament in Evansville, is poised to emerge as a strong contender.
As a freshman, Hallett posted a 3-1 mark at 152 pounds in the county tournament, losing only to Center Grove’s Silas Stits. He went on to finish the season with a 25-9 record, but his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury suffered during the second round of the Bloomington North Sectional.
“I think he would have been a semistate ticket-rounder for us last year had he not been injured,” Indian Creek coach Pat Dowty said. “Oliver was solid for us as a freshman wrestler at 152. He hit the mats full go this season and has looked really strong.
“He’s a lot more confident this year. He knows where he belongs, and knows what he’s capable of.”
Hallett’s first loss this season, a decision to senior Bray Emerine of Floyd Central, actually occurred after stepping out of his comfort zone and competing at 175 at the Edgewood Invite the day before Thanksgiving. Emerine is the state’s No. 6 wrestler in that weight class.
Taking on the likes of Emerine was an experience too good to pass up.
Looking back, the misfortune Hallett experienced at sectional last February has only tightened the sophomore’s focus.
“I just fell funny on it, and tore my bicep tendon and partially tore my labrum,” Hallett said. “I had surgery a week after sectional, was back on the mat after four months and got cleared to wrestle at the beginning of August.
“Over the summer, I traveled a lot with my teammates to watch them wrestle. It showed me how much I missed and love the sport. But the challenges make you grow.”
Center Grove freshman Sean Breedlove, ranked 15th in the state at 165, presents a formidable roadblock to Hallett possibly securing his first county title. It would be a great accomplishment, but just the first championship of many he hopes to collect this season.
“I’ve got bigger goals than that,” said Hallett, who is confident he could have advanced to regional and possibly semistate had he not been hurt last winter. “But winning county would be nice.”
IF YOU GO
Johnson County tournament
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Indian Creek HS
Admission: $6; enter in the back at Doors 27E and 28W (front entrance and parking lot will be closed)
