Center Grove senior Nate Johnson,left, was a state finalist a year ago at 220 pounds.
Daily Journal file photo
Being a wrestler means occasionally having to endure uncomfortable situations on the mat.
Center Grove seniors Nate Johnson and Tyler Schott, close friends since sixth grade because of a shared appreciation for trucks, hunting and athletic competition, recently elevated that concept to new levels.
Accustomed to bettering one another during after-school practices, Johnson and Schott, who have alternated representing the Trojans in the heavyweight division during the regular season, recently conducted wrestle-offs to determine who would take part in the upcoming postseason.
Matches took place behind the closed doors of the school’s wrestling room, the first two on Jan. 8. Teammates and coaches were present but weren’t allowed to verbalize a preference — or even encouragement — as matches played out.
“I knew this was going to happen, all the way back to the beginning of the football season,” Schott said. “(Wrestle-offs) are the quietest matches you’ll ever have. You can hear the referee walking around, and hear the timekeeper calling out the remaining time.
“Both of us wanted to make the state tournament, and win it. But I see our friendship as being stronger than this. We’ve just known each other for such a long period of time.”
Bros before throws.
Johnson initially made his claim to represent Center Grove, winning two wrestle-offs by the narrowest of margins — one in overtime, and the other by a score of 3-2. On Monday, he sealed it by scoring 2-1 decision over Schott.
Thus, the mulleted Johnson is going to be in the CG lineup at the Mooresville Sectional on Jan. 27. The goal is to still be competing at the Mooresville Regional, Evansville semistate and the state finals, the latter also to be held this season in Evansville.
Schott, who is looking to wrestle at the collegiate level, will continue to practice against his friend as the postseason progresses.
Iron sharpening iron.
Johnson qualified for state at 220 pounds as a junior, losing in the opening round to complete a 27-4 season. Schott also made it to Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 285, dropping his first-round match for a final mark of 31-12.
With both now in the range of 270-280 pounds, there was no way they could remain in separate weight classes. As such, the Trojans had two of the state’s best heavyweight wrestlers on the same roster this season.
Young men of lesser character would allow the recent wrestle-offs adversely impact their relationship. Johnson and Schott won’t play that game. They were, are and will always be there for one another.
“At the end of the day, we know it’s just a wrestling match. We’re going to hug and congratulate the one who won,” Johnson said. “We’re like a brotherhood. Yes, it stinks, but we have to say it’s just a wrestling match.
“I will do anything for that kid. He’s my buddy, that’s for sure. It will be nice to have him there supporting me.”
Center Grove coach Maurice Swain appreciates the maturity Johnson and Schott demonstrated while vying for a spot in his postseason lineup.
“Tyler and Nate have both been a part of the wrestling program for a long time,” Swain said. “Each are great wrestlers and have helped each other get better throughout their careers. We knew that both had a great chance to advance deep into the state tournament series.”
Johnson will be carrying that load next month, but knows Schott is in his corner.
