The Flyer Group Newspaper
By Ryan Palencer

INDIANAPOLIS — With four competitors wresting in the final day of the state finals, Hendricks County was well represented Saturday at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Brownsburg’s Adam Howland (35-6) finished sixth in the 215 lb. weight class, while teammate Nate Richey (37-8) finished eighth at 285 lbs. Avon’s Andrew Leach (34-6) finished sixth at 189 lbs., while fellow Oriole Dalton Jones (36-7) finished eighth at 160 lbs.

“Neither one of them have state experience,” Brownsburg coach Jason Catellier said of his pair of grapplers. “Neither one of them have been here in this huge arena. I thought they wrestled really well for the circumstances and their draws that they had. I was impressed with what they did.”

Avon coach Israel Blevins was also pleased with his wrestlers’ efforts while making it to the final day.

“I think they did what they set out to do this season,” Blevins said. “They were both qualifiers last year and lost Friday night. Their goals were to make it on the awards podium, which they did. They achieved those goals and both of them finished up great careers.”

In his first match of the day, Howland was defeated by Nathan Cleveland from Lowell by fall in 3:42. Howland then beat Antonio Halbert from New Palestine, before falling to Aris Allen from Fort Wayne North Side.

Richey was defeated by Adam Chalfant from Winchester in a 5-2 decision in his first match. Richey was also defeated by Craig Fitzgerald from Glenn and Wes Everett from Delphi in the consolation matches.

Leach fell to Andrew Dalton from East Central by a 5-2 decision in his opener. Leach rebounded by beating Randy Kaufman from Rennselaer Central, before falling to Nick Hodges from Southmont.

Jones lost to Northridge’s Ross Powell in a 5-3 decision to begin the day. Jones also fell to Kurt Monix from Lowell and forfeited to Tyler Willis from Cathedral.

Catellier was pleased with the Bulldogs’ season and thinks that his state-qualifying duo played a huge part.

“We had a pretty good season, we had fun,” Catellier said. “That’s really what it’s all about. Having 215 and heavyweight, having a back-to-back combo, we can go in and have the crowd momentum and have the momentum of them with each other.”

With both of the Brownsburg grapplers completing their careers, the Bulldogs are forced to rebuild going into next season.

“(We go into next season) praying,” Catellier said. “Praying we get some more guys. We didn’t have too many guys work out with them except me and the other coaches. Hopefully we can find some kids out there in the school who can step up.”

Blevins was able to look to his duo as near locks to win every time out. He was pleased with their effort all season with what they brought to the team.

“They were two guys who you could pretty much count on every time to go out and get a win,” Blevins said. “Sometimes when you need bonus points, they could go out there and do that for you.”

In order to fill some large shoes, Blevins will look to other members of his squad to step up.

“We have some guys who are going to have to step up and work hard between now and next season to fill in those holes,” Blevins said.