Warsaw’s Andrew Ross returns to the semi-state round for a second year in a row, Ross to compete this weekend at East Chicago. InkFreeNews file photo by Mike Deak

By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – Wrestling’s third step, and final, before the IHSAA State Finals is this weekend. Widely regarded as the toughest step in the tournament, the semi-state round is awaiting 896 wrestlers this weekend.

From the immediate IFN coverage area, 25 wrestlers are primed to take their shot at winning two semi-state matches and earn a ticket to the state finals. The top four wrestlers in each weight class from the state’s four semi-state sites will move on.

at East Chicago

A total of 19 local wrestlers are listed to compete this Saturday at 10 a.m. EST at East Chicago High School.

Wawasee leads the way with eight individuals competing, and five are returning to the semi-state round. Hunter Miller (113), Dylan Tom (120), Logan Stuckman (132), Jace Alexander (138) and Gavin Malone (145) are all making their return, Stuckman moving up from a 106 to 132. Making their first semi-state appearances are Kaleb Salazar (106), Brendan Dilley (126) and Cameron Zimmerman (170). Alexander is looking to make his fourth straight state final.

Warsaw has five at East Chicago, three of which are returning. Jacob Linky (170) is looking to return to the state finals after taking third at East Chicago a year ago. Andrew Ross (138) and Brandon Estepp (182) also return to the semi-state round. Elias Garza (113) and Jose Martinez (132) are also looking to make their mark.

After being shut out of the semi-state round a year ago, Tippecanoe Valley and Triton will bring multiple wrestlers in 2021. Valley has four in Galvin Shambaugh (106), Branson McBrier (152), Brandon Hammer (182) and Bazle Owens (195) all making their semi-state debuts and Triton brings their big boys Anthony Schuh (220) and Caleb Lemler (285).

First round matchups for the local wrestlers at East Chicago:

Wawasee

Kaleb Salazar (13-6) v. Evan Cruz (17-9) of Crown Point
Hunter Miller (17-1) v. David Maldanado (18-9) of Merrillville
Dylan Tom (15-4) v. Roman Guerrero (13-8) of Portage
Brendan Dilley (14-9) v. Larz Hughes (22-4) of Rensselaer Central
Logan Stuckman (11-8) v. Gabriel Tienstra (20-9) of Munster
Jace Alexander (21-0) v. Damian Ruoff (17-10) of Wheeler
Gavin Malone (19-7) v. Matthew Bayley (16-2) of Lafayette Harrison
Cameron Zimmerman (14-13) v. Jacob Simpson (26-0) of Hobart

Warsaw

Elias Garza (15-15) v. Trevor Schammert (28-0) of Hobart
Jose Martinez (17-9) v. Aleksander Pejovski (20-7) of Merrillville
Andrew Ross (20-11) v. Jesse Mendez (26-0) of Crown Point
Jacob Linky (24-2) v. Demetrus Dean (19-10) of Hammond
Brandon Estepp (17-5) v. Noah Stenberg (10-2) of West Lafayette

Tippecanoe Valley

Galvin Shambaugh (20-9) v. Ashton Jackson (27-2) of LaPorte
Branson McBrier (19-8) v. Tristen Hood (15-0) of Lafayette Harrison
Brandon Hammer (25-5) v. Dailan Reece (20-5) of Twin Lakes
Bazle Owens (26-8) v. Justin Sawyer (18-10) of Hobart

Triton

Anthony Schuh (17-5) v. Evan Bates (30-0) of Chesterton
Caleb Lemler (18-5) v. Theodore Sparks (9-4) of Merrillville

at Fort Wayne

NorthWood’s Connor Ratcliff is looking for a pin or two at the Fort Wayne Wrestling Semi-state. InkFreeNews file photo by Mike Deak

NorthWood will have six active at the Fort Wayne Semi-state, a 9 a.m. start at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum Expo Center.

The Panthers bring into the conversation Lynkyn Ratcliff (113), Connor Ratcliff (145), Hunter Lechlitner (152), Kaden Lone (160), Trey Tobias (182) and Blake Herr (285). Both Lone and Herr were semi-state competitors a year ago, Lone a regional champion before seeing his season end in Fort Wayne.

First round matchups for the NorthWood wrestlers at Fort Wayne:

Lynkyn Ratcliff (24-8) v. Jared Brooks (34-1) of Wabash
Connor Ratcliff (23-4) v. Jordan Driver (16-10) of Columbia City
Hunter Lechlitner (16-10) v. Evan Ulrick (29-0) of Fort Wayne Carroll
Kaden Lone (24-2) v. Isaac Friedt (17-6) of Bellmont
Trey Tobias (26-8) v. Jacob Saylor (24-2) of New Haven
Blake Herr (22-4) v. Marshall Fishback (29-1) of Rochester