Pendleton Heights News Bureau
The
Arabian Wrestling Team pushed its record to 10-1 Saturday at the New
Castle Invitational with wins over Zionsville, New Castle, Arlington
and Franklin County. The Arabians opened the day’s competition against
a strong Zionsville team. Senior Eric Jarrett at 125 lbs wrestled one
of the best matches of his career to earn an 11-0 win early in the
match. The team score remained close throughout the contest and was not
decided until the Arabians got falls from junior Henry Nichols at 189.
and sophomore Kyle Smitherman at 215 to wrap up the match with a score
of 34-25.
The
Arabians’ next opponent was New Castle. The host Trojans sprinted to an
early lead and held a 16 point cushion after the first six weight
classes. The Arabians then won six of the final eight weight classes to
secure a 39-32 victory. Parker Savage’s win at 140 was one of the keys
to the win. Trailing 4-2 with seconds remaining, the Arabian senior
scored a reversal and two-point near fall as time expired for a 6-4
win. Freshman Clint Nicholson earned the first varsity win of his
career with a first period fall in the 145 match.
The
third match of the day pitted the Arabians against the defending HHC
champion New Palestine Dragons. Though the Arabians wrestled well at
points, New Palestine emerged with a solid 40-24 victory. There were
several close match-ups that could have closed the gap and the Arabians
will have to work hard to turn those matches around at the HHC
Championships in January.
The
fourth opponent for PH was an undermanned Golden Knights team from
Indianapolis Arlington. The Arabians won five of the seven matches
actually wrestled (out of 14 weight classes) for a 71-10 victory.
The
final match of the day was with the Wildkats of Franklin County. The
Arabians prevailed by a score of 69-6. Freshman Alex Ray pinned his
opponent in the first period—for a team-leading third time this season.
Also with first period falls in the match were Justin Eshelman at 119,
Matt Todd at 160, Jasper Moffitt at 171. Freshman Zach Sanner earned
his first career technical fall with a 17-2 decision in the 125 lb
match.
Two
Arabians remain undefeated on the season. Freshman 103 lb. Mason Todd
and senior Matt Todd both sport perfect 11-0 records. Junior Justin
Eshelman and senior Nick Holt at 152 are 10-1. Sophomore Andrew Wilson
at 112, Henry Nichols and Kyle Smitherman all stand 9-2. Matt Todd was
named Wrestler of the Meet by the coaching staff.
The 2008-2009 Arabians, the 40th
PH Wrestling Team, now has 10 wins for the season. With eight matches
remaining the team is a threat to break the record for wins held by the
1986-87 team, which went 17-4.
After
a Tuesday match with HHC foe Mt. Vernon, the Arabians host their own
Super Six on Saturday, December 13. The Arabians will face Madison
County rivals Anderson Highland and Elwood along with Muncie Central,
Winchester and a strong East Central team. The Highland Scots are the
defending county champions and the match with them will give a preview
to the Madison County Championships which are one week later.
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