Matt Todd put together one of the best IHSAA Wrestling Championship performances in the history of Arabian Wrestling this past Friday and Saturday. His quest for an undefeated championship season fell just short in a loss by decision in the championship match of the 160 lb. weight class.
In the Friday night’s opening round Matt pinned Bellmont’s Trent Busse in 3:20. The win sent set up Saturday morning’s quarter-final match-up with Kurt Monix of Lowell. Monix sported a record of 33 -3, with all three defeats at the hands of undefeated Merrilville Semi-State champion Mark Meyers of Crown Point. Todd opened the match aggressively but was taken down on a counter by Monix. Matt responded with a quick escape and then hit his signature throw, a Russian two-on-one, and made several quick adjustments to gain a fall in 54 seconds over the stunned Monix. The pin was the second fastest in the 160 lb. weight class in IHSAA state finals history.
In the semi-finals Todd faced undefeated Northridge senior Ross Powell. Matt scored a first period takedown for a 2-0 lead. He steadily built his margin throughout the match, earning a near-fall, an escape and another takedown. The final score of 8-3 meant that he had falls or near-falls over all three opponents.
In the championship finals Todd squared off against unbeaten senior Briar Runyan of Martinsville. The West Point recruit scored the first takedown and a near-fall to sprint to a 5-0 lead. Matt escaped but was unable to decrease the margin any further against the three-time place winner. The final score of 8-3 represented the first loss for Matt since last year’s state finals. While the final result was disappointing, the big picture of an outstanding season and a stellar career is something at which to marvel.
Matt Todd finished his season with a 46-1 record, the most wins ever by an Arabian. He also owns the career record for wins with 125 and falls with 89. The undefeated stretch of 46 wins on his run to the title match is the longest winning streak in Arabian Wrestling history. The two-time team MVP is also three time Madison County champion, Connersville Invitational champion, Hoosier Heritage Conference champion, two-time Sectional Champion, two-time Regional champion and 2009 Semi-State Champion. He was also named Outstanding Wrestler at the Madison County championships and Tipton Invitational championships.
Mason Todd became the first Pendleton Heights freshman to appear in the state wrestling finals Friday night. He lost his first round match to finish his rookie season with a 40-4 record. The future looks bright for Arabian wrestling as 11 starters and 14 lettermen return for next season to defend Madison County and Tipton Invitational team titles and attempt to win the IHSAA Sectional title that narrowly eluded PH this year.
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