Manchester’s Stroud Rallies To Remain Alive At State Wrestling Tournament
February 22, 2020 at 5:29 a.m.
Manchester’s Stroud Rallies To Remain Alive At State Wrestling Tournament
By Steve Krah-
The Manchester sophomore 126-pounder found himself trailing 4-2 at the end of the first period Friday in the first round of the 82nd annual IHSAA State Finals wrestling tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
“I’m so used to it because I wrestle Coach (Byron Sweet) all the time,” says Stroud, referring to Squires practice. “He usually kicks my butt.”
So even though Stroud found himself behind Friday, he did not panic and moved to 40-0.
“I looked at the score and I was like, ‘Oh gosh!,’ said Stroud. “I just kicked it into another gear. I’m still in this. All I need is a takedown and an escape. I put that in my mindset.” He pulled to within 5-4 by the close of the second period, pulled even with an escape then scored a go-ahead takedown and controlled his opponent — Evansville Mater Dei sophomore Ashton Hayhurst — the rest of the way for a 7-5 win.
“I get nervous any time I’m up and they get on their feet,” said Stroud. “My main goal is to keep them down and ride them out if I have to.” After going up 4-1 early, Wawasee senior Garrett Stuckman (16-1) lost for the only time of the season in a wild 15-10 match against Lawrence Central sophomore Tyler Jones. Stuckman was down 11-10 when Jones executed a late throw.
Wawasee junior Jace Alexander (38-3) lost 7-5 to Warren Central junior David Pierson III at 126. Alexander was down 6-3 after two periods and pulled within 6-5 in the third.
Alexander finished placed sixth at 120 in 2019. Pierson placed fifth at 113 in 2019, fourth at 106 in 2018.
Warsaw junior Jacob Linky (34-5) lost an 11-5 decision to Columbia City senior Jackson Pettigrew.
Session II is slated for 9:30 a.m., consolation matches at 5 p.m. and finals at 7:30 p.m. today.
Crown Point (26 points), Evansville Mater Dei (24) and Indianapolis Cathedral (23) are the top three teams through Friday. Manchester (3) is tied for 40th.
Friday’s session drew 10,336.
The Manchester sophomore 126-pounder found himself trailing 4-2 at the end of the first period Friday in the first round of the 82nd annual IHSAA State Finals wrestling tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
“I’m so used to it because I wrestle Coach (Byron Sweet) all the time,” says Stroud, referring to Squires practice. “He usually kicks my butt.”
So even though Stroud found himself behind Friday, he did not panic and moved to 40-0.
“I looked at the score and I was like, ‘Oh gosh!,’ said Stroud. “I just kicked it into another gear. I’m still in this. All I need is a takedown and an escape. I put that in my mindset.” He pulled to within 5-4 by the close of the second period, pulled even with an escape then scored a go-ahead takedown and controlled his opponent — Evansville Mater Dei sophomore Ashton Hayhurst — the rest of the way for a 7-5 win.
“I get nervous any time I’m up and they get on their feet,” said Stroud. “My main goal is to keep them down and ride them out if I have to.” After going up 4-1 early, Wawasee senior Garrett Stuckman (16-1) lost for the only time of the season in a wild 15-10 match against Lawrence Central sophomore Tyler Jones. Stuckman was down 11-10 when Jones executed a late throw.
Wawasee junior Jace Alexander (38-3) lost 7-5 to Warren Central junior David Pierson III at 126. Alexander was down 6-3 after two periods and pulled within 6-5 in the third.
Alexander finished placed sixth at 120 in 2019. Pierson placed fifth at 113 in 2019, fourth at 106 in 2018.
Warsaw junior Jacob Linky (34-5) lost an 11-5 decision to Columbia City senior Jackson Pettigrew.
Session II is slated for 9:30 a.m., consolation matches at 5 p.m. and finals at 7:30 p.m. today.
Crown Point (26 points), Evansville Mater Dei (24) and Indianapolis Cathedral (23) are the top three teams through Friday. Manchester (3) is tied for 40th.
Friday’s session drew 10,336.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092