Saturday, the Warsaw wrestlers hosted five teams in the Tiger Classic Wrestling Invitational. The format was five successive dual matches, and at the end of the day the Tigers came away with a team record of 4-1, losing only to LaVille, 36-34.

Warsaw's Tom Lowe (171 pounds) was named outstanding wrestler for the event, having defeated all of his opponents by fall. Lowe was among six Tigers who went undefeated on the day, including Justin Brooks (103), Adam Keener (135), Matt Elvidge (140), Andy Keener (145), and Evan Readle (215).

The Tigers opened up the day by trouncing Eastside by a score of 57-24. Nick Missos (130) won by fall, as did Adam Keener (135), Elvidge (140), Blake Deaton (160), Tom Lowe (171), and Readle (215).

Warsaw then narrowly lost to LaVille, 36-34. Warsaw coach Tony Boley said, "We just matched up against them to their advantage. A couple of times we had pinning combinations locked up but they managed to avoid the fall, so we had to settle for just a decision. Those points would have made the difference."

In addition, the Tigers gave up a forfeit all day long at 152 pounds.

Against Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw won by a score of 66-18. Tiger freshman Taylor Julian notched a fall in just 11 seconds.

The Valley team is hampered by an exceedingly short roster, giving up forfeits in half of the 14 weight classes. The Vikings' Jordan Schultz was the top wrestler at 160 pounds, finishing the day with four wins against just one loss.

Kokomo was the next victim for the Tigers, with Warsaw coming out on top 42-36. The outcome was decided in the final match when Blake Deaton (160) defeated Kollin Nottingham 9-6. Kokomo defeated LaVille earlier in the day, leaving three teams with identical 4-1 records and a three-way tie for first place.

Finally, Warsaw overcame Triton by a score of 57-24. Triton is forced to forfeit five of the 14 weight-classes with its short roster. Even with this handicap, the Triton team was barely edged in their match against the tough LaVille squad. Also, Callie Prater, a Triton senior, finished her day with only one loss against four victories, all by fall in 1:46, 1:29, :44 and :29.

There are bright hopes for the Tiger wrestling season with several strong seniors and returning standouts like Elvidge, a sophomore who had great success last year, along with Andy Keener, also a sophomore. Six of the varsity positions are filled by freshmen, including two who went undefeated on the day, Justin Brooks (103) and Adam Keener (135). Another freshman, Taylor Julian, is in the formidable 189-pound weight class, but he came out with three wins in his four matches.

"We expect to get better," said Boley. "This team works hard and we will continue to get better."

With a record of 4-1, the Tigers travel to Elkhart Memorial for a 6:45 p.m. match Nov. 29.

TIGER CLASSIC

(championship matches, with tournament records)

103 - Justin Brooks (Warsaw) 5-0

112 - Eddie Castro (Kokomo) 5-0

119 - Trevor Burkshire (Kokomo) 5-0

125 - Dedric Small (Kokomo) 5-0

130 - Anthony Hobbs (Kokomo) 5-0

135 - Adam Keener (Warsaw) 5-0

140 - Matt Elvidge (Warsaw) 5-0

145 - Andy Keener (Warsaw) 5-0

152 - Kyle Fluck (Kokomo) 5-0

160 - Jordan Schultz (T. Valley) 4-1

171 - Tom Lowe (Warsaw) 5-0

189 - Heath Smith (Eastside) 5-0

215 - Evan Readle (Warsaw) 5-0

275 - Jeff Molnar (LaVille) 5-0

Competing teams - Eastside, Kokomo, Tippecanoe Valley, Triton, Warsaw

Most Outstanding Wrestler - Tom Lowe (Warsaw) [[In-content Ad]]