GOSHEN – The scoreboard may not always show it, but head coach Kris Hueber is seeing consistent improvement in his young Warsaw wrestling squad. “We’re just a really young team in general,” Hueber said. “We’ve gone through quite a few growing pains this year. As much as I hate seeing we won two matches tonight, I think we’re getting better. “I know where we’re headed and I see the progress. I think we have some good things coming.” The Tigers (8-15, 0-6) lost a 63-12 Northern Lakes Conference dual Thursday at Goshen (21-5, 5-2). Warsaw winners were senior Kyle Hatch (152 pounds) and sophomore Brady Stout (160). Hatch, ranked third in the state in his weight class, built a 12-6 lead and then earned a pin to improve his season record to 30-0. When not on the mat himself, Hatch was a vocal leader. “He’s done a real good job with that,” Hueber said. “We have such a wide range (of experience) in our (practice) room. Kyle has so much experience. He really pushes guys. When ever his career is over and he chooses to be a coach, he’ll be a great one. He’s got a good eye for the sport.” The Tigers’ other Thursday triumph resonated with the head coach. “Brady won and is finally starting to get some confidence going,” Hueber said. “That’s really good for us. He’s really starting to make some momentum. “(Freshman) Isaiah Owens at 106 was awesome. The kid weighs in about 10 pounds underweight every time. He just scraps and gives you everything he has.” Freshman Mick Stewart (113) saw his first varsity action. Sophomore Max Bradley (145) is typically a JV wrestler, but was in the varsity lineup Thursday. Freshman Brock Hueber (195) moved up in weight during a season in which he has missed much time because of injury. Freshman Austin Brown (120) has been in and out of the varsity mix. “The progress that (junior) heavyweight Dillan Estep has made this year is outstanding,” Hueber said. Warsaw had not competed since the Al Smith Classic at Mishawaka Dec. 29-30 and were idle two weeks before that. The Tigers were able to get in three junior varsity matches Thursday. Hueber said his JV kids will get some more match experience Saturday at the Woodlan JV Invitational, while the varsity goes to the Garrett Invitational.
GOSHEN 63, WARSAW 12 (Competition Began at 182) 106 – Rasheek Bonds (G) dec. Isaiah Owens 20-16. 113 – Fernando Flores (G) pinned Mick Stewart 1:22. 120 – Braxton Rodriguez (G) pinned Austin Brown 2:23. 126 – Rickey Flores (G) dec. Riley Hogenson 6-5. 132 – Colin Fletcher (G) pinned Jose Grimmett 3:29. 138 – Noah Caouette (G) dec. Christian Taylor 5-0. 145 – Noah Shively (G) pinned Max Bradley 1:02. 152 – Kyle Hatch (W) pinned Nick Ragsdale 1:47. 160 – Brady Stout (W) pinned Rene Gutierrez 4:55. 170 – Daniel Hildalgo (G) pinned Andrew Owens 5:22. 182 – Julio Navarro (G) pinned Grayson Drudge 1:54. 195 – Eduardo Lopez (G) pinned Brock Hueber 1:23. 220 – Steven Worlds (G) by forfeit. 285 – Erik Contreras (G) pinned Dillan Estep 4:46. Records: Goshen 21-5 (5-2 NLC), Warsaw 8-15 (0-6 NLC). JV winners: Goshen – Christian Santos (120) pin, Zach Swallow (285) pin; Warsaw – Gavin Truex (182) technical fall.
