LAPEL — Despite having two opening season matches canceled, the Lapel Bulldog wrestlers are readying themselves for another successful season.
Coach Jake Stilwell is using some similar protocols in practice to other area schools to keep his athletes not only healthy but also prepared for a season unlike any other.
Stilwell is seeing their hard work beginning to pay off.
“We’re good with talent from top to bottom,” Stilwell said.
He said not as many students are out this season, but those who make the decision to wrestle are out every day.
“We have strength. I think we’re solid throughout the lineup,” Stilwell said.
He said he believes his team is as deep as it has been in the past four years.
The Bulldogs may be a little light in the lower weights, but Stilwell said he feels good about where they are.
“We have some kids back from injury, and it’s going to be an exciting year.”
Notably returning for the Bulldogs are regional qualifiers, junior Kyle Shelton and sophomore Alan Buzan; both finished third in the sectional last year.
Senior Gage Thompson returns as well for strength in the 182 class.
Last year, Thompson was Madison County runner up.
Thompson missed the sectional last year because of injury but is back and working on a regional berth like he did in 2019.
Seniors for the Bulldog squad are Erik Davis, Jared Roundtree, Walker Hobbs and Ethan McCroy.
Only the second junior on the team, Grant Morris placed sixth at last year’s sectional in the 160 weight class, and sophomore Bruin White experienced the post season as a freshman.
Even though the post-season is months away, Stilwell said his guys are putting in the effort now it will take to power them through the sectional.
Stilwell and the Bulldogs are looking forward to bringing excitement to the 50th Madison County Tournament.
“It’s such a great tournament,” Stilwell said. “We want to come in and put on a great show.”
Because of cancellations for a six-way at Elwood and a dual with Hamilton Heights, the Bulldogs won’t see competition on the mats until a Dec. 3 home match with Anderson. They will compete in the Maconaquah Invitational Dec. 5.
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2020-21 Lapel wrestling schedule
Date;Opponent;Time
Dec. 3;vs. Anderson;6 p.m.
Dec. 5;at Maconaquah Invitational;8:30 a.m.
Dec. 9;at Alexandria;6 p.m.
Dec. 19;Madison County Tournament (at PH);8:30 a.m.
Dec. 29;at Jay County;9 a.m.
Jan. 5;at Centerville;6 p.m.
Jan. 9;at Guerin Catholic Invitational;9 a.m.
Jan. 14;at Hamilton Heights;6 p.m.
Jan. 16:Neil Muse Invitational (at Lapel);9 a.m.
Jan. 20;vs. Daleville;6 p.m.
Jan. 21:at Pendleton Heights JV Invitational;6 p.m.
Jan. 30;at Elwood Sectional;8:30 a.mm.
Feb. 6;at Pendleton Heights Regional;9:30 am
Feb. 13;at New Castle Semi-State;9 a.m.
Feb. 18;at State Finals (Indpls.);6 p.m.
Feb. 19;at State Finals (Indpls.);9 a.m.
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Seniors
Erik Davis
Jared Roundtree
Gage Thompson
Walker Hobbs
Ethan McCroy
Juniors
Grant Morris
Kyle Shelton
Sophomores
Bruin White
Alan Buzan
Kegan O’Connor
Jacob Key
Anthony Prater
Jacob Reddick
Freshmen
Bracken Little
Branden Dawson
Nolan Dick
Cole Miller
Jaden Rodriguez
Grissom Jernigan
Chandler Lowe
Caden McDole
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