Pendleton Heights’ Jackson Todd tries to get his head out of a hold by New Castle Brevan Thrine during the 132-pound championship match in the 2022 Hoosier Heritage Conference Wrestling Championships at Yorktown High School on Saturday, January 15, 2022.
Rob Baker | For The Times-Post
Pendleton Heights’ Blake Nicholson goes for a takedown on Delta’s Kaeb Stebbins during the 126-pound championship match in the 2022 Hoosier Heritage Conference Wrestling Championships at Yorktown High School on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Nicholson won the title match.
Rob Baker | For The Times-Post
YORKTOWN — Blake Nicholson was the lone champion as the Arabian wrestlers placed fifth at the Hoosier Heritage Conference meet at Yorktown Jan. 15.
Nicholson, at 126 pounds, defeated Kaeb Stebbin of Delta in a 12-4 decision in the title match.
The Arabians were without heavyweight Derek Lowder, who is out for the remainder of the season.
“We lost some close matches,” coach Dave Cloud said. “We’re inexperienced, but that’s how you get experience.”
The Arabians had just three seniors in the lineup.
“The younger kids are doing a good job. We’re going to be a better team,” Cloud said.
Jackson Todd was runner-up in the 132-pound class, while Ethan Childers (160) placed third.
Earning fourth-place finishes for the Arabians were Elijah Creel (120), Garrett Pederson (182) and Sam Mossoney (220). Elijah Wolf (113), Jaylen Covington (138), Jameson Walford (152) and Eli Libler (285) finished fifth in their respective classes. James Mackey (106), Hayden Edmundson (145) and Nate Walls (195) placed sixth.
Team-wise, Greenfield-Central won the tournament with 207 points. Mt. Vernon was runner-up with 193. Other team scores included, New Palestine 181.5, Yorktown 174.5, Pendleton Heights 152, Delta 148, New Castle 111.5 and Shelbyville 63.
With a little less than two weeks to prepare, the Arabians are working to succeed in the challenging Elwood Sectional.
“It’ll be tough for us,” Cloud said.
He said Noblesville and Hamilton Heights are very strong teams this year. Last year, the Arabians finished third behind them.
“We want to be as competitive as we can and move as many through to the regional as we can,” Cloud said.
The Arabians defeated Brebeuf 66-11 in an away match Jan. 17. Senior night was Wednesday, Jan. 19 (after press time), against Frankton. This is the final match before sectional competition.