The further down the Indiana High School Athletic Association wrestling tournament trail an athlete travels, the more difficult it becomes to advance. When Richmond High School hosted the wrestling regional on Saturday, Feb. 8, the top four finishers from both the Centerville and Franklin County sectional sites sent regional qualifiers pursuing their dreams of advancing to the New Castle semi-state to be held on Saturday, Feb. 15. Only the top four finishers in each weight class advance and the competition is brutal.
Wayne County schools had two regional champions. Northeastern senior Heather Crull became a regional champion for the third time in the 106-pound weight class. Lincoln senior Gage Sherwood won his first regional championship in the 138-pound weight class.
In addition to Crull (41-0) and Sherwood (36-3), eight other Wayne County wrestlers advanced to the semi-state. Conner Frazier (29-10) from Centerville placed fourth at 132. Gus Golliher (32-17) from Hagerstown placed fourth at 144. Zach Golliher (38-9) from Hagerstown placed second at 150. Grant Soper (30-6) from Centerville placed third at 157. Thane Berger (27-13) from Northeastern placed fourth at 165. Roy Thornbury (38-8) from Hagerstown placed second at 175. Caleb Cohee (31-9) from Northeastern placed third at 190. Zane Schneider from Northeastern placed second at 215.
Northeastern finished sixth in the final team standings, Hagerstown finished ninth, Lincoln finished 10th and Centerville finished 14th. Richmond did not score.
Final team standings: East Central 145, Milan 110.5, New Castle 87.5, Rushville 74.0, Franklin County 72.5, Northeastern 61.0, South Dearborn 60, Batesville 54.5, Hagerstown 43.5, Lincoln 24.0, Tri High 23.5, Eastern Hancock 22.5, Union County 17.0, Centerville 15.0, Greensburg 11.0, Lawrenceburg 7.0, Blue River 0, Connersville 0, Knightstown 0, Richmond 0, Shenandoah 0.
A version of this article appeared in the February 12 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.