GARRETT â Garrettâs wrestling program has been one of the most formidable in the Northeast Corner Conference, and has left its stamp on the conference the past two years.
This yearâs edition finished 18-3 in dual meets, repeating as NECC regular season and meet champions, as well as back-to-back sectional and regional champions.
The Railroaders sent a school-record nine wrestlers to this yearâs semi-state meet at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum, with freshman Chase Leech and sophomore Hayden Brady qualifying for the state finals. It was Bradyâs second trip to the state meet.
This year, the wrestling program added a new achievement, capturing the Class 2A Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association Team State championship, defeating Western, Jimtown and Bellmont to win the team title.
HUNTERTOWN â Less suspense, more pictures.
Garrettâs wrestlers defended their sectional title by a point and a half over host Carroll last week, and were back to try for a second straight regional crown.
This time, the Railroaders put six wrestlers in championship matches and three more in consolations, and repeated as regional winners with 137 points, leaving the host Chargers behind with 103. Then came Leo at 98 ½ and Columbia City at 85.
That means two color team photos outside the Garrett gym, an honor reserved for teams that win regional championships.
âThey never hung up our last one,â Garrett coach Nick Kraus said. âOur athletic director, Chris DePew, told me last week, âGo out and win another one so we can put up two pictures at the same time.â Definitely some motivation to get back-to-back pictures on the school wall.â