By RICHARD TORRES
For The Reporter
NOBLESVILLE – Last season, all Aidan Kincaide could do was watch from afar and ask one question.
Why now?
After a stellar freshman campaign that ended with a fourth-place medal at 157 pounds during the 86th annual IHSAA wrestling state finals in Evansville, the rising star had big goals set for his sophomore year.
Already fulfilling a promise made years prior by becoming Noblesville coach Michael Weimer’s first state medalist, Kincaide turned his focus on the second part of his ambitious grade-school guarantee.
Kincaide wanted to stand atop the podium in 2024-25 as Weimer’s and Noblesville’s first individual state champion.
Then, the injury happened, and everything was put on hold.
“I had a couple of fractures in my back,” the Noblesville junior explained while recalling his unforeseen diagnosis from November 2024. “When the doctors told me I couldn’t do anything, and they told me I was done for the year, it really put me in a bad mindset.”
From contender to spectator, Kincaide admittedly struggled to process the situation. However, with the support of his family, coaches and faith, Kincaide pulled himself out of the dark.
“Looking back, I’m so grateful that I was put in that position and had to go through that adversity, seeing the person I am today. It made me a better human and a better man,” Kincaide said. “Bouncing back was really hard, but we’re here now, back and better than ever.”
For six months, Kincaide sat idle as his back healed. He was cleared to return to the mat in the summer of 2025. In the interim, his motivation grew stronger as a result.
“Seeing a lot of people accomplish what I wanted that really pushed me,” Kincaide said. “I’m just trying to chase my dreams every day. A lot of recovery and a lot of putting myself in a better mindset just to be where I’m at today.”
This weekend at the 88th annual IHSAA state finals, Kincaide will be one of the favorites to contend for the 165-pound title. Ranked third in the state by Indianamat and unbeaten at 34-0, Kincaide has been making up for lost time.
Running through the competition this postseason, Kincaide has won at every stop (sectional, regional, semi-state) with nine consecutive pins.
His fastest fall took 29 seconds during the Pendleton Heights Regional, and his longest was 2:27 during the Elwood Sectional finals.
Part of his success is heredity.
Kincaide’s father, Brian, was a two-time state qualifier at Hobart and placed third during his four-year prep career.
Kincaide’s work ethic is another, which he’s honed by training at Contenders Wrestling Academy with coach Sean Schmaltz.
“He’s really helped me become a better wrestler. Him showing me the little details this summer has really put me over the top,” Kincaide said.
On top of the bracket as a state champion is the mission once Kincaide walks inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.
“Freshman year, I expected the most, and I didn’t achieve what I wanted, but this year, I’m coming for it all,” said Kincaide, who finished with a 37-7 record two years ago. “I’m not going to stop until I get the title. I have dreams, and I have goals and I want to achieve them.”
Kincaide will face Center Grove’s Owen Porterfield (26-10) during the opening-night elimination round. Friday’s winners advance to the medal rounds on Saturday.
Barring an upset, Rochester senior Brant Beck (42-2), ranked second in the state, is projected to collide with Kincaide in the semifinals. Beck is a four-time state qualifier and two-time medalist. He was third at 165 in 2024 and seventh at 157 last year.
On the other side of the bracket, New Prairie sophomore Matthew Staples (35-0) is favored to reach the finals after winning the 157-pound state title in 2025. Staples is ranked first in the state (at 165) and sixth in the nation (at 157) by FloWrestling.
“Being dominant is going to help me every step of the way,” Kincaide said. “When the stages get brighter, I shine bright like a diamond. I’m going to go out and just do what I do. Big crowds just make me elevate my game. I’m ready for it.”