Seven Hamilton County wrestlers have qualified for the state finals after finishing in the top four in their respective weight classes at the New Castle semi-state on Saturday.
Leading the way was Hamilton Southeastern 182-pounder Alec Jessop, who won the championship in that weight class. Jessop opened his tournament with a 13-1 major decision win over Rushville’s Jaykeb Thorp, then toughed out decision victories in his other three bouts, beating Perry Meridian’s Jalen Allen 5-3 in the quarter-finals, Lawrence Central’s Cameron Simmons 2-1 in the semi-finals, and Lebanon’s Evan Stambaugh 6-4 in the final match.
Three wrestlers finished in third place: Carmel’s Adam Jerde at 126 pounds, HSE’s Joe Mazero at 170 pounds, and Westfield’s Liam Jagow at 195 pounds.
Finishing in fourth place were Carmel’s Brendan Mattingly at 106, Noblesville’s David Kitko at 152, Westfield’s Justin Miller at 160.
Hamilton Southeastern placed highest in the team standings, finishing 11th with 36 points. Carmel was 15th with 31 points, Westfield took 17th with 28 points, and Noblesville tied for 22nd with 18 points. Cathedral ran away with the meet, scoring 140.5 points.
Hamilton Heights tied for 29th with four points, while Fishers and Guerin Catholic were part of a tie for 32nd; both schools scored two points.
The state wrestling finals take place next weekend. First-round matches, featuring 16 athletes in each weight class, are scheduled for Friday evening. Winners advance to Saturday action, where each wrestlers is guaranteed to compete in three matches, as well as receive a state medal.