Wrestling: Westfield gets first tournament win since 2016 at Capital City Classic

The REPORTER

The Westfield boys wrestling team began its season by ending a long tournament drought.

The Shamrocks won the Capital City Classic last Saturday at Perry Meridian. It was the first time Westfield had ever triumphed at that tournament and also marked the first tournament victory of any kind for the ‘Rocks since 2016.

“We did great today,” said Westfield coach Tim Griffin.”

The Shamrocks totaled 228.5 points, had five wrestlers win championships in their respective weight classes. The Westfield winners included three seniors and two freshmen.

The freshmen went first: Connor Maddox won at 106 pounds, scoring a technical fall in the semifinals and a decision win for the championship. Brayden Head was the 113-pound winner. He also got a tech fall in the semis, then won by pin to take the championship match.

“They have acclimated very, very well,” said Griffin. The coach said both freshmen are ready to contribute to the team and are also “definitely read to compete with anybody this year.”

Porter Temples led the Shamrocks’ parade of senior champions. The 120-pounder rampaged through that division, winning all three of his matches by first-period falls.

Carter Niccum dominated at 132 pounds, with pins in the quarterfinals and semifinals before getting an 8-2 championship victory. At 144 pounds, Jake Saez won an 8-2 semifinal decision, then got a pin with seven seconds left in the final.

“These guys have been with us and in the program for a long time,” said Griffin. “We have great leadership from all of them with semi-state experience returning. They are definitely the vocal leaders of the team right now.

John Stryker finished as runner-up at 190 pounds. Westfield had three third-place finishers: Alic Washburn at 138, Graydon Staley at 150 and Max Brown at 165.

Other Shamrocks placing were Padraig Oatis (fourth at 157), Aiden Padgett (seventh at 285), Sam Travis (fifth at 175), Trevor Humburg (seventh at 126) and Eli Escamilla (eighth at 215).

“We feel like we have a pretty solid team together and a great team chemistry, great culture right now,” said Griffin. “We’re going to keep working hard and see where this leads us.”

Westfield’s next meet is Saturday, Dec. 7 when it hosts the Shamrock Duals.