IHSAA wrestling: Payback, tradition lead Evansville semistate as 15 locals punch tickets

EVANSVILLE — It all came full circle for Reid Schroeder under the Ford Center spotlight Saturday evening.

The Southridge senior and Castle's John Purdy are two of Indiana's best 195-pound high school wrestlers. They've known each other since they were children and are familiar adversaries. Purdy won their last meeting in December, dealing Schroeder his first and still only blemish of the season.

With an IHSAA semistate championship on the line, Schroeder bested Purdy in the rematch. He took him down to the ground, controlled him as the final seconds ticked off the clock, and spoiled his undefeated season with a 9-5 decision. Schroeder, an Army signee, is a semistate champion for the first time.

Last week:Mater Dei wrestlers roll at IHSAA regional; Memorial, Castle standouts still perfect

He explained afterward their previous matches were more mental than anything. He pushed the pace around this time around.

"John's an amazing competitor," Schroeder said. "He beat me earlier back in December, and I was able to come out with the victory. I can't wait to see both of us under the lights (next weekend at Gainbridge Fieldhouse)."

"It's something that he's been working toward ever since Mooresville," Southridge coach Kurt Collins added. "We've known and felt that this day was going to come. He has worked diligently to prepare for it."

Schroeder and Purdy, now each 40-1 overall, have dominated the mats as much as the gridiron. Schroeder was a true bell cow for Southridge with a 1,063-yard, 25 total touchdown campaign to go along with 83 tackles and two sacks on defense. Purdy was just as dominant with a 200-tackle season for Castle, plus a pair of sacks.

They led their teams deep into the postseason with Castle reaching semistate and Southridge qualifying for a regional. Then, they continued dominating in a different sport.

"It was a nice little break during football," Schroeder said. "I got back and dusted the rust off real quick. I was back to my prime shape not too long after football was over."

Schroeder is looking to make history next weekend in Indianapolis. If he comes away with a state championship, he would be the first Raider to do so in 35 years.

He was one of four Southridge wrestlers competing at semistate, and he's helped the program rise to even greater heights. His work ethic and commitment to winning have rubbed off. Collins looks forward to seeing which future Raiders sign up for the next Southridge wrestling camp because of what Schroeder has done throughout his career.

"He makes that of winning a state title and getting to the state tournament more reachable," Collins said. "(The Raider wrestlers) are in the room with him every day. Guys are wrestling with him. If he can win a state title and place again, it closes the gap for everybody else."

Meanwhile, Purdy was dejected after his loss. He fell to his knees as coach Bob Harmon hugged and consoled him. Harmon reminded him that next Friday will be another opportunity to wrestle better.

"I just said, 'I'm ready to see you under the lights. And may the best man win,'" Schroeder recalled about their post-match interactions. "He's kicked my butt, and I beat him a few times. It's just great to be able to come back today and win. I'm ready to see him under the lights."

Mater Dei sends four individuals to state finals

The Wildcats often will send up to seven wrestlers to Indianapolis for state.

Still, they're not upset to have four Wildcats alive heading into the final weekend. Mater Dei coach Greg Schaefer commended the effort every one of his wrestlers showed inside Ford Center. The Wildcats' main goal now is to continue putting their best foot forward.

"We've got a great tradition and a great history, and I think sometimes we take things for granted," Schaefer said. "Many programs would be thrilled to send four guys to the state tournament. We're really excited for the four guys."

Evan Seng (34-3) clinched another triple-crown — meaning he claimed sectional, regional and semistate titles — in the 126-pound class after he also did it as a sophomore at 106. Hunter May (36-1) clinched the same feat with his championship at 152.

"It definitely means a lot," Seng said. "I'm very happy to be able to still compete. Some of our teammates got hurt, but I'm just grateful to still be healthy and compete strong. It means a lot for my senior year, and it means a lot for the Mater Dei community."

"I've made bigger jumps in my preparation and just working hard each and every day," May added. "I just give thanks to God for keeping me and my team safe today and giving us the ability to wrestle another day."

Isaiah Schaefer (34-3) continued his strong sophomore campaign in the 126-pound class with a runner-up finish. Austin Vanover (29-9) finished in fourth place at 285.

The following Evansville-area wrestlers also advanced to state: Chase Stephens (Tell City), Odin Fortune (Reitz), Kelby Glenn (Tell City), Luke Robards (Central), Tyce DuPont (Tell City), Luke Kemper (Central), Jett Goldsberry (Heritage Hills), Noah Terry (Tell City) and Kelton Farmer (Memorial).

Courier & Press sports reporter Treasure Washington can be reached via her email, treasure.washington@courierpress.com, and on Twitter @Twashington490.

EVANSVILLE SEMISTATE WRESTLING

Saturday at Ford Center

Top 10 teams: Center Grove 202.5, Brownsburg 180.5, Mater Dei 81.5, Tell City 78.5, Avon 55, Bloomington South 50, Columbus East 42, Whiteland 36.5, Central 33, Southridge 30

Championship matches involving area athletes

120: Jake Hockaday (Brownsburg) major dec. over Isaiah Schaefer (Mater Dei) 11-3

126: Evan Seng (Mater Dei) dec. Chase Stephens (Tell City) 3-0

152: Hunter May (Mater Dei) dec. Silas Stits (Center Grove) 6-3

160: Luke Kemper (Central) dec. Andre Merritt (Center Grove) 10-7

170: Delaney Ruhlman (Bloomington South) pinned Noah Terry (Tell City) 1:23

195: Reid Schroeder (Southridge) dec. John Purdy (Castle) 9-5

285: Leighton Jones (Brownsburg) pinned Kelton Farmer (Memorial) 2:37

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA wrestling: 15 Evansville-area wrestlers headed to state