EC, Elder Will Wrestle Under Bright Lights Of EC Performing Arts Center

It will be the first time the two schools have ever met on the mat. EC is undefeated and Elder is ranked #1 in southwest Ohio.

East Central and Elder will wrestle for the first time ever on Friday, January 24 in the East Central Performing Arts Center. 

(St. Leon, Ind.) - Two schools with great sports history and pride are set to go head-to-head in wrestling for the first time ever.  

East Central will host Elder on Friday, January 24 for a dual meet that is creating a lot of buzz.  

This won’t be just any regular meet. The magnitude of the dual requires a big match feel considering the Trojans are undefeated (34-0) and Elder is ranked as the #1 team in southwest Ohio.   

That’s why East Central and Elder will compete under the lights of the EC Performing Arts Center.  

“The lights will only shine on the mat,” said event organizer Steve Naltner. “Walk-out music will be provided for each wrestler, sort of like WWE.”  

One of the coolest things about a team dual is every match counts. A wrestler could lose a match, but could also play a role in the team winning.  

"It’s not uncommon for a coach to tell a kid, “I need you to wrestle 6 minutes.” What he means is don’t get pinned and give up 6 team points. I’ve seen duals that end with a wrestler losing his match but holding off the opposing wrestler from scoring bonus points to inevitably win the match for his team,” said Naltner.  

Aside from the excitement on the mat, the January 24 meet will also serve as the first-even East Central Wrestling Alumni Night.  

An Alumni Social will be held from 5:00-6:00 p.m., followed by Varsity B matches at 6:00 p.m., then Varsity matches at 7:00 p.m. 

The dual is free for all to attend.  

“There are around 1,450 seats in the performing arts center, said Naltner. "We are trying to pack the house.” 

For more information, visit www.ectrojansathletic.com or email Lisa Wolf at ecyouthwrestling.com.  

A list of potential matchups are listed below: 

106: Elder: Drew Magness (so.) ranked #11 in Ohio vs. EC: Dylan Lengerich (Fr.) Record of 30-3

113 :Elder: Willie Doepker (sr. Captain) ranked #6 in Ohio, 2018 Ohio State Placer vs. EC: Blake Wolf (Fr.) Record 33-0. Currently ranked 12th in Indiana. Junior High State Champ, Folkstyle State Champ, Freestyle State Champ, Greco State Champ

120: Elder: Jack Roth (Jr.) – State Alternate in ‘19 vs. EC: Tyler Schneider (Sr.) Record 24-4

126: Elder: Jack Collins (Sr. – Captain) – 2 x Ohio State Qualifier, Ranked #10 in Ohio vs. EC: Rider Searcy (Fr.) Record 33-0. Freestyle State Champ

132: Elder: Kody Kaimann (Jr.) vs. EC: Dillon Heinrich (Jr.) Record 26-7

138: Elder: Andrew Thamann (Fr.) vs. EC: Charlie Euson (So.) Record 23-8. Semi State Qualifier

145; Elder: Patrick Barrett (Sr.) – District Qualifier in ‘19 vs. EC: Ben Wolf (Jr.) Record 31-2. Semi State Qualifier

152: Elder: Seth Lambers (Sr. – Captain) – State Qualifier in ’19, Ranked #9 in Ohio vs. EC: Bryer Hall (Jr.) Record 26-0. Currently ranked 3rd in Indiana. Placed 4th at IHSAA State Finals at 126lb

160: Elder: Bartley Thomas (So.) vs. EC: Kasey Carr (Sr.) Record 27-6.

170: Elder: Joe Weber (Sr.) vs. EC: Brady Rullman (Sr.) Record 21-12

182: Elder: Montana Klayman (Sr.) vs. EC: Kole Viel (Jr.) Record 31-2. Semi State Qualifier

195: Elder: Beau Bryson (So.) vs. EC: Kyle Krummen (Sr.) Record 28-0. Currently ranked 5th in Indiana. State Qualifier

220: Elder: Jack Tucker (Jr.) vs. EC: Austin Cox (Jr.) Record 15-10

285: Elder: Rowan Tolbert (Sr.) – District Qualifier in ’19, Ranked #11 in Ohio vs. EC: Logan Adams (Jr.) Record 23-10. Semi State Qualifier