JC wants more state success

It’s hard to imagine Jay County generating any more excitement at the state finals than Eric Hemmelgarn stirred up last season.
But with Kyle Garringer and Hemmelgarn back to lead the Patriots, another big day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse is well within the realm of possibility.
Hemmelgarn went to the state finals last season as an unheralded fourth-place semi-state finisher, but rolled all the way to a third-place finish.
“The run at just the state tournament itself was remarkable,” said JCHS coach James Myers, whose team opens its season Saturday at the New Castle Invitational. “His four matches at the state tournament came against three semi-state champions and a semi-state runner-up. I don’t think that was done by anybody else in the tournament. … And he came out 3-1 … a three-point match away from being in the state (championship match).”
Hemmelgarn suffered just two regular-season losses a year ago and avenged one of those when he defeated Norwell’s Kyle Short to win the sectional title. He finished second to Short at the regional tournament, and then eked out a 2-1 victory in overtime over Huntington North’s Andrew Mason in the “ticket round” at the semi-state in order to earn his state berth.
He dropped his next two matches to place fourth in the semi-state, but showed up ready to wrestle a week later.
Hemmelgarn trailed 2-0 in the opening round of the state tournament to Perry Meridian’s Donte Winfield, who was 44-1, ranked fifth in the state and a sectional, regional and semi-state champion. But Hemmelgarn caught Winfield in a second-period pin, and then beat Nathan Wright of Mater Dei to reach the state semifinal match. He lost there to Elkhart Central’s Dominique Stauffer, but then defeated top-ranked Kaden Suter of Martinsville to finish in third place in the heavyweight division.
Myers said Hemmelgarn, who was the only non-senior to finish among the top six in the state in his weight class last season, has continued to develop as a wrestler heading into his junior campaign.
“This year we’re really working on his offense on his feet, making sure we can score some takedowns, and his top wrestling,” said Myers. “I think that’s where he’s really improved a bunch this year. Last year he was really able to ride big guys. I think this year he’s going to be able to turn the big guys.”
Garringer is the only other Patriot who returns with semi-state experience. And he has plenty.
The senior was a semi-state qualifier in each of his first three seasons, and he has won his opening-round match each time. But the state finals have eluded him.
As a sophomore, he lost 3-2 in the ticket round to Goshen’s Brandon Dillenbeck thanks in part to a stalling call. And last season he fell 2-1 in overtime to undefeated Bo Butler of Kokomo.
Now his sights are set on his last chance to earn a trip to Indianapolis.
“For Kyle, it’s got to be that burning desire,” said Myers of Garringer, who will open the season at 220 pounds before cutting to 195 during the season. “We’ve had some unbelievable matches that he’s wrestled in the ticket round …
“We’re going to get over that hump. I’m positive. Not only should he qualify for the state tournament, I believe he should be a high medalist.”
The Patriots return three other regional qualifiers from last season — senior Zach Metcalf and sophomores Hunter Gillette and Alex Abbott.
Abbott and Metcalf will both bump up a weight class to 113 and 160 respectively, while Gillette will stay at 182.
“Zach Metcalf has got wins over kids in the preseason top 16,” said Myers. “And what makes him dangerous is he’s a pinner. At any time … he can put you on your back and it could be over. He’s really got the ability to make a run.”
Also in the starting lineup will be senior Dylan Harris, juniors Conner Ray (12) and Jesse Finnerty (145), and freshmen Colton Compton (106) and Alex Stout (132). Battling for positions are Dallas Dudelston and A.J. Bryan at 126, Cesar Castor and Andrew McShane at 138 and Corey Bellis and Levi Hummel at 152.
John Blankenship will open the season at 195 before Garringer takes over, and then Donnie Miller will fill in at 220.
With the mix of returning talent and what Myers calls a hard-working group of freshmen, the coach said he expects his team to again be one of the best in the sectional along with Bellmont, South Adams and Adams Central.
“I think they’re excited,” said Myers of his Patriots. “I think they’re ready to wrestle somebody else. … I think they have a good feeling.
We have a good nucleus back from a team that won 20-plus matches last year, won some tournaments and placed high in a couple others. I think the feeling is good overall.”[[In-content Ad]]