Wrestlers fall short in opener

FISHERS — The Patriots were quickly in a big hole Thursday.

They came up short of a season-opening win.

Jay County High School’s wrestling team won the final five matches of the night but suffered a 42-30 loss to the host Hamilton Southeastern Royals.

Cameron Gage got a pin at 160 pounds over DeShawn Ternior, but the Patriots trailed 40-6 after the first nine matches.

Cody Rowles (106) got his first career win by forfeit ahead of a Taye Curtis 15-4 major decision over Ethan Berens at 113. Ethan Reiley earned a 19-4 tech fall against Blake Alvarado in their 120-pound match, and Tony Wood earned his first career victory with a pin of Kyler Sapp just 72 seconds into their 126-pound bout. Cameron Clark got a 13-8 decision at 132 pounds in the final match of the night.

Tyler Manor (138), R.J. Heskett (145), Nate Paxson (152), Blake Pruett (170), Bryce Wenk (195), Conner Specth (220) and Peyton Bennett (285) all lost their respective matches.

Daniel Moore, Lily Lothridge, Ramon Bravo and Ricky Nava earned wins in their junior varsity matches.