Indians build momentum

Jackson's wrestlers started slow Friday night on the first night of the Tiger Classic wrestling tournament at Central Junior High.

The Indians are more interested in where they finish, though.

As the night went on, Jackson's wrestlers started to pick up the pace, and the Indians grabbed first place. Cody Rouse, the top seed at 152 pounds, and top-seeded Kamden Rampley (189) were among nine undefeated Indians wrestlers through four rounds. Rouse and Rampley each had four pins in their four wins.

"As the tournament's gone on, we've wrestled better," Jackson coach Steve Wachter said. "We didn't start out well and lost a couple of matches early we shouldn't have, but the later rounds we've wrestled better."

Trying to defend its title from last year, Jackson had just three losses through the first three rounds of the night. Andy Glass, Jackson's other top seed at 215, and No. 2 Blake Ulrich (171) each picked up several easy wins on the opening night and were unbeaten through Friday.

Also unbeaten for Jackson were Jamie Schumacher (112), Josh Schumacher (125), Ben McMillian (130), Sean Gant (135) and Dustin Fluegge (heavyweight)

Due to several early byes the Indians found themselves near the middle of the pack after two rounds but they climbed to the top at 155 points by night's end. Fort Zumwalt North is second at 133 1/2 points with Seckman (131) and Troy Buchanan (129) among those in the hunt.

"It's going to be really tight," Wachter said. "Seckman's been really good."

Central coach Josh Crowell, the tournament director, said this year's field is very balanced with plenty of talent spread across the field.

"Obviously you don't want any particular team dominating it by 100 points every year," he said of the tournament. "At least for the fans that's not what you want."

Central, which has 62 points, also had its share of early troubles. Cory Huskey, the No. 4 seed at 160, lost an early round match.

Ryan Davis, the No. 4 seed at 189, was 3-1 on the night.

"He's doing well right now," Crowell said.

Also 3-1 for Central after Friday were Josh Smoot (140), Chris Griffith (112) and Tyler Yeargain (130).

The final round on Friday did not wrap up until about 11 p.m.

The wrestling begins today at 9:30 a.m.

Crowell said while some of his wrestlers may have to go through the consolation bracket, he still feels they can have a successful weekend.

"We just have to make sure we come in with the mindset no matter where they're at to stay focused and do the best they can," he said.

Jackson will look to try to pick up its ninth Classic title today, as well as extend it streak of individual champions to 12 consecutive years.

"It will be a real exciting day," Wachter said.