Stepping Up to the Mat: IHSA Wrestling Regionals

Hannah Hooks, Staff Writer

As the 2017-2018 Lions’ wrestling season is nearing its end, the team has shown over the past several months that they are definitely in it, to PIN it. After many hours of practice, the Lions have demonstrated their hard work and dedication when they were put to the test while competing in matches. With the help from Assistant Coaches Aaron Melvin and Daniel Halderman, Head Coach Alejandro Ruiz has been able to achieve a very successful year with his wrestling team. “We were able to have a successful year as far as competing. We were able to win some matches we probably shouldn’t have based on our numbers,” Ruiz emphasized. On February 3, 2018, Carterville hosted the IHSA Regional wrestling tournament and the Lions successfully dominated the competition. Senior wrestler, Lucas Sarver, placed first along with Junior, Julian Harshbarger, who placed second. Joseph Ellis, a Senior, and Kaleb Ward, a Junior, both finished third place. Junior, Matt Jones, placed fourth place as well at the tournament. With sectionals, and state rapidly approaching, these four wrestlers are both physically and mentally preparing by continuously working hard on and off the mats. Senior wrestler Lucas Sarver has been on the Lions’ varsity wrestling team since his Freshman year. When asked what his personal goal for the season was, Sarver described that he is hoping to place first at state, but he understands there are still many obstacles he must tackle first: “To get there, I have to work on more ways to get my setups, as well as my motion and stance. I need to understand more of my position,” Sarver stated. You can show your Carterville pride by supporting the Lions’ wrestling team at the IHSA Sectional Wrestling Tournament, located at Vandalia, on February 9th and 10th. Let’s go Lions!