Top, Bluffton’s Johnny Cruz (top) attempts to turn Garrett’s Jacob Reynolds in the first match of the semi-state finals at the Fort Wayne Coliseum Saturday. Cruz went on to win the match and all subsequent matches to take the top spot in the 285-pound weight class and advance to the State Finals. Bottom, Norwell’s Hunter Douglas reacts after the win over New Haven’s Timmy Rocha that punched his ticket to the State Finals during Saturday’s semi-state wrestling match at the Fort Wayne Coliseum. (Photos by Chad Kline)
Wells County will be sending two wrestlers to the state championships in Evansville next Saturday.
Bluffton’s Johnny Cruz, now 32-0, defeated Snider’s Ethan Dodson by fall (4:42) to win the Semi-State 285 weight class.
Norwell’s Hunter Douglas finished fourth at 120.
Other wrestlers that competed were Bluffton’s Levi Johns, Norwell’s Elijah Behning, Jason Prough, Cody Cox, and Ethan Michael, and Southern Wells Jarin Frauhiger.
The state finals at the Ford Center will open doors at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, with the parade of champions at 1:30 p.m. The first matches will begin at 2 p.m.
