Laville wrestlers return eight for new season
LAKEVILLE — The 2020-21 Laville Wrestling team started the season Monday against Westview.
Laville returns eight letter winners from a year ago. The Lancers had six wrestlers advance to the Indiana High School Athletic Association Regional round from a team that finished the regular season 16-10 and were Hoosier North Athletic Conference Tournament runner-up.
“Goals for this season are similar to all the other teams,” said Laville Wrestling Coach Dylan Shumaker. “Everyone wants to win. My first and most important goal is to develop and provide these athletes with resources to grow into respectful humans. My second goal for the season is to make sure our athletes are mindful of the virus and do their part in preventing the spread of the virus so we can compete this season. My third goal is to push all our athletes to achieve academically. My fourth goal is to get the wrestlers farther into the state tournament than they did last year. My fifth goal is to win dual meets and tournaments. Last season we finished 2nd at the conference tournament, and we would like to try and bring home the title this year.”
Among those returning are Conner Deason (126), Nathan White (132), Mason Stepp (152), Caleb Tolbert (170), Paul Dewitt (182), Jon Ziola (195), James Bettcher (220), and Josh Wilson (285).
According to Coach Shumaker, the coaching staff and wrestlers have adjusted to the covid guidelines and protocols as best they can. “There have been a few bumps in the road but we have managed to get through them,” said Shumaker. “Both the coaches and kids know we have to adapt to any news or guidelines so we have a season. So everyone has to keep that in mind.
“All these kids have been ready to get back on the mat since the end of last season,” continued Shumaker. “Most of the kids went up a weight class which is expected. Both the kids and staff are ready to compete and continue where we left off last year.”
When asked how the preseason has gone, Shumaker said: “This preseason has looked very different from last season due to the virus. With that being said, the guys have been working that much harder to be ready for the start of a season. The start of the season has been delayed due to schedule changes affected by Covid; however, the team is ready to compete strongly this year. As a team, we have been drilling the basics and trying to knock the rust off since Covid prevented any off-season workouts for the team.”
When asked about newcomers for the season, Shumaker says, “We have a few newcomers. Newcomers have their ups and downs, but they work through it. They continue to improve with each practice. Our experienced team has contributed to the improvement of all the newcomers as they help the newcomers overcome the obstacles they are facing.”
Among those newcomers, Shumaker mentioned were Jonah Skiles, Benji Fort, Luis Diego, and Logan Trainor.
Skiles will be wrestling 120. “He has a great attitude and is ready to learn,” said Shumaker. “This will be a great asset for Jonah in his sports career and outside of sports.”
Fort will be wrestling either at 138 or 145. “This kid always has a smile on his face which is huge for being a freshman,” noted Shumaker. “His positive mindset will take him far in the sport of wrestling and outside of the sport.”
Diego will be wrestling at 145 this season. “He is a solid guy,” explained Shumaker. “The work ethic this kid has is amazing. We tried to get him out last year, but it didn’t work out for us. We are glad we have him on the team this season.”
Trainor will be wrestling at 160 this season. “Logan is a hard worker,” said Shumaker. “He gets to work with our returning letter winners which allows him to learn at a faster pace.”
When asked about the Laville newcomers, Shumaker concluded, “I think all of our new kids need to be looked out for because of the way they have been practicing and putting in the work. We are going to continue to push these kids and help them grow.”
2020 Laville Wrestling
2019 Dual Meet Record: 16-10 (2019 HNAC Runner-up)
2019 Sectional Team Results: 5th of 9 2019 IHSAA State Tournament Advancement: 6 (Caleb Tolbert (182), Conner Deason (120), Matt Brown (152), Mason Stepp (145), Paul Dewitt (170), and Tyler Studon (285).