On Saturday, January 26, six wrestlers competed in Sectional at Bloomington North High School. Out of the six that competed, five wrestlers advanced to Regional. Seniors JD Beavers, Timmy Burton, Logan Curts and Chad Warren advanced along with sophomore Brycen Long.
Beavers went into Regional with a record of 23-5. This will be his second year back to Regional in a three year span.
“JD has improved vastly since his first season and is set to advance to Semi-State with a great effort on his part,” said Coach Justin Burton.
Timmy Burton, with a record of 36-3, has also achieved many things in his time of wrestling. Burton is a two-time Semi-State qualifier and is hoping to advance further this year. Burton is only two wins away from being tied for #2 in all time wins at Paoli in only three seasons, with 106 wins currently.
For Curts (10-7), this advancement is very exciting, as he is a first-time Regional qualifier.
“He has a tall order to advance, but he has been wrestling well and is finally realizing his potential,” said Coach Burton.
Warren (34-8) has also been wrestling well this season.
“Individually, Chad Warren has been an outstanding performer for us all year,” said Burton.
Warren fell a little short of what he had hoped for at Sectional. As a result, his road to Semi-State will be tough, but coaches are confident that he is capable of reaching his goals.
Another first time Regional qualifier, Long (26-12), has also had a stand-out season. Long has found his confidence this season and has wrestled very well so far. Long is set to wrestle the second place finisher from Southridge High School.
Coach Burton is very thrilled to have five of his wrestlers advance.
“I’m very excited about our chance to do something no other wrestling team has done and send five kids to Semi-State,” said Burton.
Burton enjoys watching the wrestlers compete.
“I tell the kids I don’t care about records. I don’t care about who is across from us. If we go out there and do our thing, the wins will come,” said Coach Burton.
Regional will be held Saturday, February 2, at 9 a.m. at Bloomington South High School. If the wrestlers then advance to Semi-State, they will travel to the Ford Center in Evansville on February 9 at 10 a.m.
Story by Makiya Russelburg
