03/12/12 The young Rockie Wrestlers from Lincoln Junior High in Plymouth topped a perfect season by clinching the conference crown at Whitko High School Saturday. The victory put an exclamation point on an already amazing season. The Lincoln wrestlers were 20-0 in dual meets going into the NELMSC Conference Tournament. “I was a little worried going into the week of practice that we would be overconfident, but this was a goal we had set at the beginning of the year and the kids were very focused this week on achieving it”, said Coach Phil Koops.
Lincoln’s closest duel meet of the season was a 20 point victory over Indian Springs Middle school who as also in the tournament. After 3 rounds of wrestling only 9 points separated the two teams. “Going into the finals, we made it a point to tell our kids that they had to compete, that Indian Springs was catching them.” Koops said. Compete they did! The Lincoln boys went 15-4 in the final round of competition, including a 10-1 record on the Championship Mat. Coach Koops commented, “I’m just so proud of how our kids stepped up in a big moment and fought for each other. All year we’ve stressed working hard for each other; to compete for that kid that pushes you everyday in practice, and to see that play out today was so very satisfying for everyone involved.”
Lincoln finishes its undefeated season with 10 individual champions. Zane Devault 80lbs, Caleb Mikesell 85lbs., Cody Allmon 95lbs., Triston Rodriguez at 110lbs., Bodie Neidig at 130lbs., Jeremy Splix at 135lbs., Jesus Rubella at 140lbs., Matt Friar at 165lbs., Noah Schlemmer at 175lbs., and Damien White at 230 lbs. Allmon, Friar and White also finish the season with zero blemishes on their perfect records. Also include Zane Devault and Tristen Mcmillen among those wrestlers with only 1 loss. Rodriguez and Colton Schuler (who was unable to participate at the conference meet) finish the season with only one loss.
“We were able to be successful this season, not because the top end of our team was so good, but because of all the kids that came to practice everyday and worked their butts off. We have a lot of very talented young wrestlers that didn’t get a lot of varsity mat time this year, but improved by leaps and bounds because they drilled everyday with our studs and pushed those guys to be better. The way that our boys took that ‘family’ attitude with them everywhere we went, and the way that they competed, together, all year long, I couldn’t be prouder of them!” said Coach Koops.
