New era for wrestling program
UIndy's wrestling program begins a new era under coach Jason Warthan.
By Elizabeth Wheeler | Staff Writer
Due to the resignation of former head wrestling coach Josh Hardman last year, UIndy called upon 2001 graduate Jason Warthan to lead the Greyhounds in early June. At his time at UIndy, he excelled and earned numerous honors in wrestling, cross-country and track.
Warthan hails from Columbus North High School, where he was the head coach. For five straight years he coached his team to become sectional champions, as well has leading the school into their first state appearance.
Wrestling team members said they are excited about Warthan filling the position, and are already starting to see consistency through the coaching staff. According to senior Josh Allen, the connection between the team and the coach that wasn’t there before is now forming with Warthan.
“He’s a great coach and has a good work ethic for both wrestling and academics,” Allen said.
Warthan said that team illnesses were one of the main obstacles at this juncture in the young season, and that his primary concern right now is the team’s health. Earlier this season, nearly half the team was struck with either H1N1 or the seasonal flu.
With the exception of two wrestlers who contracted Mononucleosis, the entire wrestling team bounced back to compete at the Missouri Open in Columbia Missouri on Nov. 22.
Results for this meet were unavailable as of The Reflector’s press time.
The team traveled to Michigan State Open on Nov. 15. The Greyhounds excelled with four wrestlers placing in the top six within their respective weight brackets.
Sophomore J.T. Jenkins led the team with second place victory in the freshman/sophomore 174-pound weight class. Sophomores David Lopez and Ethan Harris placed fourth in the freshman/sophomore bracket in the 149-pound and 133-pound weight classes, respectively. Senior Nick Walpole also took fourth place in the open 149-pound weight class.
“The meet against Michigan [State]gave the team a chance to wrestle some of the best wrestlers in the country,” Clark said.
UIndy travels to Angola Dec. 4-5 to compete in the Little State Tournament.
