The Kokomo Boys Wrestling Team took to the mats for the debut of their 2024-2025 season Saturday in Indianapolis for the John Hurrle Memorial Invitational. Saturdays meet was showcased by Senior Team Captain Gabe Newland who claimed the 144lb Championship going 4-0 with one bye. Gabe wrestled four matches quickly, only being on the mat for a total 1:45. Claiming 3 pins and one medical forfeit. Freshman Joelle Nieto also showcased his skill set going 5-0 to claim 150lb Championship with four pins and one 7-0 decision. Junior Christien Damewood was Runner Up at 138lbs, losing a controversial match in the finals to Warren Central that had Coach Bough questioning the officials. Damewood still went 4-1 with two Technical Falls, one pin and one decision. With three pins and a Technical Fall, Junior 157lb David Conner’s only loss came via pin to New Castle Semi State #2 ranked wrestler Christian Arberry of Warren Central. Junior 132lb X’Avion Ford had two falls, a tech fall and one major decision. Ford shared similar fate with Conner losing to another New Castle Semi State #2 ranked wrestler of Warren Central Donald Bowie. Sophomore 165lb Devon Rush recorded three pins on his way to a 4th Place finish. Waylon Mossholder was the last top four finisher. The freshman 113lb wrestler recorded two falls on the day and helped the Wildkats to a solid 4th Place Team Finish. Sophomore Gustavo Ariolla also recorded two falls finishing 7th. Today was a good start to the season but in no way great, we have many things to fine tune and get better at, but that's exactly what I expected. I had a talk with the guys on the bus ride home, about the little things both on and off the mat. It starts in the classroom and ends in the wrestling room. Everyone is watching even when you think they aren’t. With the leadership we have the younger guys have to learn and learn quick. There is no slowing down from this point on, only situational learning. The Wildkats will travel to Howard County foe Eastern on December 3rd at 6:30pm for a sectional seeding dual! As always Go Kats Go! Coach Bough Gabe Newland (4-0) placed 1st Joelle Nieto (5-0) placed 1st Christien Damewood (4-1) placed 2nd X`Avion Ford (4-1) placed 3rd David Conner (4-1) placed 3rd Devon Rush (3-2) placed 4th Waylon Mossholder (2-3) placed 4th Gustavo Arriola (2-2) placed 7th