Mustangs break string of seconds at sectional

EAST CHICAGO -- Second place the last two years just wasn't good enough for Munster. The Mustangs made winning a sectional title one of their goals for this season. That was accomplished Saturday.

"We have had a good year with some up and down moments but we were gearing toward this tournament as we have been second the last two years," Munster coach Dan Gelarden said. "Our last sectional was in 1991, so it's been a long time since we have won. Our kids wrestled good and they deserve the win."

Highland was the other team to come out of the sectional as the Trojans charged through the finals to take second.

"We wrestled well but we can definitely do better," Highland coach Matt Havens said. "We sent seven wrestlers to the finals and met up with some very good wrestlers from around the other schools but my kids gave 100 percent and that is all I can ask for."

In the 103-pound final, it was Highland's Danny Rodriquez advancing to regionals over Lake Central's Bryan Smith.

In the 112-pound final, Munster's Luke Smith made quick work of Whiting's Pete Blood with a fall at the :15 mark.

In the 130-pound match, arguably the best match of the final, Munster's Jacob Smith took on Gavit's Aaron Martinez.

Both wrestlers battled hard and showed why they are two of the top wrestlers in the area, but Smith took an early lead in the match and held on for the

7-4 decision.

At 135 pounds was another great match, pitting Highland's Chris Almaraz against Munster's Alex Surma. The match was even until Almaraz sparked a late rally to overtake his opponent and go on to the 6-2 decision.

In the 152-pound division, Munster's Aaron Estrada held on to win his third consecutive sectional title.

In the 160-pound match, Clark's Craig Fruth continued his dominance against Highland's Johnny Tyler, coasting to a major decision 11-2 victory.

In the 171-pound match, Highland's Fred Lopez continued his unbeaten streak with a decision over East Chicago Central's Willie Lott. Lott was impressive, giving Lopez a run for the title but Lopez was able to advance to the regional.

Munster and Highland advance to the regional match Wednesday night at Highland and the top four individual winners of the sectional move on to the individual tournament on Saturday at Valparaiso.