Being ranked in the top 10 for a sport is larger than a number. This digit does not just mean a player is good; it means they are one of the best and most elite athletes statewide. That their hard work is noticed, and they are committed. They continue to practice and strive to improve every day. Three junior wrestlers on the East Wrestling team are ranked in the top 10. 

Even with ranks constantly updating from meet to meet, juniors Noah Lykins, Ashton Hartwell and Kade Law have claimed their spots on top. They each wrestle in a different weight division, but this season has been a great year for them. 

“My wrestling season has been going pretty good this year,” Law said. “I’ve beat several kids ranked above me, and the two matches I’ve lost I feel like they’re matches I can get back.”

Competing in the weight class of 160, Law is ranked No. 4 in the state. Law focuses on what he needs to improve on after each meet and uses his rank as motivation. 

Just like Law, Lykins has had an impressive season with an individual record of 24-2 and No. 8 in the state. 

“It feels great knowing that you are not the only person that thinks you can go to state. The people running the rankings think that you can do good too,” Lykins said. “It is really a confidence booster.”

Lykins competes in the 113 weight division, with this year being his sixth year wrestling. His goal is to make it to the podium at state. 

In heavyweight, Hartwell has dominated the division. He is No. 9 in the state and has loved being on the mat. 

“It feels good to be in the top 10 because it’s like you’re getting told that your hard work is paying off,” Hartwell said. 

These three juniors have put in a lot of time and work to get to the spots they are today. The Olympians took down Crown Point after it came down to Law’s match. The team was No. 4 in the state. 

“All the hard work and improvement shows when you get out on the mat,” Lykins said. “We have a great team with a lot of great guys, and I think that we can go pretty far in the state series.”