Jeffersonville Wrestling put together an outstanding two-day performance at the Fern Creek Gladiator, showcasing competitive toughness, program depth, and a culture that continues to grow despite a very young lineup. Day One featured a 16-team dual tournament, where Jeffersonville A finished 2nd and Jeffersonville B placed 5th, setting the tone for the weekend. Day Two expanded to 22 teams, and Jeffersonville followed it up with another excellent showing in the individual tournament. On Day Two, Jeffersonville Varsity (Jeff A) finished 2nd overall with 162 team points, trailing only Reitz (252 points) and finishing ahead of host Fern Creek (125.5), Jeffersontown (97), and Lafayette (92.5). Jeffersonville B placed 7th with 74 points, continuing a strong upward trend for the program. “Even though we took second again, the last two years with this young team, that’s outstanding,” said Head Coach Danny Struck. “Every wrestler wrestled at or above their seed. Most of our kids weren’t even seeded and still found a way to place.” One of the most impressive aspects of the tournament was how often Jeffersonville wrestlers found themselves facing other Jeffersonville wrestlers deep in the bracket. At 165 pounds, Jaylen Howard (Jeff A) and Angel Juarez (Jeff B) met in the championship round, guaranteeing Jeffersonville both the champion and runner-up at that weight — a scenario that played out multiple times across the finals and placement matches. “That’s when you know your room is getting better,” Struck said. “When our kids are knocking each other out of finals, it shows how competitive the whole program is.” A major highlight of the weekend was Rudy Olvera, who earned the first championship of his wrestling career. His finals match was close and intense, but after the final whistle, Olvera simply shook hands and walked off the mat without celebration. “He just walked off like he’s been there before,” Struck said. “No emotion, no show. And we all know he’ll be back there again.” Jak Rose delivered one of the most memorable performances of the tournament. To reach the finals, Rose was trailing late in his semifinal before securing a dramatic pin with one second left on the clock. In the finals, he battled an older, bigger opponent, repeatedly fighting off his back and refusing to be controlled. “Jak does the extra work — grades, lifting, training — and he has that fight attitude we’re looking for,” Struck said. “A lot of kids would’ve quit. Jak never did.” Equally important was the team unity on display. After wrestling seven to eight teams ranked in the Top 10 earlier this season, the mental grind has been real. This weekend, Jeffersonville wrestled together. “When Jaylen qualified for the finals, he sprinted straight over to cheer on Angel Zayas,” Struck said. “He celebrated Angel’s win like it was his own — even knowing they might wrestle each other for a title. That tells you everything about this group.” The Jeffersonville B team’s 7th-place finish was another major positive. Two years ago, that group finished 17th, followed by 11th last year, and now 7th, just a few points shy of the top four. “That’s real growth,” Struck said. “It gives us a lot of excitement for the future. This is another young group that’s learning how to compete.” Team Scores - 22 teams – Day Two (Top Finishers) Reitz – 252 Jeffersonville A – 162 Fern Creek – 125.5 Jeffersontown – 97 Lafayette – 92.5 Greenwood – 81.5 Jeffersonville B – 74 Individual Results Varsity (Jeffersonville A) Tim Wilkins – 4th Noah – DNP (earned first win) Dylan Grismer – Top 8 Jon Steele – 1 win Elijah Lahrman – Top 6 Rudy Olvera – Champion Isiah Gatton – Top 6 Quintin Smith – Champion Jaylen Howard – Champion Jak Rose – Runner-Up Gio Celis – 4th James Dyer – Top 6 Gavin Grisham – Top 6 Jeffersonville B Logan Vidt – Top 8 Julian Fields – 1 win Ari Santos – Top 6 Angel Juarez – Top 6 Jaxon McClemore – 4th Angel Zayas – Runner-Up Cooper Spaulding – Top 8 Tshimanga – 1 win Chandler Cooke – Top 8