Red Devils Battle to Victory Over Charlestown in Thrilling Dual Meet CHARLESTOWN – Under the spotlight of Charlestown’s brand-new mats and an electric atmosphere, the Jeffersonville Red Devils wrestling team secured a hard-fought 42-28 victory over the Pirates in a dual meet that was even closer than the final score indicated. The night began with Jeffersonville’s JV squad setting the tone, dominating Charlestown’s JV team with a commanding 66-6 victory. The Red Devils saw wins from Elijah Lahrman, Isaiah Gatton, Ari Santos, Jaxson Macklemore, Jaylen Howard, Michael Sunkett, Jak Rose, Xavier Hayes, Larry Sherman, and Elijah Peterson. As the varsity dual got underway, the intensity was undeniable. With sectional seeding just a week and a half away, both teams were locked in for what has become an annual showdown filled with high stakes and heightened emotions. The Red Devils claimed key victories from Tim Wilkins, John Steele, Aidan Stellato, Brandon Chestnut, Isa Santos, Xander Hobbs, James Dyer, and Ben Land. A highlight of the night was Land’s milestone win, making him the first Jeffersonville wrestler this season to surpass the 30-win mark, improving his record to an impressive 30-1. Head Coach Danny Struck singled out Tim Wilkins and John Steele for their standout performances, noting that both freshmen defeated opponents who had placed ahead of them at the Jeff Classic earlier in the season. “For two freshmen to step up and deliver in those high-pressure situations was huge for us,” Struck said. Looking ahead, Jeffersonville’s varsity squad will compete in the Hoosier Hills Conference tournament this weekend at Floyd Central. The Red Devils enter as the sixth-seeded team but believe they can challenge for a top-three finish against a tough field that includes Columbus East (third at state duals) and Floyd Central (fourth at state duals). Meanwhile, Jeffersonville’s junior varsity wrestlers split up for additional competition, with the A and B teams competing at Charlestown, while the C team traveled to Jennings County for an 18-team JV tournament. Multiple Red Devils picked up key victories at Jennings County: • Winning Two Matches: Brian (2-1), Bryce (2-1), Miguel (2-0), Chandler (2-1), Julian (2-1) • Winning One Match: cooper, Kayvion, Bronson, Dylan, Jessie, Christian, Bryce, and Jose (1-1) With momentum on their side, the Red Devils now turn their focus to the conference tournament, aiming to continue their strong season with a statement performance this weekend. Jeffersonville’s Wrestling Tradition Grows Stronger with Middle School Program Night CHARLESTOWN – One of the most exciting aspects of Jeffersonville’s annual dual against Charlestown isn’t just the high school competition—it’s the growing tradition of Middle School Program Night, a key part of building the future of Red Devil wrestling. This special event brings together middle school teams from Greater Clark County Schools, allowing young wrestlers to compete in the same high-energy environment as the varsity athletes. River Valley Middle School faced off against Charlestown Middle School in a thrilling battle, with River Valley edging out a narrow 60-53 victory. “For years, we’ve partnered with River Valley and Parkview to wrestle alongside our high school duals,” said Head Coach Danny Struck. “It’s made a huge difference in our recruiting. Our middle schoolers step onto the mat already feeling like part of the Jeffersonville wrestling family. By the time they reach high school, they know they’re taken care of.” The initiative has paid dividends, fostering a strong pipeline of talent and reinforcing the culture of Jeffersonville wrestling. The energy from the middle school meet carried over into the varsity action, where the Red Devils secured a 42-28 victory over Charlestown. With the Hoosier Hills Conference tournament on the horizon, the Red Devils are not only focused on their current success but also on ensuring a bright future for the program. Thanks to events like Program Night, the next generation of Red Devils is already being forged on the mat.