Wrestlers preparing for IHSAA tournament action

Ayden+Shultz+is+part+of+a+youth+movement+that+has+led+to+a+much+improved+wrestling%0Aprogram+this+winter.

Alan Zeledon-Reyes, SHS Student Media

Ayden Shultz is part of a youth movement that has led to a much improved wrestling program this winter.

On Saturday, Speedway’s wrestling team will begin competition in the IHSAA state tournament. The Sparkplugs will compete in what arguably could be the state’s most difficult sectional at Avon. No. 2 ranked Brownsburg and the tournament host (ranked in the top 20) lead a field that also includes Ben Davis, Pike, and Plainfield.

The Sparkplugs have improved in the second year under coach Nick Paden. The team finished fifth in the ICC championship meet earlier this month and the team also has finished in the top three in multiple meets this year.

“We only have two upperclassmen in the varsity lineup, so the future is bright,” Paden said. “We sometimes have to take our lumps because of our youth.”