Wrestling: Lake Central gets clean sweep at East Chicago

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Updated: March 1, 2012 8:33AM

EAST CHICAGO — Lake Central will be taking all 14 wrestlers next Saturday to the Calumet Regional, including seven champions. The Indians also will be wrestling in the Portage team regional Wednesday as a result of their 293-point victory, out-distancing runner-up Munster, which finished with 209.5 points.

The LC win stopped a string of four consecutive sectional wins by the Mustangs.

“We’ve been close the last few years,” said LC coach Rod Wartman. “I think last year we lost by nine points and 16 the year before. We’ve had a good year, not a perfect year, but we’re in a tough conference and we’ve been chasing this title for a while.”

LC senior Kyle Ayersman took the first step in trying to win his third state title at 126 pounds, pinning Munster’s Ian Boston at 1:07.

“I feel good; I wrestled well today,” Ayersman said. “In the finals, (Boston) fought me off pretty well. I just need to keep focusing and wrestle every match like it is my last.”

Also winning sectional titles for the Indians were Matt Lechowicz at 120, Jordon Goodwin at 132, Mike Escobedo at 138, Jake Sebahar at 145, Jeff Brassea at 170 and Gelen Robinson at 220.

Munster senior Dominic Fimbianti kept rolling, improving his record to 32-1 by pinning Gavit’s Derrick Medley at 1:07 at 182 pounds.

“I try to warm up really well before every match,” Fimbianti said. “It helps me stay sharp and alert if I get a little sweat going.”

Morton brothers Rickie (106) and Ruben (113) Rodriguez both take home titles, winning on decisions. Teammate Fabian Durant pinned Gavit’s Mike Pajdzik at 2:43 to win at 285 pounds. Highland junior Mark Maldonado had a 7-1 decision over LC freshman Kodie Christenson to win at 152 pounds.

“I could improve a little bit but I’m pretty happy with where I’m at right now,” Maldonado said.