Wrestling: Merrillville wins nine titles to advance to semistate

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Updated: March 6, 2012 8:26AM

GARY — Merrillville will have 12 wrestlers wrestling at home Saturday in the Merrillville Semistate. Nine of the 12 can also call themselves regional champions.

Merrillville ran off three consecutive championships starting with sophomore Mike Garza winning the 106-pound title with a fall. He was followed by senior Adam Brodie at 113 and junior Adam Garcia at 120.

Senior Al Padilla had to go overtime to claim a 6-4 decision from Hobart’s Patrick Manning at 132. It was payback after Manning beat Padilla last week.

“This feels good, really good,” Padilla said. “He beat me last weekend so I guess you could call this revenge.”

Matthew Hollins had an 8-4 decision to claim the 145-pound title and Zach Sandefur had an 8-6 decision over Hobart’s Tony Morales to win at 152.

“We’re good friends,” Sandefur said of Morales. “I beat him 3-2 earlier and he beat me 3-2 last week. I hope we wrestle again next week because that means both of us are going to state.”

In a battle of up-and-coming freshmen, Bobby Steveson bested Hobart’s Scottie Sopko to win at 160.

Senior Darryl Peppers had an impressive 15-4 major decision over Hobart’s Tony Rodriguez to win the 170 pound title.

“This is great, I placed fourth here last year, so to win as a senior, it feels great.” Peppers said. “I just stayed in on him and kept my feet moving.”

Senior Kourtney Berry upped his perfect record to 25-0 with a win at 195.

Lake Central will also be sending 12 wrestlers on to semi-state, including two champions.

Senior Kyle Ayersman kept his record perfect at 44-0 to win the 126 title, but Hobart’s Aaron Ayala gave him a battle. Ayersman walked away with a 5-1 decision and is looking for his third state title.

The much anticipated 220-pound match didn’t disappoint as Gelen Robinson had a 6-4 decision over Merrillville’s Michael Nickson.

Munster’s Dominic Fimbianti had a 13-4 major decision over Merrillville’s Eric DeLuna to up his impressive record to 35-1 on the year.

“I’m usually pretty good taking my shots,” Fimbianti said. “His defense was really strong so I worked him on top.”

Hobart’s Tony Vasquez won at 138 and Morton’s Fabian Durant was the winner a 285