Courtesy photo
BLOOMINGTON – Bedford North Lawrence’s four qualifiers all fell in the first round during action in the IHSAA regional at Bloomington South on Saturday.
Patrell Childs (106 pounds), Jorj Filler (120), Gunner Connaughton (195) and Junior Arellano (285) were all eliminated by pin losses during their respective matches. The top four in each weight class advanced to the semistate at Evansville.
Childs (16-11 as a freshman) got stopped by Owen Valley’s Eli Collier in 3:05. Filler (32-11) was trapped by Northview’s Seth Cowden in 1:22, and Connaughton (15-6) suffered his third straight defeat to Owen Valley’s Eli Hinshaw (a pin in 1:17).
“My heart breaks for Gunner,” BNL coach Chris Branam said. “I know all too well that feeling of wrestling your final match. He’s got a lot to be proud of and was a leader of this young team.”
Arellano (22-12 as a freshman) was topped by Bloomington South’s Aidan Aker in 2:42.
“I’m excited for the other three,” Branam said. “We will continue to watch them grow and excel over their high school careers. This is definitely not their last regional appearance.”
Hinshaw (32-6) went on to win the regional title with three pins. Floyd Central won the team title with 122 points.
