Photos courtesy Jessie Otten
The EP Panther wrestling teams, boys and girls, held their end of the season banquet and awards celebration on March2nd. The teams honored wrestlers on their season and career accomplishments.
Head Coach Tod McCullough was celebrated for his final year as head coach of the program. He has been the only head coach of the EP Wrestling Co-op, which was started 26 years ago.
McCullough was assisted throughout the season by his staff: Brian Buri, Dylan DeShane, Adam Voeltz, Becky Duncan, Nate Swanson and volunteers Garrett Passmore and Nikki Friedrichsen.
Senior wrestler Jase Grunder was given special recognition for his 5th place finish at the IHSA State Finals and collecting over 100 varsity wins in his career, 134-30, and finishing his senior season with a 50-6 mark.
Individual Awards
Team Captains – Wyatt Goossens, Jase Grunder, Luke Otten, Grace Friedrichsen
Eric Morrissey Outstanding Freshman Wrestler – Grayden Church, Michelle Naftzger
Most Improved Wrestler – Aedan Thompson, Samantha Kilker
Mike Burden Desire, Dedication, Determination Award – Jase Grunder
Megan McCullough Empowerment and Perseverance Award – Michelle Naftzger
Dick Bradley Leadership Award -Jase Grunder
Bob Gray Leadership Award – Luke Otten
EP Panthers Coaches Award – Jordae Crow, Jayda Rosenow
Post-Season
IHSA State Placer 5th @ 152 – Jase Grunder
IHSA State Qualifier @ 120 – Michelle Naftzger
IHSA State Qualifier @ 140 – Jayda Rosenow
Three Rivers Athletic Conference Awards
First Team: Wyatt Goossens – 120 lbs, Jase Grunder – 152 lbs
Honorable Mention: Luke Otten – 182 lbs
Team Awards
Most Takedowns Jase Grunder 119
Most First Points Jase Grunder 40
Most Escapes Aidan Jepson 60
Most Reversals Wyatt Goossens 15
Most Near Fall 2 Wyatt Goossens 2
Most Near Fall 3 Wyatt Goossens 25
Most Major Decisions Wyatt Goossens 5 Jase Grunder 5
Most Tech Falls Jase Grunder 4
Most Falls Luke Otten 32
Best Record by Win % Jase Grunder 50-6 (89.3%)
J.V. Quickest Pin Michelle Naftzger 0:29
Varsity Quickest Pin Jordae Crow 0:08
State Qualifiers
