Columbus East High School

The Columbus East JV wrestling team put together a strong, productive outing on Saturday morning as they hosted the Olympian JV Invitational inside the East Aux. gym. With a deep field that included Muncie Burris, Monrovia, Madison, Whiteland, Warren Central, Terre Haute North, East Central, North Central, and Terre Haute South, the young Olympians stepped into a varsity-style atmosphere and handled it with confidence. While the focus was development and mat time, East still walked away with a long list of breakout performances. Undefeated wrestlers led the charge, highlighted by Miles Harvey (132, 3–0), Colton Foster (138, 3–0), Wyatt Behnke (144, 3–0), Jayden Dehart (150, 3–0), Henry Eickmeyer (175, 3–0), and Mario Mota (165, 3–0). Other strong multi-win efforts came from Mason Eubanks (157, 2–0), Draven Day (157, 2–0), Max Perry (165, 2–1), Adam Dye (190, 2–1), and Ethan Gilley (215, 2–1). Several wrestlers battled through deep brackets and came away with valuable mat time, including Caseson Vandiver (157, 1–2), along with Bentley Newman (132, 1–2), Will Cochran (144, 1–2), Eli Dykstra (165, 1–2), Owen Gilley (175, 0–3), Karter Douglas (120, 0–3), and Austin Ruse (285, 1–2). With several weight classes featuring stacked competition, the Olympians walked away with exactly what a JV invitational is meant to provide: wins, adversity, and a whole lot of experience. For a young roster still forming its identity, Saturday offered proof that the foundation is solid and the ceiling is high.