2 in a row! Indian Land wrestling reigns as 3A state champions, triumphing over Gilbert

The Indian Land Warriors are champions again.

The 3A wrestling team, led by coach Leon Boulware who eclipsed his 200th win this season and a slew of seniors, defeated the Gilbert Indians, 59-6, at Dreher High School in Columbia on Saturday afternoon — the same matchup that occurred in 2019.

This match, Boulware said, doesn’t stand on its own. It was a goal his seniors have visualized since their freshman year.

“We said it four years ago, when we got blanked with our freshman group, that we were going to finish as state champions before they walk out the door,” Boulware said. “Not only did they do it one time. They did it twice.”

Boulware knew that it would be harder to repeat than it was to win the first time — and he told that to his team early.

“I told them that they would have a big target on their backs every time they wrestled,” he said. “They responded in an outstanding manner... Our seniors did an excellent job all year. As we improved, I could tell this team was feeding off of each other.”

It was Gilbert’s second straight trip to the state championship. The Indians never could get on track against the Warriors.

:”We aren’t there yet,” Gilbert coach Mitch Hudson said. “We got some kids coming up. Hopefully we are back here next year. That is the top of our goals.”

Saturday’s match started at the 220 weight class — and the Warriors wasted no time getting an early lead. Desmond Ivey earned a 3-1 decision in the opening match and Indian Land had a 3-0 lead.

David Floyd followed with a first period pin at 285, and the Warriors were up 9-0. Drew Enders added a second period pin in the 106 division, and the lead jumped to 15-0. Max Yegge followed with first period pin at 113, and Indian Land was in front 21-0. Gilbert picked up a 4-2 victory at 120 to cut the deficit to 21-3.

The quick start really got the Warriors going.

“That was huge for us,” added Boulware. “Getting those points in the top weight classes gave us a big boost.”

Dylan Layton got the Warriors back on the winning trail at 126 with a second period pin, and the lead increased to 27-3. Weston Nguyen followed by pulling away in the final period for an 8-4 decision in the 132 weight class, and Indian Land was in front 30-3 at the halfway mark. Solomon Cortez was next, and when he recorded a second period pin, the lead grew to 36-3.

Grant Witherspoon ultimately sealed the title at 145. He had a 6-3 advantage after two periods on the way to a 10-5 win, which gave Indian Land an insurmountable 39-3 lead.

The onslaught continued. Terrell Ottinger earned a 6-0 win at 152, and the margin was 42-3. Markeith Drakeford-Yegge followed with. 17-2 victory at 160, and it was 47-3. Xavier Dreese recorded a third period pin at 170, and it was 53-3.

The final two weight classes provided a win for the Warriors and a pin for Gilbert Raul Neil picked up an 11-8 win at 182, before the Indians got a pin at 195 to close out the match.

After the competition was over, the Warriors found themselves in a familiar position, all touching a familiar trophy in front of a couple hundred student and fan supporters.

The seniors had fulfilled a goal they set their freshmen year for a second time, so when Boulware brought his team in close for a final word, the coach pointed to the future.

“We stayed together, and we worked hard,” Boulware said, his kids intently listening to him in a huddle. “Let’s keep breaking records... Let’s go to work.”

This story was originally published February 15, 2020 at 4:06 PM.