Mappes caps career as Trojans’ lone four-time state qualifier

The list of four-time state wrestling qualifiers at Center Grove is a party of one.

Gleason Mappes’ second-place showing at last month’s finals in Indianapolis put the seal on a career that included 146 victories — third all-time in Trojans history.

Mappes, whose 45 wins this season are second most in program history, is the Daily Journal’s Wrestler of the Year for a second consecutive year.

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“It’s been really special being part of Center Grove wrestling. Not just the high school, but the club, middle school and everything surrounding that,” Mappes said. “Even before I was wrestling, I was around it because of my brothers.

“All I’ve ever known is Center Grove wrestling. I’ve had amazing coaches and awesome practice partners. I’ve really been blessed in terms of the opportunities and things I was able to do through the program.”

Born into a wrestling family — his father, Don Mappes, won state at 145 pounds as a Roncalli senior in 1976 — Gleason sought to leave his own mark after brothers Shelby, Sean and Rhett produced their own successes in a Center Grove singlet.

As a freshman, Mappes made it downtown as a 152-pounder. He lost in the first round to eventual titlist Tommy Forte of Mishawaka, but came back to finish fourth two years straight at 160.

The improvement was consistent, with Mappes always putting in the work in order to exceed his own lofty expectations.

“I treated all of the seasons the same, but this year I was extra motivated because it was my last opportunity,” said Mappes, a 3.7 student who’ll wrestle and major in nursing at the University of Indianapolis. “It wasn’t hard to prepare. I think each year I went home with a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth.

“It just made me hungrier and made me want more. That’s what pushed me to try and get further and further each year.”

Joining Mappes on the all-county team are three of his teammates: Alex Petro (113), Peyton Pruett (145) and Shane Stits (195). Indian Creek is next with three honorees, while Franklin, Greenwood and Whiteland each had two wrestlers recognized.

All had great seasons and, in many cases, careers. Mappes, however, is in a class by himself in Johnson County.

“Gleason is very flexible, and obviously he has great balance and great feel,” Trojans coach Cale Hoover said. “He can do things very few people can do and things we wouldn’t teach people to do.

“His ability to scramble allows him to get out of precarious situations and take advantage of situations is first-class. A lot of kids may have a position of weakness, and he really doesn’t.”

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The 2017-18 All-Johnson County team for wrestling:

Garrett Curtis, Whiteland senior: Advanced to state finals at 285 pounds and posted a 38-7 record. … Finished fourth at sectional and third at regional before winning his division at the Evansville Semistate.

Tyler Fuqua, Franklin freshman: Finished 36-7 after losing in first round of state at 120 pounds. … Won Mooresville Sectional championship and then placed fourth at regional and semistate meets.

Grant Goforth, Indian Creek senior: Fifth at state meet after winning semistate at 195 pounds. … won Bloomington North sectional and was second at Bloomington South regional. … Went 41-6 overall and was a county champion.

Ryan Hammond, Whiteland senior: Placed fourth in the state at 220 pounds. … Finished the year with a 41-2 record and won sectional, regional, semistate, county and Mid-State Conference titles.

Gleason Mappes, Center Grove senior: State runner-up at 160 pounds after placing fourth in same weight class as a sophomore and junior. … Went 45-2, winning 42 consecutive matches before losing final of semistate.

Alex Petro, Center Grove junior: Two-time state finalist. … lost in opening round of state meet at 113 pounds to finish season with record of 37-7. … Sectional and regional champion.

Gabe Pitzulo, Indian Creek junior: County and Bloomington North Sectional champion at 145 pounds, finishing with a 34-9 record. … Placed second at regional and made it to second round of semistate.

Peyton Pruett, Center Grove junior: Mooresville Sectional champion and second in regional at 145 pounds. … Made it to second round of semistate. … Finished with a 38-5 record.

Jake Schrader, Greenwood senior: Won Mooresville Sectional in 152-pound class and finished second at regional to eventual state champion Brayton Lee of Brownsburg. … Finished with a 40-5 record.

Shane Stits, Center Grove senior: Capped impressive postseason run with fourth-place state finish at 195 pounds. … Finished with record of 35-14. … Won sectional and regional championships.

Nick Willham, Greenwood junior: Captured 170-pound title at Mooresville Sectional and placed third at regional. … Wound up with an overall record of 35-4.

Honorable mention

Aaron Adkins, Whiteland; Jake Bechert, Franklin; Julius Byrd, Center Grove; Manny Cheam, Franklin; Juron Franklin, Greenwood; Ryan Glithero, Whiteland; Jonah Hays, Center Grove; Isaiah Hurt, Whiteland; Kobe King, Whiteland; Keeghan Overton, Greenwood; Owen Sego, Indian Creek; Ranger Soots, Franklin; Wyatt Strain, Franklin; Brad Trietsch, Indian Creek; Anthony Walker, Greenwood

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