This past Saturday, February 14th, the Lowell High School boys wrestling team delivered a historic performance at the IHSAA Semi-State in East Chicago. The Red Devils officially made history by qualifying seven wrestlers for the state championships, shattering the previous school record of six set back in 2000. The seven history-makers heading to Gainbridge Fieldhouse are Gavin Longoria (106 lbs), Tyler Quarles (113 lbs),Noel Verduzco (126 lbs),Hunter Mallory (132 lbs),Evan Stanley (138 lbs), Cayden Yuran (190 lbs), Kameron Hazelett (Heavyweight/285 lbs). While this marks a debut trip for four of these athletes, Verduzco, Stanley, and Hazelett are no strangers to this stage, having competed in the tournament last year. Kameron Hazelett, the defending state champion, enters the finals looking to secure back-to-back titles, while Verduzco and Stanley return with sights set on redemption and the top of the podium.
Acknowledging that his semi-state performance didn’t reflect his full potential, Kameron Hazelett is refining his approach for the IHSAA State Finals. To build strength, Hazelett is prioritizing his nutrition, noting that a lack of fuel had previously left him feeling weak on the mat. He also plans to be more aggressive, stating, “I need to improve on wanting to open up. So opening up when I’m wrestling is what I’m going to be working on.”
Returning to State is a major milestone for Hazelett, who is eager to prove he belongs among the elite. “It feels great to qualify for state again!” he shared. “I’m going to show people that ‘last year was not a fluke.’ Making it back again makes me feel amazing.”
First-time state qualifier Hunter Mallory is carrying a wave of confidence into the finals after a strong Semi-State performance. To prepare for the big stage, Mallory is doubling down on his discipline, focusing on extra training
sessions and a cleaner diet. However, he knows the physical battle is only half the challenge: “The biggest thing is to keep my mental game strong,” Mallory noted. Reflecting on the moment his spot was secured, he described the experience as both a thrill and an honor. “I was very excited,” he shared. “Getting this opportunity is a blessing.”
Reflecting on the recent semi-state performance, Coach Kevin English of the Lowell Red Devils noted the emotional nature of the journey “They are all special. The highs are high and the lows are low!” He specifically highlighted the “ticket round,” where the team went a perfect 7-for-7, signaling a strong foundation and consistent improvement on the mat. English expressed immense pride in his wrestlers for making history, by sending seven athletes to the State Finals, they surpassed the previous school record of six set in 2000. “As a team, we are pumped,” he shared, calling it an amazing accomplishment for the athletes, coaches, parents, and the entire Lowell community. With State less than a week away, the focus shifts to mental and physical readiness. “As coaches, we have to have them peaked now for this moment,” English explained. “Round one is our top priority. We need to stay relaxed, breathe, and wrestle to our full potential to put several Red Devils on the podium this Saturday.”
This Friday and Saturday, the wrestling team is traveling to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis! It can be watched via live stream on IHSAAtv.org. Friday is the first round, with the remainder on Saturday! Watch and support our seven wrestlers at State!
