Through thick and thin, Lowell’s wrestling team persevered through every challenge it faced this season. Seven wrestlers secured spots in the 88th IHSAA Boys Wrestling State Finals, with four finishing on the podium, marking Lowell’s highest state finish since 2000.
The four medalists for the Red Devils were Gavin Longoria (8th at 106), Noel Verduzco (3rd at 126), Evan Stanley (state champion at 138), and Kameron Hazelett (state champion at 285). Each wrestler faced some of the toughest competition of their careers.
Longoria began his tournament by defeating a freshman from Milan High School by fall just two minutes into the match. The sophomore showed promise with the early win and battled his way through the bracket to earn an eighth-place finish.
Verduzco had a dominant weekend. After winning his opening match, he advanced to the quarterfinals, where he defeated a senior from Roncalli High School by decision (9-5). Although he fell in the semifinals, Verduzco rebounded to secure a third-place finish.
At 138 pounds, Evan Stanley captured his first state title after an impressive season in which he went 41-3. He opened the tournament with a major decision victory (13-2) before winning his quarterfinal match by fall in 1:11. In the semifinals, Stanley earned an 8-1 decision to advance to the championship match under the lights for the first time in his career. He went on to win a thrilling 9-8 decision to claim the title.
Hazelett, now a two-time state champion, continued to establish himself as one of the state’s most dominant heavyweights. He finished his sophomore season with a 38-2 record. Hazelett won his opening match by major decision (10-2) before securing falls in both the quarterfinals and semifinals. In the championship match, he pinned his opponent in 1:17, celebrating with a backflip and the splits.
As a team, Lowell placed fourth out of 94 schools. The Red Devils’ strong performance provides momentum heading into next season. Hunter Mallory, Cayden Yuran, and Tyler Quarles all qualified for state as well and are looking forward to future successes in the next season.
