With overall numbers continuing to be down and the COVID-19 pandemic still an issue, the Franklin County wrestling club pushed through the 2020-21 season with a record of 16-11 while getting two wrestlers into the semistate round.

Just a dozen grapplers were on the Wildcat roster for coaches Kris Crouch and Stevie Browning and two of those in the same weight class, meaning FC forfeited at least three bouts at each event. The lightest weight of 106 pounds was surrendered all year, as was 120; freshman Breck Bohman occasionally moved up to 152 but that division sat empty in the postseason.

The squad had two clear leaders in seniors Adam Crouch and Evan Seal. Each secured 100 career victories during the regular season, each won over 30 matches this year and each traveled to the New Castle semistate.

Crouch returned to the semistate after taking third at the Richmond regional at 138 lbs. Season highlights were 9-0 at the Wayne County Invitational and 5-0 marks at New Castle and New Palestine tourneys. He was runner-up at the Eastern Indiana Athletic Conference meet and finished 35-5.

Seal captured the South Dearborn sectional title at 132 and was fourth at regional. His campaign ended with a 31-9 ledger.

The Cats were runner-up at the New Pal invitational over the holiday break, a meet that replaced the canceled Connersville Spartan Classic on the schedule. At the EIACs hosted by South Dearborn, Franklin County dropped to seventh among eight schools.

Freshman Roger Zurborg enjoyed a 22-14 debut at the 113 class, including a perfect day at New Palestine.

Three of his fellow underclassmen made it to the regional round in 2021. Sophomore Clayton Bolser (285) earned his second straight trip to Richmond and completed a 17-15 season. Classmate Hayden Newell got out of the sectional at 170 and finished the year at 14-19. Bohman advanced in the 145 bracket, with his first varsity go-round ending at 14-23.

Two more seniors saw their careers end on sectional weekend. Jordan Eversole battled to an 18-18 mark at 160 while Morgan Browning (195) finished his last campaign with a 13-19 record.

Junior Eric Schwab competed at 182 pounds, compiling a 14-22 mark. In his second varsity turn, sophomore Lendon Sizemore went 14-21 at 220. One other newcomer to the club was freshman Owen Darwish, who scrapped to an 18-20 mark at 126 pounds.

Junior Levi Sanders manned the heavyweight slot early on, finding success with six victories which included four wins at the New Castle meet.
Eight returnees are expected to suit up next winter, along with middle-school talent joining the ranks.