The Batesville High School wrestling program will be represented at the IHSAA State Finals for the first time since 1993.
Junior Max Amberger placed fourth at the New Castle Semistate in the 285-lb. weight class. He defeated Frankton’s Ty Everson 9-1 in round one and Brayden Flener of Greenfield-Central 5-2 in round two. The win over Flener secured him a spot in the top four to advance.
Amberger later lost 6-3 to the eventual champion Austin Hastings of Noblesville. He suffered a second loss on the day in the match for third place against Warren Central’s Perris Green.
He will enter the state finals in Evansville with a record of 40-4.
Amberger was not the only Bulldog wrestler at the semistate. For the first time in school history, the Bulldogs had five representatives.
Junior Damien Dance entered undefeated and as a regional champion. After winning his first match by pin (3:44), Dance was defeated 11-7 in round two by Roncalli’s James Dozier. Dance finished the season with a record of 41-1.
Others competing at New Castle were David Maher (157 lbs.), Andrew Jones (215 lbs.), and Adam Brewer (120 lbs.). All three suffered tough losses in the opening round. Maher finished the season with a record of 31-6, while Jones was 25-8 and Brewer 27-11.
There have been five BHS wrestlers qualifying for the state before Amberger. Brian Inskin (1979), Bob Baker (1982), Wayne Gibbs (1986), Dave Daily (1991) and Mike Daily (1992 and 1993). Mike Daily won a state title in the 119-lb. weight class in 1992 and was seventh in 1993.
Submitted by the school’s athletic department.