WOLVERINES ON THE MAT
As the OSSAA championships approach, Vian wrestlers appear ready to advance to the state championship tournaments. After claiming the silver medal last year, senior grappler Garritt Hunt appears to be one of the favorites in the 285-pound weight class. Adoff Stahl, a junior wrestling at 138 is a solid candidate to advance from the regional qualifiers along with freshman Axl Branham at 175 pounds. Tyson Murphy, a state qualifier at 175 last year, continues to battle injuries but has the talents to reach the final field again competing as a senior at 215 pounds. On the girls mat, Willis expects the skills of sophomore Maddison Turman to boost her into top qualifiers at 120 pounds.
READY TO PLAY BALL
With six starters returning from last spring’s roster that reached the finals, Vian has even higher expectations on the diamond this year.
“Experience is always a plus, said Wolverines skipper John Brockman recalling last year’s squad that won 31 games. “Three of our seniors are 4-year starters that are high caliber competitors that all can play a variety of positions.
Draighton Fletcher returns at catcher ready to manage play while Rylee Ellis and Michael Polecat will secure the middle infield as well as share innings on the mound.
A fourth senior, Drake Collins brings power to the plate as the Wolverines designated hitter while a trio of sophomores who were last year’s rookies in the starting nine give Brockman added confidence as Manny Terrill returns at third base as well as adding depth to the pitching rotation while Jeremiah Marshall returns to the outfield and utility player Chris Cheater.
“We return all of our pitching staff and three of the top four hitters return, and with a break or two I believe we’ll have a chance to be a very competitive team,” said Brockman, whose squad will compete in Class 2A-I seeking the school’s 12th state tournament appearance.
After a series of pre-season scrimmages in February, the purple and gold will open the 2026 schedule March 5 at home in a doubleheader with Spiro and Westville playing on the
