Can't say enough about G-Town!

Well, the High School Basketball season is now officially over. In a great sectional final Bishop Dwenger defeated Concordia 46-40 in the Paul Bateman Gymnasium. The game was a battle throughout with great defense and really good solid basketball. All throughout the tournament I got great comments about our sectional and the facilities at GHS. Every team regardless wether they won or lost thanked us for all our hard work. The Coaches, Players, Fans, School Administrators from each of the other schools couldn't say enough good things about G-Town.  The credit goes to a great group of workers and community members who take pride in our school and community.

Number one on that list is my wife. She is a truly dedicated supporter of GHS Athletics. All year long she works hard to keep score at every single home and road basketball game. Then she takes care of all the hospitality rooms on Friday  and Saturday Nights. (No wonder I have a hard time losing weight.) She is amazing and she deserves a big part of the credit.

Then there is my other wife. (Sorry, Ron!) Becky Blotkamp has been and always will be one of the best GHS Supporters ever and one of my closest friends! I know she gets paid to be the Athletic Secretary, (not enough in my mind), but she is the heart and soul of the Athletic Department. If you want to know who puts together all the details for an athletic season, Becky is the answer. She keeps me on track and makes sure things all get done like they should. Their is no one with a greater heart for GHS than Beckaroo! Thanks Beck for all your hard work!

But, these two great ladies are just the tip of the iceberg. Greg Griffin, Bob Novy, Matt Beerbower, Chad Sutton, George Wilmore, Barney Mahnesmith, Jake "the spin doctor" Clifford, Becky and Stephanie, all make up the best Basketball Score Bench of any school in Northern Indiana. The way you can tell how great they are? Nobody notices they're even their. They were flawless this year and wonderful to work with.

I also want to give a lot of credit to Patti Weller. She is my right arm at games. She takes care of the workers and is a great team hostess. She is another one of those behind the scene workers nobody knows about. Thanks Patti!

We also have a great set of gate workers, Kim Evans, Ginger Simon, Becky Thomas, Mary Baker, and Laura Souder are all top notch and make sure we get very dime we can to keep the athletic department running smooth.

Gaylon Wisel and an assortment of Garrett Police Officers are also dedicated and make sure our games are a safe place to be.

During the sectional we had a great set of Official Hostesses, Becca Oliver, Alaina Creager, and Katie DePew were awesome. But throughout the year we had some great student help with the floors, Brandon Porter, Brandi Dawson, Connor Meehan, Katie Wisel, Chase Hall, and many others were always willing to help, even though it would cost me a couple Chik-Filet sandwiches.

We had great support this year from Cathy Tinkler and Dekalb Health Services and we appreciate the time they dedicate to our kids.

Last but certainly not least is the great custodial staff at Garrett Schools. They work many, many hours setting up and tearing down for nearly 50 ball games and winter events. Trust me when I say it gets pretty old pulling and pushing bleachers and trash for ball games. But, Rosemary Blust and her entire crew always return the school to Pristeen shape after every game. Thanks!

As you can see, the great praise isn't for the Athletic Director, it's for a great group of hardworking, dedicated Railroader supporters. THEY ARE THE REASON our visiting teams and fans thank us continually for the great tournament and season. THANKS ALL OF YOU! I AM PROUD OF YOU!

Lee 3rd in State!

Hayden Lee wrestled to 5-2 victory over ACAC rival, Sawyer Miller just minutes ago. Hayden took a commanding 4-0 lead through two periods and cruised home placing 3rd in the IHSAA tournament. He ties for the highest place finish of any GHS wrestler (Zac McCray) What a great season for the sophomore wrestler and the coaching staff. We are so fortunate to have Coach Fielden leading our staff.

Hayden loses in semi's - wrestles for 3rd!

Hayden was defeated in the semifinals by an undefeated wrestler from Hanover Central (43-0) by a final score of 8-1. The consolation match will be between ACAC foes. Hayden will face Sawyer Miller from South Adams. That match will begin at around 5pm. What a great conference! Good Luck Hayden, we are proud of you.

Hayden takes one more step!

Hayden lee takes another step to a state championship by pinning his first opponent of the day. Hayden is just two matches away from a state championship! Go Hayden!

GHS - Week of 2_13_2012

This week at GHS:


The Varsity Boys Basketball team will host Dekalb High School this Friday Night. JV will tip-off at 6pm. The Varsity game will begin at approximately 7:30pm.  We will honor our Senior Basketball Players, Cheerleaders, and Show Choir Members at the conclusion of the JV game. At Halftime of the Varsity Game we will honor the newest WALL OF FAME Inductees. We have 5 great athletes to recognize spanning several decades. After the game we will have a reception in the gym commons.


ALSO ON FRIDAY, We have two GHS Wrestlers traveling to Indianapolis for the 2012 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament. Hayden Lee and Austin Gibson will wrestle on Friday for a chance to advance into the Saturday Tournament. Wrestling at Indy will begin at 6pm. Here is the rest of the information:

Site: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | Website
Dates & Times
Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, 6 pm ET / 5 pm CT (First Round).
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, (Quarterfinals at 9:30 am ET with semifinals to follow; Consolations at 5 pm ET; Finals at 7:30 pm ET).
Admission: $8 per session or $20 both days.
Webcast: Saturday night’s state championship matches will be streamed live at www.ihsaatv.org beginning at 7:30 pm ET / 6:30 pm CT.

GOOD LUCK Hayden and Austin!

Hayden Lee advances to semi state championship!

Hayden is on his way it state. He is also on his way to a Semistate Championship. He has advanced to the championship round at the Coliseum!

Austin lost his chance to wrestle for the championship. Instead he will wrestle for third place in the consolation round!

Gibby makes it TWO!

Austin Gibson dominated his ticket round match, winning 14-4. He will join Hayden in Indy next Friday! Now we can just work on high seeding! Great job Gibby!

Moreau falls 4-2

Brayden Moreau end a great wrestling career falling in a very close match 4-2. He's had a tough season fighting injuries. We are all proud of his determination this year. Thanks Brayden for all your hard work!

3-1

Senior Travis Carunchia lost in the first round at Semistate, 3-1. Travis had a great season and battled to the end trying to get a take down.

Second round ready to start shortly!

3 for 3 Semistate Wrestling

Austin Gibson joins Brayden and Hayden in round two, the money round! Pinned his opponent in the second period.

Semi-state wrestling UPDATE 2 for 2

Semi state wrestling is Nader way and both Hayden Lee and Brayden Moreau advance out of the first round. Austin and Travis have not wrestled yet!

In order to qualify for the state meet you Must win your first two rounds!

Great start!

This Week at GHS!

The IHSAA Girls Basketball Sectional Tournament Headlines this week at GHS. But, that's not the only event on the schedule.

The Sectional Games begin on Tuesday Night in the Paul Bateman Gymnasium. The first game sets the stage for all the other games as the Lady Railroaders take on ACAC Rivals Leo. That game will begin at 6pm on Tuesday. It will be followed by the Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger vs Woodlan game. That game will start at approximately 7:30pm.

We expect a large crowd at the games. You can use one of 3 entrances to get into the gym. All the gates will open at 5pm. I expect the Garrett Middle School entrance to be the best entrance to use. Remember, you can NOT use your Big Train Tickets. Single Game cost is $6.00. To purchase tickets for the entire tournament, the cost is just $10. Seating in the gym will also be different than normal. So, you may not be able to sit in your regular seats. We will divide the gym equally for all 4 teams.

This is one of the Best Sectionals in the Area and our Lady Railroaders have a great chance to earn their first ever 3A Sectional Title. Good Luck Ladies!

Between the Sectional games, we will host another Regular Season Boys game on Thursday Night. Garrett will host the Patriots of Heritage High School on Thursday. The JV game will begin at 6pm. REmember, there is no Freshman game. The Varsity game will start at approximately 7:30pm.

On Friday Night the winner of the Garrett vs Leo game will take on Sectional Favorite Angola. That game will tip off at 6:00pm. The winner of the Dwenger vs Woodlan game will play in the second game against Concordia.

The Championship game will be held on Saturday Night at 7:30pm.

Also, on Saturday, 4 Garrett Wrestlers will travel to FOrt Wayne and the Memorial Coliseum to compete in the Semi-State Wrestling Tournament. Good Luck to Hayden Lee, Brayden Moreau, Austin Gibson, and Travis Carunchia.

On to Semi-State for Wrestlers!

4 wrestlers will make the trip to the Memorial Coliseum next Saturday to compete in the Semi-State Wrestling Tournament.

Hayden Lee won the 106lb. championship at the Regional Tournament today at Carroll High School. Hayden's record is now 35-2. His victory in the championship was decisive with a Tech Fall win 18-2.

Austin Gibson lost a very close championship match, 3-2 in overtime, and placed 2nd in the 195lb weight class. He will also move on to Semi-State.

Brayden Moreau will also wrestle at Semi-state. Brayden wrestled to 3rd place with a 6-2 decision.

Travis Carunchis was our 4th qualifier finishing 3rd in the 220lb. weight class. He won his final match 4-2.

Great work Coaches and Wrestlers. It is always a great tournament at the Coliseum. Good Luck next week!

This Week at GHS!

This week:

Thursday -- Varsity / JV Basketball vs East Noble -- This is a really busy night at GHS. We are Hoop'in it up for Health Care in support of St. Martins. There is a dinner before the games, hoop shoot at halftime of the jv game and the girls varsity game. There is also a bake sale. ALL of these events are to support Garrett's very own St. Martins. We will also honor the Senior Girls Basketball players at halftime of the Varsity Boys game.  Here is the game schedule:

5:00 pm -- JV girls (Bateman Gym) and JV boys (Middle School Gym)

6:15 pm (approx.) -- Varsity Girls (Bateman Gym)

7:45 pm (approx.) -- Varsity Boys (Bateman Gym)

Friday -- NO GAMES

Saturday -- IHSAA Regional Wrestling at Carroll High School begins at 9:00 am -- We have 7 wrestlers competing for a chance to make it to Semi-State. Those wrestlers are: Hayden Lee, Austin Gibson, Brayden Moreau, Travis Carunchia, Austun McCray, Kyle Lanning, and Gabe Gunion.

Also, Saturday, The Boys Basketball team travels to Churubusco to take on the Eagles. The JV game begins at 6pm followed by the Varsity at approximately 7:30.  Good Luck Railroaders!

Saturday Winners!

The wrestling team had a great day at Carroll High School in the IHSAA Wrestling Tournament. Hayden Lee was the lone Railroader Champion. But we Qualified 7 for the next round (Regionals) in the tournament.

Taking 2nd place  were Brayden Moreau and Austin Gibson. Travis Carunchia finished 3rd while Kyle Lanning, Gabe Gunion, and Austun McCray were 4th.  All-in-All this was a good day for the Garrett Wrestling Program. I believe the most qualifiers we've ever had was 8.  Coach Fielden and his staff have done a great job getting this team to improve throughout the season.  It's not oner yet. The Railroader Matmen will once again make the trip up Highway 3 to Carroll next Saturday.

Good Luck!

Also, tonight the Lady Railroaders ended the ACAC season with another big victory defeating Heritage in Monroeville. The game was never really in question as the final was 44-32.

This was a very physical game all night. That started with the JV game and went all the way throughout the varsity contest. Once again, the great Lady Railroader Defense did a great job. The Lady Patriots shot only 22% from the field for the game. Garrett didn't shoot like we wanted to but it was double that of Heritage. The Lady Railroaders shot 42%.  Garrett was led by Brandi Dawson with 16 points and Katie DePew with 15. Both Jordyn Knott and Brandi had 9 rebounds. Jordyn also had a great night swatting the ball. She had 5 blocked shots. That is really good to see. If we had shot our free throws better (52%) we would have won by an even larger margin.

DON FORGET! The IHSAA Girls Sectional draw is tomorrow night. Can't wait to see what the Sectional Layout will be!

On a side note : The Railroader Band had 45 ISSMA State Qualifiers today! Congrats to Mr. Marlow and the band.

Sectional Wrestling Schedule

The schedule for Sectional Wrestling on Saturday, January 28 at Carroll High School is as follows:

            Weigh-In:          7:00 a.m.

            Session I:         8:00 a.m.

            Session II:        10:30 a.m.

            Finals:              Approximately 12:30 p.m.

            Doors Open - Teams:  6:30 a.m.                     Doors Open - Public:  7:00 a.m.

Admission is $5.00

This week in GHS Sports!

The Wrestlers are the first to enter the Winter IHSAA Tournament season. The wrestlers will travel to Carroll High School for the IHSAA Sectional Wrestling Tournament this Saturday!. Wrestling will begin at 8am. The Railroaders will face the top wrestlers from:

Carroll (Fort Wayne), Churubusco, Columbia City, Eastside, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger, Fort Wayne North Side, Fort Wayne Northrop, Leo, and Whitko.

Good Luck Wrestlers.

The Girls Basketball team will host Eastside in a WEDNESDAY night game this coming Wednesday. The JV will tip-off at 6pm followed by the Varsity at approximately 7:30pm. Then the girls will travel to Heritage High School to finish the ACAC regular season. That game will be played this coming Saturday Night starting at 6pm (JV)

The Boys Basketball teams will travel to Bluffton to take on a very good Tiger program. The Freshman will start at 5pm, JV will play at approximately 6:15 and the Varsity at approximately 7:45.  

Good Luck to all the teams as we end the month of January and head toward the end of the winter season!

Great Saturday.....................For Some!

The Garrett Wrestling team continued to improve today on the way to a 4th place finish in the ACAC Wrestling Tournament. The Railroaders were only two points behind 3rd place Leo. The meet was won by Adams Central and the other Adams County team, South Adams, placed 2nd.

The Railroaders had 3 champions for the day. Hayden Lee won the 106 lb. weight class, Brayden Moreau won the 138 lb. weight class, and Austin Gibson was the champion of the 195 lb weight class defeating a great sophomore wrestler from South Adams (My grandson - Klayton Hinshaw).

The Railroader team has made major improvements throughout the season and we are excited about the upcoming IHSAA tournament series!

Here are the rest of the Railroader Placers:

Garrett Placers
1st- Hayden Lee 106
1st- Brayden Moreau 138
1st- Austin Gibson 195
2nd- Austun McCray 132
3rd- Kyle Lanning 152
3rd- Gabe Gunion 160
4th- Dustin Alwine 126
4th- August Novy 145
4th- Jake DenHartigh 285
5th- Travis Carunchia 220
6th- Bo Davis 170

The Girls Basketball team defeated a feisty Lady Raider team by the score of 48-44. The Railroaders dominated the first quarter. But, after Senior Jordyn Knott went down with an ankle injury, the Lady Raiders won the last 3 quarters. The final outcome was determined at the free throw line. Alaina Creager and Katie Depew hit some key free throws to finish with the 4 point victory.  Brandy had 19 points and Katie DePew had 14 points. Katie was  8 out of 10 from the Charity Stripe.

I haven't gotten the Boys Stats yet but the Raiders defeated the Railroaders on a really bad night for Garrett. Garrett was just out played in this game. They out rebounded us, out shot us, and out hustled us on both ends of the court. I don't need a stat sheet to tell that.  So, we put it behind us and work toward next weeks game at Bluffton. The schedule doesn't get any easier! Roll Big Train!

Boys BBall still in hunt for ACAC title + Big Saturday!

Despite the Crazy WInter weather outside, the Bateman gym was warm and friendly for the Railroaders Basketball team. The Railroader Boys team defeated South Adams 62-44 for a big ACAC win. The Boys are now 2-2 in the ACAC and 6-5 overall.

Logan Casselman led the Railroaders with 20 points, Drake Landes had 18 points, and Brandon Porter had 10 points.  Logan had a great night shooting. He has such a great shot and it was good to see them finally go though the net. We kept the turnovers down below double digits and we so much more patient offensively. We made better decisions and the outcome will always follow when that happens.

The top teams in the ACAC still have to battle, Bluffton, Adams Central,  and Leo still have to play each others so, we are still in the hunt for a Championship. It is entirely possible for the ACAC champs to have to losses.

The Railroaders get another chance tomorrow as the Boys and Girls travel to Southern Wells to take on the Raiders. The JV teams tip off at 5pm. The Girls Varsity will start at approximately 6:15 and the Boys Varsity will probably start at 7:45.

ALSO, The wrestlers travel to AC for the Conference tournament. REMEMBER THE START TIME WAS MOVED TO 11AM due to weather. 

ACAC Wrestling Tournament Time Change!

Due to impending Weather predictions for tonight, The ACAC Wrestling Tournament time has been moved to 11:00 a.m.  tomorrow. The first round of the tournament will begin at 11am instead of 9am to give Adams Central time to clean their parking lots and to give plenty time for teams to arrive safely. With the schedule change, finals should take place at approximately 4:15pm.