Columbus East’s Liam Krueger wrestles Floyd Central’s Vince Kessinger in the 126-pound final during the Hoosier Hills Conference tournament at Columbus East, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.
The Republic file photo
Liam Krueger will be making his fourth trip to semistate on Saturday, and he hopes that experience will help calm his nerves.
The Columbus East senior qualified for state as a sophomore, but fell one win short last year when he lost in the semistate quarterfinals, which is known as the “ticket round” since the top four in each weight class advance.
“He probably has a bad taste in his mouth from the way it went down there last year,” East coach Chris Cooper said. “But he’s done it before. I think the nerves probably won’t be as big for him just because he’s been there.”
The semistate begins at 9 a.m. CST (10 a.m. EST) Saturday at Ford Center in Evansville. Krueger is among 10 Olympians, who will be joined by 10 Columbus North wrestlers, who have qualified.
“I think I am prepared this year,” Krueger said. “I was nervous last year. I had the nerves get to me, but this year, I am confident, and I have nothing to lose, so I might as well give it my all. I’ve been putting in a lot more work over the summer, and this year, I’ve been more focused mentally during my practices.”
First up for Krueger (32-3), who is ranked No. 9 at 126 pounds, is an opening-round matchup against Mt. Vernon’s Mason Suits (26-10). A win would set up a likely ticket-round matchup against 18th-ranked Chase Stephens (26-4) of Tell City.
Krueger and Stephens squared off early in the season at the Jeffersonville Duals. Stephens led 6-4 late in the match before Krueger scored a takedown and two-point near-fall to pull out an 8-6 decision.
“It kind of looked like it was going into overtime, and we got that turn there at the end,” Cooper said. “The kid is tough.”
“It wasn’t my best performance in that match, so I’m looking to wrestle better,” Krueger added. “I think it was the best draw I could have gotten. I feel confident in the match and my performance.”
Krueger is ranked second and Stephens sixth in the semistate. Evansville Mater Dei’s Evan Seng (30-3), the top-ranked 126-pounder in the semistate, is on the opposite half of the bracket.
Columbus East’s Liam Krueger celebrates beating Columbus North’s Bryce Hawkins in the 126-pound weight class at Columbus East, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022.
The Republic file photo
A four-time sectional champion, Krueger fell just short of another regional title when he lost a 5-2 decision to Corydon Central’s Zane Schreck in the final on Saturday at Jeffersonville. Schreck (35-1) also is on the opposite side of the semistate bracket.
“We knew that was going to be a close match,” Cooper said. “That’s a real tough wrestler. I think both of those guys are capable of placing at state pretty high. He could meet that kid again. I think both of them will qualify.”
Krueger has committed to wrestle next year at Wabash. He is undecided on a major, but plans to minor in business.
“I like the culture of the school more than anything else,” Krueger said. “The men up there are a different breed than other colleges. I like the future it can provide for me.”
Columbus East’s Liam Krueger warms up before his sectional championship match at Jennings County, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023.
The Republic file photo
For now, Krueger is intent on finishing his high school career with a second trip to state, and if all goes well, a spot on the medals podium with a top-eight finish.
“It would mean a lot,” Krueger said. “I’ve always wanted to place, so it would mean a lot to me to go back to state and place this year.”
