Weaver and Cole Battle Through State Brackets to Earn Seventh-Place Finishes

INDIANAPOLIS — Under the bright lights of Gainbridge Fieldhouse at the 2026 IHSAA Boys State Wrestling Finals, Rossville’s Jacob Weaver and Jacob Cole proved they belonged among Indiana’s elite. Facing the top wrestlers from across the state, both athletes fought through demanding brackets and earned seventh-place finishes in their respective weight classes, capping remarkable seasons with podium honors.

Jacob Weaver – 157 Pounds

Weaver entered the 157-pound state finals with an impressive 45-2 record and opened his tournament against Anthony Bustamante of Merrillville. He delivered a dominant performance in the first round, securing a technical fall victory, 16-1 in 5:33, and advancing to the quarterfinals

In the quarterfinal round, Weaver faced Lincoln Carter of Eastside, who entered the tournament with a 51-1 record. Carter earned a 12-8 decision in a competitive match, moving Weaver to the consolation bracket

Weaver regrouped and continued battling through the wrestle-backs. He faced Jeffrey Huyvaert of New Prairie in the consolation round but fell by major decision, 10-2. That result set up a seventh-place match with Tyler Lavin of Indianapolis Cathedral. In his final bout of the tournament, Weaver displayed composure and grit, earning a hard-fought 1-0 decision to secure seventh place in the state at 157 pounds. His ability to rebound after an early setback and finish the tournament with a victory underscored the resilience that defined his season.

Jacob Cole – 175 Pounds

At 175 pounds, Jacob Cole brought a 44-3 record into the state finals and opened against Tyson Barrow of North Posey. Cole controlled the match and advanced with a 5-4 decision

In the quarterfinals, Cole met Griffin Van Tichelt of Crown Point in a tightly contested match that ended in a 10-8 decision in favor of Van Tichelt. The narrow loss sent Cole to the consolation side of the bracket.

Cole then faced Evan Gahl of Northridge, falling 6-4 in another close battle. That set up his final opportunity to finish strong in the seventh-place match.

Cole rose to the occasion, defeating C. Hoar of Evansville Reitz Memorial by a 3-1 decision to claim seventh place in the state. His steady focus and determination throughout the tournament earned him a well-deserved spot on the podium.

Pride on the Big Stage

For Rossville, having two wrestlers stand among the top wrestlers in Indiana is a significant accomplishment. The IHSAA State Finals represent the highest level of high school wrestling in the state, and both athletes embraced the moment.

“It was truly uplifting to watch both young men compete Friday night in the opening round,” said Dr. Jim Hanna, Superintendent of Rossville Consolidated School District. “From the moment they walked into Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the Parade of Champions to the moment each of them earned that first-round victory, they brought tremendous pride to Rossville Schools. Their effort, sportsmanship, and determination on that stage reflect the very best of our students and our community.”

Rossville Athletic Director Nathan Burkle echoed that sentiment.

“We could not be prouder of Jacob Weaver and Jacob Cole,” Burkle said. “Competing at the IHSAA State Finals is an incredible accomplishment, but to battle through those brackets and finish seventh in the state speaks volumes about their character and preparation. They represented Rossville wrestling with toughness, composure, and class from start to finish.”

By the end of the weekend, Weaver at 157 pounds and Cole at 175 pounds each stood proudly on the state podium as seventh-place finishers. For Rossville wrestling, the 2026 state finals will be remembered as a weekend defined by grit, resilience, and two outstanding representatives of the school and community.