Wrestling
2023-24 Season Review
Entering the 2023 season, the coaching staff was excited to see what this young team could do. With over 40 wrestlers on the roster, they believed they would be a super competitive team even though there were only two returning seniors. Senior Braden Getz (Leadership Award) returned with state experience, as he qualified in 2021-2022, and senior Evan Nalley (Sportsmanship Award) also has had some great experience on the mats for the past four years. The coaching staff was confident the five returning semi-state finalists would lead the squad.
The season began with some dominant dual victories over Greenwood, Lawrence North and Bloomington South. The varsity team controlled the field at the Westfield Shamrock Duals. The team performed well at the Marion County tournament, placing 3rd amongst a competitive field. Sophomores Peyton Schoettle, Blake Getz and senior Braden Getz all took the top of the podium at the Marion County Tournament. The team placed 6th in 3A at the Team State Duals.
The Royals came together at the end of the season, placing 2nd in the sectional, and they sent 11 wrestlers to the regional competition. Sectional champions included sophomores Peyton Schoettle and Blake Getz and juniors Will May and James Dozier. The team placed 3rd at regionals behind Warren Central and New Pal, and they were able to avenge an earlier loss in the season to Perry Meridian. Schoettle and Getz also took home the regional championship, and sophomore Claire May joined them with her own regional championship! Eight Royal wrestlers advanced to the semi-state and all eight made it to the quarter finals or beyond. Schoettle and both Getz brothers were crowned semi-state champions, and the team’s semi-state performance locked the Royals an automatic invitation to the 2025 Team State Duals.
As one can tell, there were many memorable moments for the Royals! Freshman Jack Richardson, sophomore Brody Heidelberger and juniors Alex Plahitko and Will May all made it to the ticket round at semi-state for the first time in their careers. Plahitko and Heidelberger avenged several losses on their semi-state run. Claire May and junior Andi McHugh performed outstandingly on the female side. Andi qualified for the semi-state and Claire went on to become Roncalli’s first female state placewinner! Four male wrestlers were fortunate enough to qualify this year for the state tournament in Evansville. Junior James Dozier lost his opening round match while sophomore Blake Getz (Mental Attitude Award) and his brother Braden continued outperforming their ranking, both placing 7th at the state tournament. Sophomore Peyton Schoettle (MVP) stole the show, dominating his way to the semi finals and then beating two highly touted wrestlers by one point to cap off a sophomore season with a State Championship!
Coach Shaun Richardson shares, “We had a great group of wrestlers representing Roncalli this season. Their level of toughness and commitment to the sport brought the program as a whole some substantial recognition. The accolades go far beyond the state tournament success.” Not only was Peyton Schoettle a state champion, he was also named All-Circle City Conference and All-State. Joining Peyton with All-Circle City Conference recognition is Blake Getz, Alex Plahitko, Braden Getz, James Dozier and Will May. May also found himself with an Honorable Mention All-Marion County recognition. The Getz brothers, along with Claire May, were also named All-State. The accolades didn’t end there, as the following Royals were all named Academic All-State; Braden Getz, Evan Nalley, Alex Plahitko and juniors Robert Houser, Gray Wiley and Peyton Sisk.