(photo courtesy Jim Peters)

(Indianapolis) — The philosopher Cicero said “nothing is harder to achieve than perfection”.  New Prairie wrestler Matthew Staples has achieved it for two straight years.

As a freshman, Staples won the 157-pound state championship with an unblemished 45-0 mark. Saturday, the Cougar sophomore became the new 165-pound champion, completing a 39-0 season.

Staples didn’t just win, he dominated….manhandling previously unbeaten Aidan Kincaide of Noblesville, 19-3, in the championship match. In the four matches at state from the weekend, Staples either decisioned every opponent by 10 points or more or pinned them.

He wasn’t the only New Prairie wrestler to reach the championship match. 285-pounder James Hartleroad reached the title tilt, only to be pinned by Lowell’s Kameron Hazelett in the second period.  It’s the second consecutive week Hazelett has defeated Hartleroad. The Cougar senior, Hartleroad, finishes the season 43-5.

Rochester had a good day on the mats as 165-pounder Brant Beck finished 3rd, while teammate Layne Horn was 4th at 132 pounds.

Penn’s Vinny Freeman came in 5th at 175 pounds to lead the Kingsmen effort.

Center Grove finished as the team champion, while New Prairie claimed sixth-place honors.