Raiders, Cavemen Stronghold NLC Wrestling Awards

Isaac Benjamin won a Northern Lakes Conference title in wrestling, and was justly named All-NLC. InkFreeNews file photo by Mike Deak

By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

GOSHEN – Incumbent Northridge and newcomer Mishawaka reigned in the Northern Lakes Conference this year. The two settled as co-champions of the league, and dominated the list of All-NLC awards.

Mishawaka won the round robin title, running undefeated in its first season in the conference. The Cavemen would finish runner-up at the tournament championship, bested by the Raiders, which were 6-1. In turn, the two split the NLC title.

Earning automatic All-NLC for tournament championships for the Cavemen were Isaac Valdez, Keagan Mabie, Cody Timmerman, and were joined by Andrew Sinkovics. Zar Walker and Justice Binder were Honorable Mention All-NLC for the Cavemen. Head coach Steve Sandefur was named one of the Coaches of the Year, joined by Northridge’s Eric Highley.

For the Raiders, Justin Puckett, Ibrahim Khaoucha, Beau Brabender, Collin Ruemler, Logan Hooley and Andrew Lockwood were All-NLC and Brady Snyder was Honorable Mention All-NLC.

NorthWood (4-3) third in the table, with Connor Ratcliff, Kaden Lone, Isaac Benjamin and Blake Herr earning All-NLC and Alex Walker taking Honorable Mention.

Wawasee (4-3) was fourth, with Hunter Miller, Jace Alexander and Dylan Tom as All-NLC.

Warsaw (1-6) had Jacob Linky earn All-NLC and both Jose Martinez and Brandon Estepp take Honorable Mentions.

Rounding out the All-NLC list were Vicente Eckman and Nick Olson of Goshen (3-4) and Dominic Smith of Plymouth (3-4).

Honorable Mentions also went to Cole Hinkle and Eddy Flores of Goshen.