The 2025-2026 Boys Wrestling season was filled with highs and lows. However, the core of this season was built on upset wins, different athletes stepping up, and accomplishments on the biggest stages that will be remembered in the schools history books. Here are the five best moments from this years edition of HSE Boys Wrestling.
5) Dual meet win over higher ranked Noblesville at home
On January 7th, the Royals hosted the Millers in a dual meet in front of a raucous crowd. Going into the match, Noblesville was the higher ranked team. Throughout the match, the Royals were able to dominate in many weight classes. Other matches, however, were closer and more intense, leading to the crowd to get involved. In the end, the Royals were able to win in comfortable fashion, sparking momentum for the second half of the season.
“Noblesville definitely thought they were going to win,” Coach Brobst said, “But we dominated in multiple weight classes in front of a chippy crowd. This meet was a lot of fun for all involved.”
4) Senior Night win over Carmel
On a night of recognizing the seniors who have changed the program with hard work, dedication, and belief, a grind-it-out match against a county foe of Carmel took place. Before the match, five seniors were recognized and met with family as they were greeted by teammates and coaches celebrating their contributions over the years. As for the match itself, the Royals were victorious in a low scoring affair with close matches throughout the night by a score of 39-25.
“We wanted to get a win for our seniors on their night,” Junior Max Inman said, “it was a pleasure to send them off the right way with a victory at our final home meet.”
3) 18th straight Mudsock win
An annual tradition between the crosstown rivals of HSE and Fishers, the Royals were able to secure a win for the 18th year in a row, continuing its domination in this rivalry. Winning in blow out fashion, the Royals took care of business in majority of the weight classes. In addition, Reid Snider was able to pull off a win against a ranked opponent to help lead HSE to victory.
“This win marked our 18th straight Mudsock win,” Coach Brobst said, “to do it in such a dominating fashion with Reid Snider scoring a big upset and everyone else taking care of business was a whole lot of fun.”
2) 4-0 Ticket Round at Semi-State
On February 14th, the Royals traveled to New Castle High School to compete in the Semi-State round. Parker Culp, Nolan Culp, Cohen Davis, and A.W. Vankirk all made it to the quarterfinal round also know as the ticket round, which means the winner of these matches punch their ticket to state. For the past two years, this is where the season ended for the Royals. However, this year was different, all four wrestlers won their match and advanced to state.
“Its been two years in a row that we’ve lost everyone at Semi-State,” Coach Brobst said, “for us to go a perfect 4-0 in that round was awesome for all of our athletes to get to experience together.”
1) Nolan Culp places 6th at State
The stage was set at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as Nolan Culp along with three others were set to wrestle for a chance at a state championship. After winning on Day 1, Culp finished his season strong picking up another win on day 2 in front of a large crowd seating thousands of people. He became the first wrestler in school history to finish in the top 8 as a freshman.
“Seeing Nolan finish 6th place at state was really cool,” Junior Max Inman said, “he has worked really hard and earned his spot.”
Overall, this season for the Royals has been one to remember on and off the mat. Clutch, consistent, and dominating performances were the centerpieces of this season. Growth throughout the year led to some of the best performances at the end of the season.
“Its been a fun year with a lot of great moments,” Coach Brobst said, “Looking forward to making more in the future with this program.”
