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Warren Junior wrestler has an incredible season

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In wrestling, success is obtained through strict discipline, perseverance and hard work. It is considered one of the oldest sports in the world with participants on all levels, ranging from elementary to college, and culminates with the Olympics.

To the most dedicated, wrestling is not even a sport ā€“ it is a lifestyle. Many sacrifice a great deal throughout their careers to be a champion, and most fall short.

There are a select few, however, that seem destined for greatness.

Deondre Wilson, a junior at Warren Central High School, is one of those unique athletes. After having only wrestled for three years, when most would just be getting comfortable in the sport, Wilson captured the IHSAA State Championship with an undefeated season.

ā€œI knew I was going to go out there and win it,ā€ said Wilson. ā€œWeā€™ve been training hard all year long. I was undefeated and I didnā€™t want to let anyone stop my winning streak.ā€

This feat, which requires much discipline, is almost unheard of. Most wrestlers start training as young as 4-years-old. While playing football for Warren, Wilson was encouraged to simply try out for wresting. After lots of coaxing, he tried out and was hooked.

ā€œMany people ask me how I got so good so fast,ā€ said the 17-year-old. ā€œI just love the sport.ā€

This is a far cry for a young man who has seen his share of adversity. Arriving at Warren Central this past year, after transferring from two other area high schools due to his familyā€™s displacement, wrestling has helped keep him focused when it could have been easy to get sidetracked.

ā€œI know they have an idea of our struggle,ā€ Wilsonā€™s mother, Tasha, explained, ā€œBut we have been blessed, and I love them so much.ā€

Even through this adversity, Wilson fell into the right hands when his family finally found their home in Warren Township. The Warriors, who were ranked second in the state most of the year, have a long history of wrestling success. Coached by former Warren Central standout Danny Williams, Wilsonā€™s path to greatness widened at Warren Central.

ā€œDeondre is one of those kids who donā€™t come around very often,ā€ said Williams, a two-time IHSAA state champion. ā€œWhen I first learned he would be a Warrior, I was excited, but didnā€™t necessarily know what to expect. Now, after being the first undefeated Warren Central State Wrestling Champion in the schoolā€™s history, I have a better understanding of what weā€™re dealing with.ā€

Wilson wasnā€™t the only one who made some noise this year for the Warriors. Senior Shabaka Johns finished fifth at 145 pounds and will be attending Virginia Military Institute next fall. Juniors Max Hernandez, Katrell Moss and Noah Perdue found success, as did freshman Matt McKinney. Senior and team leader Georgio Blades, ranked third in the state all year, got knocked out of contention in a heartbreaking loss to Cathedral.

ā€œThe sky is the limit for these guys next year,ā€ said Williams. ā€œI know myself, the coaching staff and especially the team, all want to win that team state championship. After having seen what it takes to get to state, we have a better understanding on how to button up that state title next year.ā€

Warren returns all but three seniors next season, including five state qualifiers and four other athletes that were also ranked in the stateā€™s top 15. With a busy summer schedule of training and competition both locally and nationally, the Warriors feel primed for next season. Perry has captured the last three team state championships and is currently ranked 24th in the country.

ā€œIt wonā€™t be easy, but we definitely have the tools to do it,ā€ said Williams. ā€œIn the meantime, itā€™s all about getting better.ā€

Wilson, who is currently being recruited by several Big Ten universities, isnā€™t looking too far ahead.

ā€œI know I have a target on my back now, but Iā€™m OK with that,ā€ says Wilson, who credits practice, his team and coaches for his success. ā€œFor me right now, itā€™s about taking it to that next level and trying to win a national title this summer. Weā€™ll worry about next year, next year.ā€

Wilson recently competed at the high school wrestling national tournament, which was held at the University of Northern Iowa. He was one match away from becoming an All-American. He will be competing at Scholastic Duals at Wabash College, another national event, this month. Ā 

ā€œIā€™m getting closer to my goals,ā€ he said.

In addition to wrestling for Warren Central, Wilson trains year-round for Indiana Pride Wrestling Academy.

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