Noblesville wrestlers Grant Plunkett (blue shorts) and Ian Wilson (gray shorts) go through moves during a Millers practice. (Quinn Matthews)
By QUINN MATTHEWS
Last season, the Noblesville boys wrestling team captured the sectional championship, earned a runner-up finish at regionals, and had 10 individual semi-state qualifiers.
Many athletes did not compete in finals due to injuries, but the entire group of qualifying wrestlers are returning this season stronger, healthier, and more determined than ever. With many more skilled teammates being added to the roster, the team is extremely well-positioned for another strong season of growth and success.
Nine years ago, the Noblesville Wrestling Club was founded with these very players. These athletes have been training with each other since they were about 5 years old, developing close bonds that carry off the mat. During their club season, this team worked to multiple third-place finishes in the ISWA State Dual Team Championships throughout elementary school and middle school. These past experiences have laid the groundwork for their upcoming season.
Luke Hargis (black shirt) practices with Aidan Kincaide (white shirt). Kincaide was a state qualifier his freshman year and is back after a sophomore-year injury. (Quinn Matthews)
“It has been fun to be a dad with these kids since they were so little, so now the excitement about this year is they are all together again and they are really excited about it. We had a little hiatus because some were older than others, but now we’re all back together,” said Noblesville head coach Michael Weimer.
The team chemistry among these long-time friends is unlike anything the program has seen in the past. Having grown up wrestling together, their familiarity spreads unwavering support and sets a unique bond.
“We’re growing every day, this is brotherhood and we try to push each other to our limits every day,” said junior wrestler Aidan Kincaide.
Each season the team begins by returning to the fundamentals and focusing on key elements such as stance, motion, hand fighting, head position, and footwork. In a sport that requires precision and technique, re-mastering the basics provides the athletes with a strong foundation for what comes next.
“Some of the guys say, ‘I’ve been doing this since I was 5 years old’ and I say, ‘Well, I’m 45 and I’ve also been doing it since I was 5 years old, and we’re still going to go over these little things to dust some rust off.’ We always go slow to go fast,” said Weimer.
Last year’s returning wrestlers like Aidan Kincaide, Jackson Apple, Luke Chastain, Evan Nichols, Kaikela Kaohi are ready to make an impact on the mat this season. With ambitious goals, Coach Weimer always reminds his wrestlers of one of his core principles.
“It’s not about win or loss, but about fight and effort. You show up every day and fight and give your maximum effort,” said Weimer. “I always celebrate the small victories. I’m not an outcome coach, I’m all about the process. When you really have kids focus on the process, the outcome will take care of itself.”
Freshmen including Henry Antrobus, Eli Kincaide, and Brody Weimer have embraced the same process-driven philosophy and are eager to make their mark on the team this season.
“Our freshman kids that are coming in have put their time into our youth program and they’re excited to have a spot,” said Weimer.
These wrestlers have been training consistently and are prepared to meet every challenge this season brings. Committed to giving their all, they want to fearlessly approach every match.
“I make sure that our athletes understand that we all have failed, that’s the one thing about our sport,” said Weimer. “Nobody has ever been perfect in this sport, so you’re not going to be perfect. Don’t be afraid of failure.”
For Weimer, embracing failure is not just about accepting setbacks; it’s about teaching his wrestlers how to respond with resilience. He encourages them to see mistakes as opportunities to learn, grow, and support one another. That philosophy shapes every practice, every match, and every interaction within the team that will bring them to their goals this season.
“I wake up thinking we’re probably going to fail at something, but I’m not afraid of it, and whatever happens, happens, because we have a phenomenal group of young men that care about each other and love each other and give their maximum effort for each other,” said Weimer.
