Crown Point Wrestling continued their dominant run for a state title on Saturday, winning the East Chicago Semi-State Tournament and sending 11 of their wrestlers to the State Championship next weekend.
The Bulldogs topped the team scoreboard with 253 points. The next highest school, Penn, posted a total of 106. Six Bulldogs also claimed individual semi-state titles, including Jesse Mendez who is seeking his fourth straight individual State Championship - though a team championship has eluded Crown Point during his tenure.
"I'm excited, I think we've got a really good shot to win," he said. "We've got a really special young team, and I'm excited to wrestle side by side with them down at state."
Mendez - who has just one loss against well over 100 wins in his high school career, is bound for Ohio State next year. A fourth championship, and first team title would put a bow on what should be a Bulldog Hall of Fame career before he pursues his collegiate - and Olympic - ambitions.
"I'll forever be grateful for my coaches, my teammates," he said. "I wanted to show that you could be a great wrestler in Indiana, and not have to go to Illinois. I trust in my coaches, and trust in my practice partners that they're going to help me get better each and every day."
To view the full results from the East Chicago Semi-State Tournament, visit TrackWrestling here.