Lawrence North High School junior Michael White has come a long way in a hurry. He had never wrestled before his freshman year.
"His freshman year he was below .500. I think (his record was) 15-17," Wildcats coach Jacob Aven said. "Then he got sixth at state as a sophomore. He put in a lot of work over the summer, traveled all over the country, 15-plus states and was able to be runner-up as a junior."
White won three matches before losing to Brownsbug's Gunner Henry 15-6 in a major decision in the 190-pound class championship match at the IHSAA state finals Feb. 22 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. He defeated Maconaquah's Ethan Farrell in an 8-5 decision in the semifinals.
White, who finished with a 47-3 record, said the key to reaching the final was "keeping a high pace and wrestling through positions and never giving up in my matches."
White said he is eager to put in the work to win a state title next year.
"(I) became a much more complete wrestler that can wrestle through positions and (my) confidence has improved as well," White said of his biggest improvement.
Aven said White has an offer to continue his career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and has drawn a lot of college interest from other schools, including Purdue University.
"He is willing to do whatever it takes to get to practices," Aven said. "Walks to practices sometimes to make sure he's there getting better,"
Wrestling has made a large difference in White's life.
"He has made so many friends and positive people in his life through the sport," Aven said. "He's a fan favorite of people all over the state for his energy and style of wrestling. He's willing to let it fly at all times."
During the offseason, White participated in multiple club practices to improve.
"Many times, he would go straight from one practice to another one," Aven said. "He plans on spending the spring traveling more, training more and visiting colleges."
Related posts: Carmel High School girls wrestling team improves in first year as IHSAA-sanctioned sport Hamilton Southeastern High School girls wrestling program on rise Making waves: Indianapolis Rowing Center athletes excel on the water Carmel in brief -- February 25, 2025 Athlete of the week: Noblesville junior guard goes on offensive this season Fishers swimmer wins state title