Western Boone Jr. - Sr. High School

Western Boone senior Kameron Mikesell has put in the hard work throughout the past several years to excel on the wrestling mat. And now he is reaping the benefits of that hard work. Mikesell placed second at 157 pounds at the New Castle Semi-State on Saturday, punching his ticket to the State Finals next weekend. “It was very exciting,” Western Boone head coach Wes Mikesell said. “He has been working hard since I can remember and this was his ultimate goal. For him to achieve this, it’s great.” Mikesell pinned Greenfield-Central’s Aiden Briles in the opening round, then pinned Bishop Chatard’s Daniel Adams in the ticket round to earn his state berth. In the semifinals, he made it three pins in a row, besting Milan’s Kaleb Wilburn before losing to Warren Central’s Christian Arberry in the final. “We had a conversation earlier that he only has a couple of high school matches left, so why not end it on top,” the elder Mikesell said. “He has been wrestling very confidently and it has been working out for him.” It was extra special for the Mikesells, since they have been on this journey together, not just as coach and wrestler, but father and son. Wes has seen Kameron go through all the highs and lows of the sport, and knows what kind of work Kameron has put in. “It’s very special,” Mikesell sad. “Starting 12 years ago in club wrestling, and me coaching him all the way through. I’m so proud of him and everything he has accomplished. Some kids may break mentally with some of the things he has gone through, the injuries and everything. For him to come back and have the mentality he has is great to see. I’m proud of him.” Mikesell will face Adams Central’s Maverick Dubach in the opening round of the State Finals on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “We are going to watch some film and see how (Dubach) wrestles and things to watch for,” Mikesell said. “But the way Kameron has been competing, it’s been working so we will work on fine tuning some things and let him do his thing.” Will Willems is the Sports Editor of the Lebanon Reporter. Follow him on Twitter @Will_Willems.