Three standouts to enter Norwalk wrestling HOF

NORWALK — The Norwalk High School wrestling program will induct three past standouts into the program's Hall of Fame prior to Wednesday's home match. The Truckers host Northwestern and Orrville at 6 p.m. in their final matches before the Sandusky Bay Conference tournament on Feb. 17. Prior to the matches at 5:45 p.m., Norwalk will recognize its seniors, which includes Branson Hillman, Callie Helton, Mason Irwin, Jackson James, Eian Reineck and Austin Ware. Also beforehand, three 2020 graduates will be inducted into the program's Hall of Fame in Ethan Hernandez, Gabe Phillips and Alec Maloney. Hernandez finished 193-18 overall in four seasons at NHS. He won four league championships and four Division II sectional titles. Hernandez won two district championships and placed second and fourth at two others, respectively. The four-time state qualifier went on to have the lone state final appearance over the past 32 years at Norwalk when he was runners-up in 2019, while he also placed third in 2018. Maloney was 169-32 overall at NHS, winning a league title and three sectional championships. He placed second once and third twice at the districts, while also reaching state three times, where he was third at his weight in 2019. Meanwhile, Phillips was 145-30 at Norwalk in his four years. He won two league, two sectional and two district championships during his NHS career. Phillips was third at the district and twice placed at state, earning fifth and sixth, respectively. His third appearance at state saw him enter the championships with a 30-0 record in 2020, which was canceled because of the pandemic. "Really excited for Wednesday night, not only to celebrate our seniors, but also to induct the most successful trio in Norwalk history into our wrestling hall of fame," Norwalk head coach Erich Metzger said. "These three have been such a influence on this team, it s like they never left." "During every winter break, they are home in the room giving back," he added. "They are the true definition of inspiration for our program. On these accolades alone they deserve this, their wrestling careers speak for themselves." Metzger is also looking forward to honoring his seniors, including Ware, who recently earned his 100th career win for the Truckers. "These group of senior are special," he said. "I feel like we have been through so much together, and I'm really excited for their futures. I'm really going to miss them. It's going to be a great night to celebrate past and our future." The Truckers will take on Orrville first, followed by the Red Riders against Northwestern, and finished off by Norwalk taking on the Huskies.