PREP WRESTLING: Banged-up Hawks splitting up this weekend (12/07)

One week into the season, the fifth-ranked LaRue County Hawks are already a banged-up bunch.

And they’ll be without one of their most experienced and talented wrestlers for at least a few weeks.

Senior Caleb Canter, who’s ranked No. 1 at 170 pounds by kentuckywrestling.com, injured one of his knees during last Saturday’s Oldham County Super Duals. Longtime coach Gary Canter said his son will miss at least two weeks.

“He’ll sit a couple of weeks to try and let it heal,” the coach said. “He’s ranked No. 1 in the state. It’s about as big a loss as you can take.”

Because of injuries and with this being an ACT testing weekend, Canter is splitting the Hawks up. He’s sending his top six wrestlers to the Union Ryle Raider Rumble, while his less experienced grapplers head to Louisville for the Derby City Classic at Eastern.

“We’ve got to get better as individuals,” Gary Canter said. “Hopefully the less experienced guys can have a chance to be more successful this weekend. The Rumble is a heckuva tournament to put brand-new kids in.”

No. 19 Meade County will also be competing.

The Rumble is an 18-team pool-style tournament. The top eight wrestlers will make the podium, with the top four receiving medals.

In other action, No. 13 Central Hardin, No. 25 John Hardin, No. 29 North Hardin and Fort Knox are going to the King of the Bluegrass at Louisville Fairdale.

The KOB is a double-elimination weight-class tournament modeled after the region and state tournaments.

Josh Claywell can be reached at (270) 505-1752 or jclaywell@thenewsenterprise.com.