Former Clovis High standout Aiden Fernandez made his mark in the Midwest this season, securing a fifth-place finish at the 88th Annual Indiana State Wrestling Tournament.

Fernandez, a 2025 CIF State qualifier at 132 pounds, relocated to Indiana with his family this past year to continue his scholastic career at New Prairie High School. He “punched his ticket to the big dance” in dominant fashion by winning the East Chicago Central Semi-State title.

Competing at 144 pounds, Fernandez opened his state tournament with a statement tech-fall victory. After dropping a narrow decision to a tough opponent from Center Grove, he moved into the consolation bracket. Fernandez battled back to claim fifth place, finishing an impressive junior campaign with an 18-3 record.

The Indiana Format

While Indiana utilizes a single-class system similar to California, the state is famous—or perhaps infamous—for its “no wrestle-back” policy during the opening round.

At the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Friday night session is sudden death; if a wrestler loses their first match, their season is over immediately. Consolations only begin on Saturday for those who survive the opening night. Once a wrestler reaches the quarterfinals:

Quarterfinal Winners: Advance to the Semifinals.

Quarterfinal Losers: Drop into the consolation bracket to compete for 5th or 7th place.

Semifinal Losers: Wrestle back for 3rd place.

By navigating that unforgiving Friday night round and fighting back on Saturday, Fernandez proved he belongs among the elite in his new home state. Congratulations to Aiden on a fantastic junior season.

Photo Courtesy of Indiana Mat