LHS’ Kameron Hazelett brings home IHSAA State Wrestling title
It’s rare a freshman will dominate enough in high school wrestling that he’ll win the state championship. And in Indiana, no freshman has won the state heavyweight title.
Until now.
Lowell’s Kameron Hazelett went into Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Feb. 21 and walked out the IHSAA State Wrestling Champion in the 285 lb weight class the following day.
“I think it’s pretty cool to be the first freshman to win state as a heavyweight wrestler,” Hazelett said. “You obviously don’t see that and I just think it’s really cool that I can go out and do that as a freshman.”
In order to advance throughout the entire tournament, Hazelett has to defeat Crown Point senior Lucas Szymborski each step of the way – including twice on his home turf in the sectional and regional meets. He defeated Szymborski 4-0 to claim the title last weekend.
But even though he only lost to his rival Bulldog opponent once during the season, Hazelett acknowledged it wasn’t easy.
“I think it for sure got harder while we went on because he was training to wrestle me and find my weak spots,” Hazelett said. “So he would do something else from the first time that we wrestled, so I kind of had to adapt to him wrestling. I for sure think it got harder. The wrestler I think he is, he’s a strong wrestler, and technique-wise and physical strength-wise I just think he’s a pretty good opponent.”
Lowell coach Kevin English never doubted Hazelett for a moment, but wanted to make sure he stayed focused in the limelight.
“To be honest, Kam’s a special athlete and we knew he could do it,” English said. “The difficult task was to get him to believe and be consistent with his work ethics!”
Hazelett’s teammates, Evan Stanley and Noel Verduzco also turned in stellar performances. Stanley placed third in the 138 lb weight class and Verduzco likewise placed third in the 113 lb weight class.
Stanley, who spent his freshman season at Mount Carmel in Chicago last year – placing fourth in Illinois – was more than happy to be Hazelett’s teammate again this year.
“I’ve known Kam a long time and I’ve always known what he is capable of,” Stanley said. “He’s a real tough kid. It’s good to reconnect back with him at home.”
“I'm very happy for Kam winning,” Verduzco added. “He deserves every bit of it.”
Hazelett made history this year in being the first freshman to win the state title at 285 lbs, but repeating this year’s feat may not be in the cards him next year. At least not as a heavyweight.
“My plans and training for the next season are to be cutting weight to at least 190 and then bulk up all muscle to back to 225,” Hazelett said. “I’m going to go to some outside tournaments like nationals in Fargo, and hopefully Super 32 (in Greensboro, North Carolina in October).”
So where does Hazelett go from here?
“What’s next for me?” Hazelett said. “It’s just cleaning up my technique and going to practice and starting to open up a little bit more and start going to tournaments in the off-season.”
Any further thoughts, Kameron?
“I would just like to add I appreciate everyone that’s been in my corner,” Hazelett said. “I want to give thanks first to my heavenly father Jesus Christ second, my grandparents and the community that has been with me since I started wrestling in general and (during) my high school career.”
Hazelett also acknowledged some friends and coaches: “Connor Haines, Cayden, Ashton Jaxson, Hayden DeMarco and my brother Jayden Zeković and Coach English, my coach and another coach that’s helped me a lot through this year, my retired football coach Keith Kilmer. And three more people I want to shout out are Evan Stanley, Noel Verduzco and Dalton Robson for pushing me through this wrestling season and being great friends and teammates.”