Ten years ago the Cowan wrestling preview was a real easy one to write.
Tony Abbott won an individual state title in 1990 and with it, a Team State title for the Muncie South Rebels. Now, he is the head coach of the Cowan Blackhawks.
Mostly because there was no Cowan High School wrestling team.
Coach Tony Abbott participated in High School Wrestling Weekly’s Media Day and talked about his team’s outlook. Assistant coach Casey Bradley was a state medalist for the now defunct Muncie South program. His son, Jackson, placed 8th last year for Cowan.
Over the past ten seasons, head coach Tony Abbott has created one of the most successful programs in the state for schools with less than 250 students.
The Cowan middle school program has been a staple on the schedule of the Bellmont Middle School Braves in recent years and the Blackhawks were in the BMS gym this January.
Now, with Cowan graduates competing on collegiate wrestling teams, the goal is to sustain that success and continue to compete at 1A Team State.
Part 2 of coach Abbott’s interview with HSWW.
The Blackhawks have qualified for Team State for four straight years now and have had a state medalist in each of the past three seasons.
Jackson Bradley celebrates a win in the ticket round at semi-state this February.
Dane Fuelling has been passionate about high school sports since childhood. Coming to WZBD via his previous position as sports editor at the Decatur Daily Democrat, Dane is highly involved in high school wrestling with the IHSWCA and is a past winner of the organization's Distinguished Media Award.
