DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
Levi Johns’ time as a Bluffton wrestler came to an end Saturday at the IHSAA State Finals, but not until after an inspiring run to the semifinals, where he earned a fourth place medal to end his time as a Tiger.
A truly old-school performance, Johns didn’t use any flashy moves or don a new special singlet for the final weekend of his career. Instead, he wrestled like he’s always done – controlled – and like his coach, former state champ Ben Sprunger, wants him to.
Many people wrote off Johns after he lost to Ayden Bollinger 13-3 in the regional final and even more wrote him off when he was drawn against undefeated Braylon McIntire of North Miami in the ticket round.
Of course, we all know how that story panned out. Johns dominated McIntire after winning his opener by tech fall, then scored a tech in the semifinals to get a rematch with Bollinger.
Johns executed his game plan perfectly in the semi-state finals, beating Bollinger in a classic 1-0 bout to set himself up for a better draw on Friday at the State Finals.
With the way Johns was wrestling, the draw didn’t make much of a difference. Both Bollinger and Johns advanced on Friday, with Levi winning the rubber match against Ezra Fye of Alexandria with ease, 11-2.
By the time Johns got to Saturday morning, there were no secrets about how good he was – with even the coaches at mighty Center Grove fearing what Johns could do on top. After a scoreless first period against #2-ranked Royce Malone of CG, Johns won the toss and chose down, quickly scoring a reversal and then doing what he does best – controlling the match.
Malone could not escape and had no interest in choosing bottom with his choice in the third, but it didn’t matter. Johns fought off every attempt Malone made and scored one of the biggest victories in 25 years for Bluffton High School with the 2-0 win, advancing to the semifinals.
The podium finish put Bluffton’s name among quite a list on the podium at 120.
1st-Brownsburg, 2nd-Avon, 3rd-Crown Point, 4th-Bluffton, 5th-Roncalli, 6th-Delta, 7th-Center Grove
Six of the wrestlers next to Johns on the podium came from the top eight teams in the team standings, showing just how difficult it was to place in 2025 at 120 pounds.
For Johns, it was right where he belonged.
Wrestlers from Bluffton with 3+ State Appearances, 2+ State Medals and 1+ semifinal appearance:
Levi Johns (Class of 2025)
Randy Gerber (2004)
Ben Sprunger (2000)
Randy Pursley (1999)
About the Author
