Bachman captures CKL title
Norstrom takes third
Staff writer
All season long Hillsboro freshman wrestler Jordan Bachman has remained a consistent force to be reckoned with, going 26-7 overall.
With a pair of first place finishes throughout the year, Bachman’s been one of the Trojans’ biggest threats, along with the injured Mackenzie Bartel and Andre Patton.
Bachman was rewarded Thursday at the Central Kansas League tournament at Lindsborg, winning the title for 126 pounds.
Hillsboro’s 27.5 points were enough for 7th place out of nine competitors.
“Jordan had another very strong showing on Thursday, giving up only four points in four matches,” Trojan wrestling coach Scott O’Hare said. “It was exciting to see him win a CKL championship in his freshman season.
“Many years of hard work in the wrestling room are paying off and it’s very rewarding for me to witness it.”
There’d be no denying Bachman, who topped Hesston’s Jason Hecht in the title match 6-1 to complete the day 4-0.
Patton secured a third-place finish in the 138-pound division, topping Pratt’s Hogan Thompson by a 7-3 decision.
Patton was on course for a title match appearance, but Larned’s Kristopher Nolde derailed Patton in the semifinals with a pin in 36 seconds.
“Andre also had another solid day earning a trip to the podium,” said O’Hare. “He’s doing some nice things and making some great progress.
“There’s just a few situations that he needs to recognize and improve at so that higher level opponents can’t capitalize on them. “
As the Trojans’ lone female competitor, Canton’s Taryn Norstrom has given it all she has, but just kept coming up short.
On Saturday at the Kansas Girl’s State Championship tournament, Norstrom was also rewarded, capturing third place.
After tumbling to Clearwater’s eventual champion Lyric Gonsalves in the semifinals with a 1:17 pin, Norstrom scored a pin on McPherson’s Morgan Jones in 35 seconds of the consolation final.
“We are thrilled for Taryn,” O’Hare said. “Throughout the season, she’s continued to improve tremendously, but she’s struggled picking up wins on a weekly basis against tough competition.
“This weekend was a great opportunity to showcase her talent on a more even playing field, and she stepped up. As Taryn continues to gain confidence and trust in her abilities, I believe she has a bright future.”
Others competing were Charlie Major and Dylan Horton.
In perhaps the Trojans’ most dramatic match of the day, Horton’s sole win came in sudden death against Hesston’s Cody Wohlgemuth.
The Trojans travel to Eureka Friday for the regional meet with action slated for 3 p.m. and at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Last modified Feb. 15, 2018