Wrestling
Marion’s Nguyen is lone wrestler to make it to podium
Staff writer
Marion
Brian Nguyen became Marion’s first wrestler, since 2021 to medal at state by placing sixth Saturday in Salina.
Nguyen came into the tournament as a regional champ. He split two matches Thursday, won two Friday but lost two Saturday in the 215-pound weight class.
‘We are incredibly proud of Brian for the season and the state tournament that he had this year,” coach Tyler McMichael said.
Nguyen ended his season with a 25-8 record.
Gavin Regier wrestled in the 150-pound class for Marion but went 0-2, losing to the eventual champion and sixth-place wrestler.
Hillsboro
Sophomore Aaron Hein ended one victory shy of a top six finish at state this weekend in Salina.
Hein opened up with a decision over Kaden Gutsch from Riley County and then a loss to Brennen Pfannenstiel from Norton Community.
The next day, Hein won by decision over Reyce Booe from Cherryvale but lost in the consolation quarterfinals to Seth Keeten from Phillipsburg.
“Last season, in his first trip to state,” coach Scott O’Hare said, “he made an early exit, going 0-2 on the opening day. He had a really good off-season, getting in some extra mat time as well as working hard in the weight room. He has also had a really strong season of training.
Hein finished the season with a 31-15 record.
Anthony Fickes, the other wrestler who went to state for Hillsboro, finished 0-2 on the opening day.
“Fickes missed the entire first half of the season due to a surgery that he had back in December,” O’Hare said. “Even when he was able to return, he was limited in the amount of competition mat time that he really needed to get physically and mentally ready for state competition.”