Trojans earn 4 state wrestling bids
News editor
Newly crowned regional champion Jon Carey and three of his Hillsboro wrestling teammates nabbed spots in the state wrestling tournament with their performances at the regional meet in Russell.
Carey scored a fall victory over Paden Griffiths of Herington in the first round of the 132-pound class. Spencer Heise of Osborne, 30-6 on the season, gave Carey all he could handle in the semifinal round, but Carey won by decision 6-5. He defeated David Koralek of Ellsworth 8-3 for the championship. This will be Carey’s third trip to the state meet.
Jesse Meier, Travis King, and Nathan Simhiser scored fourth-place finishes in consolation brackets to advance to state.
Meier overwhelmed his first two opponents in the 170-pound class with wins by fall, but a 10-5 loss by decision to Kole Clarke of Lyons dropped him into an elimination match. Meier advanced with a tough 9-7 win by decision over Easton Ryser of St. John’s Military Academy.
“It is gratifying for both seniors on the team to earn a trip to Hays,” Coach Scott O’Hare said. “This will be Jon’s third trip to the state tournament and Jesse will be making his first appearance after missing most of last season with an injury. I believe they could both be in medal contention if we can help them get physically and mentally ready this week.”
King and Cody Lang of Hoisington brought similar records into the elimination match of the 126-pound class. King scored a 5-1 win by decision, securing a spot in the state meet. He finished with an 11-4 loss in the third-place match.
The reward for Simhiser winning his first match was a faceoff against eventual 195-pound champ Quentin Clark of Minneapolis. Clark scored a quick fall win, dropping the Trojans wrestler to a consolation match against Zack Ledford of Hesston. Simhiser scored a fall victory to make it to the third-place match, and although he lost, his fourth-place finished earned him a trip to Hays.
“I’m so happy for sophomores Travis and Nathan,” O’Hare said. “They both really stepped it up this weekend to earn a trip to Hays. I’m excited to see them compete at state. This experience will be a great stepping-stone for them as well.”
The Class 3-2-1A state tournament is Friday and Saturday in Hays.
Last modified Feb. 25, 2015