Wrestlers challenged at Halstead
Staff writers
The Halstead Invitational is usually one of the tougher weekend draws that local wrestling teams deal with during their grueling seasons.
The two-day event features a deep, formidable field at every weight class.
It was no different this year with Hillsboro taking eighth out of 22 competitors with 80 points and six medalists.
Emily Schafer highlighted the tournament for Hillsboro, capturing first in the girl’s division and going unbeaten.
David Schafer had the best day for Trojan boys, taking third. Aidan Simmons was fourth for a second consecutive tournament.
Sutton Redger and Lane Rogers came in fifth in their respective classes, and Aaron Hein finished sixth.
“We went in with a skeleton roster,” Trojan coach Scott O’Hare said. “We made the decision to hold out a few of the younger and less experienced wrestlers that are typically in our varsity lineup to enable them to attend a later JV tournament.
“I felt pretty good about finishing in the Top 10 in the team standings while only filling 8 of the 14 weight classes. The group we did compete with wrestled well.”
Most Marion wrestlers finished 0-2 or 1-2 in their matches, creating a rough weekend overall.
It wasn’t all bad though, as sophomore wrestler Brian Nguyen finished 4-1 in the 190-pound class to place third. His only loss came at the hands of fourth-ranked wrestler in Classes 3, 2, and 1A.
“Brian is heading in the right direction to fight for a state qualifier spot,” coach Tyler McMichael said.
Other notable performances by Marion wrestlers included Chance Shults (132 pounds) finishing 3-3 for sixth place. Colby Lollar (138 pounds) went 3-2 for fifth place.
“We have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks if we want a chance to qualify anyone for the state tournament,” McMichael said.
Effingham-Atchison County paced the field, topping feisty runner-up Minneapolis, 201-154.5.
Both the Warriors and the Trojans will be in action this weekend at Eureka.