Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Kimball wrestlers perform well at SPVA Tournament

A good showing by the Kimball High Wrestling Team at last week's SPVA Tournament held in Grant. Garrett Pedersen brought home the gold medal by winning the 126 pound weight class and appears to be primed for this weekend's District Tournament to be held at Bridgeport. The lanky senior had a major decision of 19-8 over Lantis of Sutherland, a technical fall of 16-0 in 4:47 of Biesecker of Chase County, pinned Waitley of Perkins County in 3:48 and pinned Bruns of Hershey in 2:28 to go 4-0 on the day.

Senior teammate, Jaden Mohr, at 132, ended up second in his weight class with a 3-1 record on the day. Mohr pinned Books of Sutherland in 2:14, won 6-2 over Mendenhall of Chase County, pinned Hickey of Perkins County in 1:26 and lost by fall in 5:46 to Widener of Bridgeport.

Jordan Cluff at 120, also finished second to earn his silver medal. Jordan pinned Hanson of Perkins County in 1:15, pinned Zogg of Sutherland in :38 seconds and lost in the title match by fall in 2:29 to Fleecs of Hershey.

Connor Cluff, also wresting at 120, was third with his record of 2-1. Connor pinned Zogg of Sutherland in 1:35, lost 15-2 to Fleecs of Hershey and pinned Hanson of Perkins County in 5:20.

There were only two wrestlers at 195 and Stephen Bateman ended up second with two losses to Vasquez of Bridgeport. Izaak Rhode at 220 had only 1 match and lost by fall to Perez of Perkins County. Toby McManigal, who is still working himself into condition and getting familiar with the mat game after sitting out for over a year, had 4 matches and lost them all by fall.

Coach Wade Brashear commenting on the tournament said, "We wrestled well at the SPVA. Garrett was 4-0 on the day and won some district match-ups. Jordan and Connor both had good days. District wrestling is this Friday and Saturday in Bridgeport. We have to be on the top of our game to gain some state qualifiers, as the C-4 District will look to be the toughest district in the state, once again."