Youth shines for Central in Last Chance wrestling meet

Central College

PELLA — Topping the field in four weight brackets, the Central College wrestling team put its underclassmen on display at the Central Last Chance Invitational Saturday.

No team scores were kept in the nine-team invitational.

In a thrilling final match at 197 pounds, freshman Duncan Lee (Newton) used a last-second takedown to seal a 3-1 victory. He went 3-0 on the day

“I think he’s gotten better as the year’s gone on,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “He’s had some opportunities to compete in varsity duals and it has helped him a lot.”

Collin Groleau (freshman, Peru, Ill./LaSalle-Peru Township HS) also fought his way to the top at 157 pounds, winning the decisive bout in a 5-2 decision. He also had a perfect record in his three matches.

“He wrestled extremely hard today,” Van Kley said. “He came from behind in the final and dominated the last two periods. It was a great way to end his day.”

Jordan Challen (sophomore, Jefferson, Greene County HS) and Chase Petty (sophomore, Pella) shared the title at 149 pounds. Also sharing the crown at 184 pounds were Nathan Fritz (freshman, Sigourney) and Tanner Zimmerman (freshman, Indianola).

Four other Dutch wrestlers placed in the top-four in their respective weight classes.

“We were really offensive today,” Van Kley said. “We got on the attack and worked on scoring points.”

Following a two-week layoff, the Dutch will compete in the NCAA Division III Central Regional championships in Dubuque on February 25. The top three finishers in each bracket will earn a spot at the Division III National Championships on March 10-11 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

“We’ve just got to work hard and get better,” Van Kley said. “We need to have fun with the process, but also focus on getting ready.”