Tough First Round for NM Quartet
DES MOINES – This year’s state wrestling tournament did not start out as well as North Mahaska had hoped. Bringing a school record four matmen to the meet, the quartet had high hopes. All four will battle for podium positions from the consolation bracket on Thursday.
Wyatt Van Weelden, 40-10, won his opening match with a 7-2 decision over Callyn Bishop of Baxter. In the second championship round he faced top-seeded Maximums Magayana (45-1) of Columbus Catholic. He lost by fall in 32 seconds. Van Weelden will face off with Matthias Kohl (40-15) of Lisbon in the consolation match at 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Ryan Groom (40-6) at 106 drew a bye in his opening round then met Lake Mills’ Lucas Oldenkamp. The two had a tremendous match with Oldencamp edging Groom 4-3. Groom will look to work his way back to the podium on Thursday when he faces Underwood’s Avery Vacek (13-18).
Hunter Wernli found himself against a talented wrestler from MFL-MarMac, Holden Mathis (51-4). Wernli was able to push Mathis into the second period before the MFL-MarMac wrestler was able to secure a pin in 3:54. Wernli will meet Rile Parkis (35-7) of Kuemper Catholic in his consolation match Thursday morning.
Goemaat (23-7) found tough going against Joseph Sanders of Pocahontas Area (33-16). Sanders scored a quick takedown and forced Goemaat to his back and earned a fall in 39 seconds.
