by Savannah Sorensen

Tuesday evening, the Trojan wrestling squads traveled to Denison for a double dual against the Monarchs and the Harlan Cyclones. The Trojans defeated the Cyclones 45-21 in the first round and came into the second round dominating the Monarchs with a 50-21 win. The Trojans extend their dual record 15-2 with one double dual remaining in the season.

Head coach Tim Duff said, “We had some tough, hard fought matches. It is the time of the year where we have to win the close matches by out working our opponents.”

Beginning at the 132 weight class, the Trojans had eight wins and received one forfeit for the win over the Cyclones. Freshman John McConkey, sophomores Zac Stork, Drake Roller, and Carter Cox, junior Keagan Hosfelt, and seniors Austin Williamson, Reid Nichols, and Marshal McDermott all defeated their opponents. McConkey won by fall over Aaron Johannsen, Stork won in overtime over Noah Culp, Roller won by fall over Jeremy Flies, Cox won by fall over Austin Knudsen, Hosfelt won by fall over James Erlbacher, Williamson won by fall over Cameron Jacobsen, Nichols won 7-4 over Jacob Wingert, and McDermott won 5-0 over Marshall Tucker. Senior Tyler Thomas received a forfeit.

Duff said, “John McConkey had a huge pin in the Harlan Dual. (He) really got momentum on our side and was key in our team over the Cyclones.”

Defeating the Monarchs, the Trojans had five pins, one win by decision, one tech fall, and received two forfeits. Nichols, Roller, McConkey, Cox, and McDermott all pinned their opponents. Thomas won 5-3 over Preston VanArsdol in overtime, Williams tech falled Cole Goslar 19-3, and Stork and Hosfelt both received forfeits.

Roller said, “We went up to Denison with the right mindset last night. We got what we needed to get done and that was to beat Harlan and Denison. There is a lot of work we need to do in the room still. The next few weeks is what it all comes down to so we need to focus and wrestle to our full potential.”

The Trojans will be traveling to Corning this weekend to wrestle in the annual John J. Harris Tournament. It’s a two-day tournament beginning on Friday, and there will be approximately 23 teams there.