by Savannah Sorensen

This past weekend, the Trojan wrestling team traveled to Corning for the 60th annual John J. Harris two-day tournament. The Trojans took fourth as a team with 138 points behind Creston O-M, New Hampton, and Clarinda. Creston O-M won the team title for the fourth straight year. The Trojans also had two runner-up finishes from seniors Reid Nichols (145) and Skyler Svoboda (285.).

The Trojans had all but three wrestlers make it into day two of the tournament. Junior Keagan Hosfelt placed fifth and many others wrestled for third or fourth place, including freshman Kole Hansen (4th,) sophomores Carter Cox (3rd,) Zac Stork (3rd,) and Drake Roller (4th,) and senior Austin Williamson (4th.)

Head coach Tim Duff said he was pleased with the progress the wrestlers continue to make. “We had a chance to change a few results from earlier in the season and beat some guys who defeated us the first time we faced them.” According to Duff, they must continue to attack in all three positions. “We have to pull the trigger when the opportunities are there,” said Duff.

The team competed against nine other teams that they will face at districts in a few weeks. Duff said, “It (the tournament) was a good pre-test to show us right where we are at. Now, it is up to the individuals to continue to make strides to improve.” Some wrestler,s including Svoboda and Stork, beat opponents that they lost to the first time around in earlier tournaments or duals. Svoboda won by fall over Jake Guttenschritter of Creston and Stork won by decision in overtime over Cain Johanns of Clarinda.

According to Duff, the big highlights for the tournament included the runner-up finishes from Svoboda and Nichols, and the fourth place finish with a team trophy.

The Trojans will travel to Red Oak Thursday evening for the one remaining double dual of the season. They will face the Red Oak Tigers and the Lewis Central Titans. The duals are scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm.