Longhorn wrestlers open at Bayard, Akron

The Kimball High Wrestling Team got the season underway at a dual meet in Bayard this past Thursday and travelled to Akron, Colorado on Saturday to take part in the Chuck Annand Tournament

Bayard won out 48-15 in the dual competition picking up points in several weight classes where Kimball was open. Kimball had four wins on the mats with freshman Clay Keller pinning Cole Kramer in 1:02 of the 132 pound weight class, Justin Mohr winning 6-5 over Lucas Jones at 138, Damien Rutledge winning 6-5 over Felipe Palomo at 182, and Rowdy Keller winning 7-5 over Bryce Burry at 120. Logan Stahla at 145, Cody Kirby at 220, Eric Escajeda at 285, Garrett Pedersen at 106, and James Smith at 126 all suffered losses by fall.

Coach Wade Brashear commented, “Overall we wrestled well in our first dual. The final score does not reflect the competitiveness due to our weight classes. Bayard has good numbers out and quality wrestlers. We were wanting to win the head to head match ups, but went 4 to 5. In addition to the 4 matches we won, there were two other matches where we were close to winning out. I am happy with the progress we are showing. We need to continue to develop our underclassmen.”

Kimball had two placers at the Akron tournament on Saturday with the Keller brothers earning medals. Clay Keller finished 3rd at 132 pounds and Rowdy was 4th at 120. Coach Brashear said, “This was the first year we have attended this tournament and this is a tough tournament and one we needed for our opening week. I viewed lots of improvement from our wrestlers and all of them had some success. I was pleased with the growth we showed and the aggressiveness we displayed against tough teams we don’t get to see often.”

Clay Keller lost by fall in 3:37 to Kappel of Limon, had a bye pinned Estrada of John Mall in :27, pinned Pyfrom of Eaton in 2:43, won 9-3 over Griffith of Brush, and won by forfeit over Kappel of Limon.

Rowdy Keller at 120 lost by fall in 3:36 to Lewis of Eaton, had a bye, lost 10-2 to Lewis of Eaton, won 9-0 over Lee of Limon, pinned Reed of University in 2:42, won 6-0 over Croissant of Wiggans. Garrett Pedersen at 106 had 2 byes and lost twice by fall. James Smith at 120 had a bye, won by a 8-6 decision and lost twice by fall. Justin Mohr at 138 lost 2 decisions, had a bye and won by fall over team mate Logan Stahla. Stahla won by pin and lost twice by fall. Cody Kirby at 220 suffered 2 losses by fall. Eric Escajeda at 285 had a win by fall and suffered 2 losses by fall and a 4-3 decision.

Kimball will be back on the mats this Saturday at the Banner County Tournament with a start time of 9:30 a.m.