McGinnis, Cluff Compete At State

Kimball's Longhorn Wrestling team sent two members to the NSAA State Tournament last week to compete in the annual championships in Class D.

Sophomore James McGinnis represented Kimball in the 126 pound weight class, and lost his first match by decision to Elkhorn Valley's Tristan Smith. McGinnis next wrestled against Plainview's Jordan Mosel, and also lost by decision.

Senior Connor Cluff represented Kimball in the 132 pound weight class, and had his first match against Brady's Jeremy Larson, who would end up winning the state title at 132 pounds, and lost by fall at 1:20. He then next matched up against High Plains Community's Javier Marino and lost by major decision.

Although neither wrestler was able to bring home a medal, both had outstanding seasons and had the honor of qualifying for the State Tournament. Both boys battled hard all season and represented their team well.

"The boys came with a good attitude and wrestled hard," Longhorns coach Bob Culek told the Observer. "Connor drew the eventual state champion for his first match and wrestled tough.  His second match he struggled getting his offense going and was not able to overcome that.

"James wrestled a decent first match and had opportunities to get something going, but ultimately it was too late when he took advantage of those opportunities. In his second match James started strong but was not able to keep it going his way.

"I am proud of how Connor has improved through his four years of wrestling. When talking with James, we highlighted the progress made this year and the need to get better in several areas.

"Hopefully James and the other wrestlers in the program will take full advantage through the rest of the year and attend several of the camps that will be offered throughout the area and comeback strong next year."