Elk Point-Jefferson dual

Well, we were finally able to get this dual completed.  After the first postponement and then the possibility of the weather changing plans again, we were able to wrestle with just a few changes.  Since Elk Point-Jefferson was already on Christmas break, they were able to leave earlier allowing us to start the dual sooner.  We eliminated the youth wrestling part so we could start the match sooner and allow them to return home safely.  We will plan on wrestling the youth next year when we have the dual.  I also apologize to the parents about the 4:00 start on the schoolreach message that I sent out earlier that day.  It was a misunderstanding on my part in the email exchanges that day.  Now, about the dual.  I was very pleased with the effort our team showed in their first home match of the year.  The whirlwind of activity throughout the day, along with the fact that we were going to be starting our Christmas break earlier than planned, left me a bit worried about distractions.  I also know there was some talk about my brother and me coaching against each other.  Their effort showed how they understood that it wasn't about my brother and me.  It was about them going out and doing there best.  While I anticipated the dual being much closer in score, we wrestled really aggressive.  They were rewarded for their effort with a 47 - 31 win.  At 103, Thomas Howe wrestled with a lot of determination while not allowing some bonus points for EPJ.  That same kid pinned Thomas 3 days earlier.  Sam Powell filled in for an injured Colby Pierret at 112.  He wrestled very well against a much more experienced opponent before being pinned.  Cody Bonte provided the first surprise in results for the night.  Aaron Staum had placed ahead of him in 2 tournaments this year although they had never met.  Cody knew this was a big match for him.  He took control early with a big pin.  Tanner Donelan, Scott Howe, and Isaac Lukes put the team back into control of the score with 3 consecutive pins after we forfeited both 125 and 130 lbs.  These 3 all went out knowing pins were needed for the team.  We were very pleased with how each wrestled smart, taking their time to lock up a solid pinning combination to get the fall.  At 152, Dylan Severson nearly had his opponent caught to his back for the fall before giving up the pin.  Dylan continues to improve with the experience he is getting.  Jess Kruid wrestled a solid match against a highly rated wrestler.  Although he gave up 4 points late, he can use this match to build his confidence.  After 160, EPJ had recaptured the lead at 31 - 24.  Zach Lukes, Brady Bonte, Ethan Storment, and Matthew Bankes made sure of a Blue Dragons victory recording 3 pins and one technical fall to make the final score 47 - 31.  We again had to move a these weights around putting ourselves in situations where we were undersized.  We have had to do this in most every dual this season, and these 4 wrestlers have responded each time with great effort and a majority of the time getting the win.  They have shown the true sacrifice of self for the nature of the team.

103 - Thomas Howe lost by major decision to Alex McLaury 12 - 0
112 - Sam Powell lost by fall to Nick Weis 2:55
119 - Cody Bonte won by fall over Aaron Staum 0:54
125 - Jared Limoges (EPJ) wins by forfeit
130 - Riley Braun (EPJ) wins by forfeit
135 - Tanner Donelan won by fall over Austin Chicoine 2:29
140 - Scott Howe won by fall over Keegan Welch 1:22
145 - Isaac Lukes won by fall over Jon Hasenbank 3:12
152 - Dylan Severson lost by fall to Lucas Forsling 2:30
160 - Jess Kruid lost by decision to Gavin Lee 8 - 4
171 - Zach Lukes won by fall over Shaun Donelan 1:15
189 - Brady Bonte won by fall over Colton McCreary 1:08
215 - Ethan Storment won by technical fall over Ethan Sundleaf 18 - 1
285 - Matthew Bankes won by fall over Kyle Barnes 3:37