Cowboys win sectional, advance 10 wrestlers to districts

The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows wrestling team began what they hope will be another successful run through the postseason by taking the first step in a team win at last Saturday’s Class 2A sectional at Garner. The Cowboys piled up 256 team points, followed by Webster City with 234 points for second place. Those two teams now advance to regional dual competition for a berth at the state dual tournament in Des Moines. The rest finished like this: Humboldt 165, Algona 152, Garner-Hayfield/Ventura 129 and Forest City 123.5.

The red and black will send 10 wrestlers on to the district meet in Webster City, with five champions crowned on the day. Taking titles in their respective brackets were Connor Johnson (106), Justin Portillo (113), Josh Portillo (120), Tanner Abbas (138) and Zach Pogge (195). Getting to make the trip as well will be runner-up finishers Lucas Lienemann (126), Calen Rosenbaum (132), Brady Brott (145), Dakota Hennigar (152) and Mason Carpenter (170).

Johnson used a 9-2 win over Peterson of Algona in the finals. Justin won a 6-3 decision over Doolittle of Webster City, while brother Josh pinned Hartnett of Webster City in 2:52 for the gold. Abbas won a dominating 21-6 technical fall over Sadler of Webster City, and Pogge eased by Harris of Humboldt by a 3-2 score. Lienemann, Brott and Hennigar all advanced without need of a wrestleback match. Rosenbaum stuck Priebe of Algona in 3:42 to win his wrestleback, while Carpenter was an 8-2 winner over Olson in the wrestleback round to keep his season going.

Taking third place for the day was Sam Wigans (160), Ben Powers (182), Caden Hanson (220) and Trent McAtee (285).

For the sectional results, see the February 11 edition of hte Monitor.