Local Sports

CGD dominates their way to regional dual victory

The #2 (2A) Clarion-Goldfield-Dows boys wrestling team rolled its way to a second consecutive dual team state tournament appearance by winning Tuesday’s regional dual at home on 104.9 KLMJ. In a North Central Conference rematch, they defeated #20 (2A) Humboldt 70-9 in the regional final after the Wildcats dispatched #19 (2A) Denver 37-32 in the semifinal.

Only one of the first eight matches reached the second period as the Cowboys came out on fire with several pins and tech falls. With the result decided, Humboldt forfeited four weight classes and won two matches near the end. Those getting pins for the Cowboys included Cole Wibholm at 106, Paxton Redenius at 120, Adrian Phetxoumphone at 126, Linden Phetxoumphone at 132, Reed Campbell at 144 and Dawson Beyer at 150. Estuardo Lopez at 113 and Ryan Hartwig at 138 each won by tech fall. Head Coach Cory Yoder says it’s simply another step toward the goal of a state championship.

“Now we’re down to three,” Yoder says. “We got out to a big lead. I didn’t think they would give up that many forfeits to us, even though we were ahead 40-0 right off the bat. But I’ve got to give our kids credit. They were ready to go tonight and it showed in those first five, six matches, all pins in the first period of or tech fall. So great job by our young men tonight. I’ll give a lot of credit to Reed Campbell at 144. He came out, finally got down to weight, looked great tonight. And he’s finally finding his stride. He looks real good.”

Yoder says the top of the lineup sets the tone.

“Cole Wibholm has been on fire, Estuardo Lopez has come a long way. The young man wasn’t out last year, look how far he’s come. Then we have our good guys, Paxton Redenius. Then we have Adrian, then we have Linden, then we have Ryan. All those guys are state qualifiers, state’s place finishers. Then you throw in an AAU state champ in Reed Campbell that jumps in there too. Then you have Dawson Beyer. Then you go to uh Colin Sesker, Ryland Morgan and Easton Beyer. That’s murderers row right there. Those are some very, very good wrestlers, and we’re really dominant in that area right now and it’s showing.”