Photo courtesy of the Washington Matbackers.

It was another program-best finish for the No. 6 Washington Demon wrestling team. As heard live on AM/FM KCII and KCIIRadio.com the Demons closed their season at the Class 2A state dual tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Washington, who placed sixth at last year’s state tournament, finished in fourth place.

The Demons opened the event in the quarterfinals against the No. 3 Atlantic/CAM Trojans (19-1). Washington recorded three pinfalls, two technical falls, a major decision, and a decision to hand Atlantic/CAM their first loss of the season, 35-31. The lead changed hands three separate times. Trailing 15-0 entering the fourth match, Alex Latcham (132) scored Washington’s first points of the dual via a pinfalls 4:42 into his grapple. Washington won the next four matches including technical falls by Austin Hazlet (145) and Tristin Westphal-Edwards (160), a major decision by Trey Van Weelden (152), and a pinfall by Andrew Waite (138) to take a 26-15 advantage. With the fall, Waite set the school record for single-season pinfall victories. Atlantic/CAM responded with a pinfall, a major decision, and a decision in the next three match to regain the lead, 28-26. Washington tallied a pinfall from Karlton Skubal (220) and a 7-2 decision win by Walker Ikerd (106) to propel the Demons into the semifinals.

Washington faced off against the Solon Spartans (27-1) for a spot in the title match. The Spartans won the first 11 matches to run away with a 55-12 victory. Washington scored a pinfall from Mitchell Huisenga (285) and a win by forfeit. The loss dropped the Demons into the consolation match.

Washington battled for third place against the Davenport Assumption Knights (15-5). Washington, who beat Assumption 33-30 in December, lost the rematch, 40-25. The Demons scored points on two pinfalls, a major decision, and a decision. Washington won three of the first five matches, alternating wins with Assumption through the first four matches. Washington held a 16-9 lead five matches into the dual due to pinfall for Latcham (132; 3:44) and Hazelett (145; 0:41) and a 10-0 major decision win by Trey Van Weelden (152). Assumption won the next seven matches, featuring two decisions, a major decision, a pinfall, an injury technical forfeit, and a forfeit to take a 40-16 lead. After a 5-0 decision win for Walker Ikerd (113), Assumption closed the dual with a forfeit.

Washington closed the dual season with a 29-3 overall record. Five Demon wrestlers are staying in Des Moines to compete in the Class 2A Individual State Wrestling Tournament. They include Kyle Anderson (126), Hazelett (145), Van Weelden (152), Westphal-Edwards (160), and Skubal (195). First matches are set for 6 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.