Two KCII area wrestlers advanced out of Washington’s class 2A district on Saturday and will be competing this week at state in Des Moines.
Washington saw one individual advance to state with Brayden Hartman cracking the top two in second. The freshman had a riveting 3-1 sudden victory in his first match at 285 lbs over Columbus Community/WMU’s Seth Schurr to advance to the title round. Hartman was pinned in the title match, but 30 seconds later Schurr won his consolation match on the other mat so no wrestle back was needed. Hartman tells KCII Sports that timeframe was a whirlwind of emotions. “Even during my last match I was looking over at the other end to check the score and see what was going on. As soon as I saw a takedown and realized who won I jumped with happiness and was really excited.” The Wildcats’ also had one wrestler advance in Lane Scorpil at 106 lbs. Washington’s Jack Kleese was unable to wrestle his matches so Scorpil had a bye to the title round where he took care of business with a pin in 2:00. Scorpil is poised for the challenge that a waits this week. “I have a feeling it is going to be crazy and exciting. I have to treat it like every other tournament by wrestling my match and see what happens.”
Washington’s Brandon Dickel just missed a state appearance by placing third at 126 lbs. The senior split his first two matches and was up 5-3 in the wrestle back round when he was caught and pinned to end his run. Ayden Frazer also had a wrestle back at 160 lbs when he fell by a 4-3 decision to place third. Justin Simmering capped off his career in fourth at 138 lbs. Other Wildcat competitors included Schurr placing third at 285 lbs, Noah Freeman fourth at 170 lbs, and Chance Malone fourth at 195 lbs. Washington finished sixth in the team standings out of 11 teams with 31 points and Columbus/WMU was eighth with 28. Davenport Assumption took first with 137.5.
Hartman and Scorpil will start up state competition from Wells Fargo Arena on Thursday. Listen to KCII throughout the three days for updated results.