Staff writer
Marion High School wrestlers returned Saturday to the invitational tournament format in which they’ve excelled this season, and wrapped up the regular season with a second-place team finish at Chase County.
Brody Carroll, Colten Johnson, and Evan Slater claimed championships in their respective weight classes to lead the Warriors.
Carroll, who reached 100 career match wins faster than any wrestler in MHS history, added to his total by going undefeated Saturday.
“After today he has 108 wins as a junior, and our record is around 113,” Marion head coach Chad Adkins said.
Johnson’s victory in the finals at 160 pounds came at the expense of teammate Adam Janzen. Marion head coach Chad Adkins inserted Janzen into a vacant spot in the bracket to gain varsity experience.
“Adam’s going to be really good — he just happens to be behind one of my best kids,” Adkins said.
Eric Regnier placed second at 120 pounds. Third-place finishers included Brayden Putter at 132 pounds, and Kyle Palic at 170 pounds. Nathan Cyr placed fourth in the 195-pound class.
“We wrestled well this weekend,” Adkins said. “The kids were aggressive and working good offense. Our young kids are progressing and we keep encouraging them because getting better doesn’t always come in the form of wins.”
Marion traveled Thursday to Smoky Valley for dual matches against Hoisington, Smokey Valley, and Hillsboro.
Hoisington outgrappled the Warriors 51-24, and Smokey Valley handed Marion a second loss, 47-21. Marion picked up a convincing 59-0 win over Hillsboro.
Next up for the Warriors is the Class 3-2-1A regional tournament Friday and Saturday at Eureka.