Palic 2nd, team 12th at Norton

By RYAN RICHTER

Staff writer

Of all the vicious meets on the Marion Warrior wrestling team’s schedule, Saturday’s J.R. Durham Invitational at Norton is about as stiff of competition there is this time of year in Class 3-2-1A.

With a few Nebraska teams in the field, along with many ranked northern Kansas teams from all classes, Norton provides a good tune-up for late February.

“I think Norton’s a bit higher than any of the tournaments we face during the regular season,” Warrior coach Tyler McMichael said. “It was tough, but we got to see some good state matchups.”

Of the 19 competing schools, Marion took 12th with 51 points, highlighted by a trio of medalists.

Class 6A Manhattan was the overall winner, topping Garden City 170.1/2-158.

In a potential preview of the 195-pound championship, 2017 runner-up and second-ranked Tyler Palic squared off against Cimarron’s top-ranked Josh Seabolt in the finals.

The 5-9 fire-hydrant Seabolt remained unbeaten on the season, outlasting Palic 5-3 for a 3-1 finish.

The two could renew acquaintances Jan. 26 at Hoisington.

The sixth-ranked 220-pound Charlie Nordquist was also 3-1 on the day, prevailing in the consolation final over Beloit’s Creighton Johnson by a 6-1 decision for third place.

Nordquist’s bid for wrestling for first was foiled by Hoxie’s top-ranked and second-place finisher Chris Cox in a 12-6 decision.

Heavyweight Jarret McLinden also secured a medal, going 3-2 for fifth place.