Nelson takes first at MCAA meet
In its first ever Mid-Central Activities Association tournament, Marion High School finished in sixth place.
"We did OK," head coach Chad Adkins said. "But we should have won some more matches."
Junior Casey Nelson took first in the 152-lb. weight class, winning both of his matches.
His two victories put him at 26-6 on the season, and have him peaking at the right time.
Five other wrestlers placed at the meet. Senior Chris Freeby placed second in the 171-lb. class, and junior Adam Depler also took second place in the 189-lb. class.
Senior Chelsea Arnhold won three of four matches, losing to Jake Coney from Smoky Valley whom she had beaten twice before, to take third place at 112.
The final two wrestlers to place were freshman Charlie Holub and sophomore Ben Leppke.
Holub, went 2-2 and took fourth place to improve his record to 12-4 in his rookie campaign.
Leppke, despite blowing a 13-2 lead only to get pinned in his final match, impressed coaches with his fourth place finish. He recorded only three varsity victories during the regular season, yet Saturday he went 2-2.
As a team Marion went 12-13 and finished just six points behind fifth-place finisher Hesston.
Marion will compete at regionals this weekend at Onaga High School.
Adkins thinks there could be as many as five wrestlers making it through regionals and on to the state tournament, but knows it will not be easy.
"We don't have anybody who has an easy run through the thing," Adkins said. "There is no room for mistakes."
The top four wrestlers from each weight class will move on to Hays to compete in the state tournament Feb. 25-26.
