Shaw and Baker represent GHV at State Wrestling Tournament

Garner-Hayfield/Ventura had two qualifiers in the State Tournament and both made the most of their first appearance in Wells Fargo.  Conner Shaw finished sixth at 160-pounds and Cade Baker finished just out of the placements at 170.

“This was a huge step in the right direction for the program,” said Coach Steve Smith.  “Conner had a great tournament.  To go down there as a sophomore at 160 pounds and place is a big deal.  Cade also wrestled well and was one point away from placing.  Both will be back next year and have already set their sights higher.  The competition down there is so tough and to be able to win a couple matches was great.”

Shaw started his quest at 160 with a pin in the opening round over Blake Pruisener, of Aplington-Parkersburg.  Colton Ranney, of Central Decatur, sent Shaw into the consolation bucket with a fall in the quarterfinals, but Shaw bounced back with a major decision over Devin Harberts, of Chariton, 8-0.  In consolation round three he topped Josh Strohman, of Algona, 10-4, but was defeated in the consolation semifinals by Jake Juhl, of Independence, 9-3.  In the fifth place match he again faced Ranney and was beaten, 16-5.

Baker lost his first match to J.J. Clark, of Clarinda, by fall in 3:11, but he came back strong in the consolation rounds.  In his second match Thursday, he pinned Mason Cousins, of Central Clinton,  in 3:16.  He was eliminated from the tournament by Dylan Meister, of Denver-Tripoli, 7-6.