Humboldt, Webster City drop CL grapplers in close duals

The Clear Lake wrestling team traveled to Humboldt Thursday night, Jan. 3, to take on Humboldt and Webster City in North Central Conference wrestling. The Lions came out on the short end of the stick in both duals, losing 34-25 to Humboldt and 39-25 to Webster City. 

“Humboldt is 14-0 and ranked in state, so we did not do that bad, but we still expect to win,” said Coach Gary Weber. 

The  Lions trailed 28-25 heading into the last match, with a chance to win the dual, but were pinned leaving the final score 34-25. 

“We are making improvements, but need to continue to work on basic fundamental wrestling if we are going to beat the top ranked wrestlers,” added Weber.

The coach did point to some bright spots in the duals. 

Connor Nosbisch beat Nico Wheeler, ranked ninth in state, 7-6.   Ryan Schmalen, Ryan Faught and Brice Wilcke all went 2-0 on the night. 

“I also felt Carson Farmer wrestled very well, pinning a State qualifier from Humboldt,” said Weber.

  The Webster City dual was 25-24 with three matches remaining, but the Lynx won all three matches to win, 39-25. 

“Spencer Orr and Sam Lakose each had big pins to give us a chance.  Obviously, Schmalen, Faught and Wilcke also wrestled well,” said Weber.  “Again, we need to work on stance, hips, movement and getting off the bottom.  We have an extremely knowledgeable coaching staff and the kids need to trust their opinions in order to improve.   It is disappointing to go 0-2, but we did face very good competition.”

WC 39, CL 25

106-Ryan Schmalen (CL) major dec. Cole Nokes, 12-2. 113-Freddie Seeley (WC) dec. Brennen Doebel, 10-8. 120-Ryan Faught (CL) dec. Gage Sadler, 16-10. 126-Spencer Orr (CL) pinned Colin Oswald, 5:29. 132-Sam Lakose (CL) pinned Tanner Hoveland, 1:44. 138-Tanner Hild (WC) dec. Carson Farmer, 9-4. 145-Jacob Powers (WC) dec. - Read More Via e-Edition