Ballard tops Clear Lake grapplers, 42-27

The Clear Lake wrestling team made a long road trip to Perry Thursday night. The Lions wrestled Ballard and lost, 42-27. 

“We only had 14 meets and are allowed 15, so we were shopping around to try and get some good competition,” explained Coach Gary Weber.  “Ballard is the only team that responded, so that is how we ended up on the long road trip.”

The meet started at 170 pounds, where the Lions were forced to forfeit due to injuries to TJ Hauser and Rowdy Yates.  Logan Wilcke was moved up to 182 and came up with a close decision, earning three team points.  Ace Walton took the mat at 195 and looked very good, scoring the first takedown.  He then was caught in a headlock and pinned.  Kyle Willms was also leading when he was pinned and the meet took a sour turn.  Nate Benson took on the third ranked heavyweight in the state and fought hard but was also pinned. 

Ben Hillyer won by forfeit at 106. Brennen Doebel continued his pinning ways with a fall over a good Ballard wrestler.  Aaron Canchola was inserted into the lineup for Ryan Schmalen, who is injured and he lost by fall.  Ryan Leisure moved up to 132 and Will Kirshbaum wrestled 126 and he, too, lost by fall. 

“Ryan Leisure had a great match.  He moved up a weight against the third ranked wrestler in the state and won 8-3.  That is the type of attitude we want.  Our kids will move up for the team and to gain competition,” said Coach Weber. 

At 138, Christiano Gonzalez lost a close 6-5 match.  Spencer Orr moved up to 145 and looked very good, winning by pin. Ryan Faught moved up to 152 and won by major decision, 11-3. 

“Ryan beat a strong 152-pounder and he also looked good,” added Weber.

At 160, Brad Hillyer was just out sized and lost by fall, putting the final score at 45-27.

“We learn from every match we wrestle, so the long drive was worth the trip even though we lost,” said Weber.  “Not having a meet for two weeks would not have been good for our team. We are now ready for sectionals.”

The Lions will compete in the Sectional Tournament at Hampton beginning at noon Saturday, Feb. 7.  In addition to the host school, Algona, Forest City, Garner-Hayfield/Ventura and Iowa Falls-Alden will be in attendance.  The first and second place winners in each weight class advance to the District Tournament in Webster City Saturday, Feb. 14.  

Ballard (BALL) 45.00 

Clear Lake (CLLA) 28.00

170: Max Moulden (BALL) over   (CLLA) (For.) 182: Logan Wilcke (CLLA) over Ben Claussen (BALL) (Dec 2-1) 195: Seth Moore (BALL) over Ace Walton (CLLA) (Fall 3:49) 220: Easton Moody (BALL) over Kyle Willms (CLLA) (Fall 3:23) 285: Alex Silberstein (BALL) over Nathan Benson (CLLA) (Fall 1:55) 106: Ben Hillyer (CLLA) over   (BALL) (For.) 113: Brennen Doebel (CLLA) over Tate  Battani (BALL) (Fall 2:34) 120: Jarrett Miller (BALL) over Aaron Canchola (CLLA) (Fall 2:50) 126: Derek Wright (BALL) over Will Kirschbaum (CLLA) (Fall 3:09) 132: Ryan Leisure (CLLA) over Nathan Macki (BALL) (Dec 8-3) 138: Nick Jordan (BALL) over Christiano Gonzalez (CLLA) (Dec 6-5) 145: Spencer Orr (CLLA) over Rachel Watters (BALL) (Fall 1:59) 152: Ryan Faught (CLLA) over Kenton Brekke (BALL) (MD 14-3) 160: Will May (BALL) over Brad Hillyer (CLLA) (Fall 0:20)