The Algona wrestling team has had an eventful past couple of weeks, having several meets. They had a week of working hard and setting goals for the guys themselves. The boys have had ups and downs, but they manage to fix their own mistakes to make them better in the next match.
Unfortunately the boys were not able to travel to the tournament on Saturday, January 15th, at South Hardin due to weather conditions. Instead the boys enjoyed an extra day of relaxing and healing their bodies to be back, ready for action in the triangular on Tuesday, the 18th, against Rockford and Lake Mills.
The team managed to win both of these duals at home. The Dogs won against Rockford with a score of 72-6. There were many forfeits within this dual. Against Lake Mills, the Dogs won with a score of 51-24. While there were some disappointing moments, many good things happened throughout the night. One highlight for the Dogs and the crowd was the win from freshman Chance Studer. Studer states, “I loved being able to have the opportunity to do it. I appreciated the support, it meant a lot.” Overall it was a great night for the Bulldogs for sure!
On Saturday, January 22, the Bulldogs traveled to St. Edmonds for the NCC tournament. The boys had to compete against seven teams: Clarion Goldfield-Dows, Clear Lake, Hampton-Dumont, Humboldt, Iowa Falls, St. Eds, and Webster City. The Dogs did well as a team, placing 4th overall. The team had two NCC champions, senior Hayden Thompson placed 1st at 132 pounds and senior Brandon Harris also placed 1st at 152 pounds. Runner ups for the Dogs include Isaac Wilson (106), Tate Slagle (126), and Cohen Reffer (220). Ashton Moreno placed 3rd at 138. Moreno states, “It was a long day, but everyone worked hard so it was really great at the end.” Great work from the guys overall Saturday.
The Dogs were back at it again on Tuesday, the 25th, traveling to Belmond for a quad. The Dogs went up against Humboldt, West Hancock, and Belmond. The boys went 2-1, winning against West Hancock, with a score of 54-24, and Belmond, with a score of 60-18. Unfortunately the Dogs lost to Humboldt with a score of 19-43.
On Thursday, January 27th, the Dogs hosted Greene County and Garner. This was the Dogs’ last home meet. The team managed to pull away wins over both Greene County and Garner.
Starting on January 31st, the Dogs will be working harder than ever to prepare for Sectionals on Saturday February 5th.