Triad Splits Triangular Meet
By Mark Jurgena, Reporter
The Triad wrestlers hosted their only home match of the season last Saturday against Cahokia and Belleville West.
Triad edged Cahokia 36-35 but fell to West 46-27.
“There was some good and some bad. Beating Cahokia was a good win for us because right now they’re ranked 24th in the state. We’ve developed a rivalry in the past couple of years because usually one of our teams is the team that ends up going to state from southern Illinois in Class 2A,” Witzig said
Against Cahokia, a key match toward the dual team victory was at 195 where Andrew McElligot avoided being pinned by the #2 wrestler in Illinois, Arnold Edwards. McElligot lost by technical fall but prevented the Comanches from getting an extra point due to pinfall.
“I thought him battling off his back a couple of times was something that we talked about that we all need to start doing and he actually did it which was a key in the 36-35 win,” said Witzig.
Witzig also indicated another key was at 170 lbs.
Cahokia was looking to avoid Garrett Bakarich at 152. They moved one of their best, Jaylon Strong, to 160 lbs. where Triad ended up taking a forfeit.
Witzig bumped Jordan Clines up to 170 lbs. Clines came through by pinning his Comanche opponent at the 1:43 mark for six points.
Chase Hall at 120 lbs., Bakarich at 152 lbs., Clines at 170 lbs., and Collin North at 220 lbs. all picked up two wins by pinfall.
“Three of those four have been the guys we count on all the time. But Clines came through yesterday pretty big. He was losing to the Belleville West kid by four points with under a minute left and was on his back and battled through and ended up coming back and pinning the kid,” Witzig said.
Against West, the Maroons won nine matches including five by pin.
“We just had some letdowns mentally and physically and that’s kind of been our problem all year. We haven’t got a consistent performance from 14 guys on the same day yet. If we do, we keep saying we’re going to be ok,” said Witzig.
Thomas Walsh at 285 lbs. pinned his opponent in the Cahokia dual.
Ryan Weber picked up a win in the West dual at 138 lbs. via decision.
