The West Holmes wrestling team took a 48-27 loss in a home dual meet to Indian Valley on Jan. 3, but the Knights had the advantage in head-to-head matches. The team lost 24 points due to forfeit, which led to the loss.
“I told the team before the dual, we are giving up four forfeits,” Knights wrestling head coach Scott Vaughn said in the West Holmes wrestling newsletter. “I want to look at the head to head matches and calculate the team scores according to that. 27-24 was the score without 24 points in forfeits. Indian Valley is a really good team. Someone we may potentially see on our quest to the State Duals. When we get healthy and have everyone in our line-up, I would like to see this dual happen again.”
In the 106 weight class, freshman Wyatt Crabb beat Tristan Rose by fall at 3:16. Coach Vaughn was very happy with the outcome of Crabb’s performance, which came in his first varsity start in a comeback effort.
“I was super happy for Wyatt,” Coach Vaughn said. “This is his first varsity match and he came through big time. He has a natural feel for wrestling and has only been wrestling for about a month. What a moment for him.”
Other wins included sophomore Louden Dixon beating Rowan Piccin by fall at 3:16; junior Hunter McCluggage beating Aidan Braun by a 5-3 decision; Camden McCluggage, a sophomore, pinning Quake Beatty at 3:48; and Dylan Sours beating Cadyn Riggs by fall at 1:41.
Vaughn said Dixon looked great on his feet and was dominant. He aded that Hunter McCluggage struggled in the match but was able to persevere for the win.
Camden McCluggage received the “Knight of the Night” award for his performance in front of the excited home crowd. Vaughn said he had “the match of the night”
“Unexpectedly, they bumped their 150 (Beatty) up to wrestle Cam,” Vaughn said. “Cam did a great job frustrating and slowing him down. Then, in the third period, with perfect timing, Cam hit that beautiful throw and earned the pin. This is something I've been preaching to the team. Stay in the match and you will always have a chance.”
In the JV matches sophomore Grady Hawkins beat Dwayne Hewison by a 2-0 decision.
The middle school team also competed against Indian Valley and lost 49-36, falling to 0-3. Wins included: Wade Miller in the 142 class beating Collin Swisshelm by fall at 2:46; Silas Baker beating Kash Lee by fall at 0:55 in the 150 pound class; Finn McClintock beating Gaven Thomas-Norman by fall at 0:29 in the 160 pound match; and Easton Ross defeating Mason Scheulken by fall at 1:12 in the 205 pound match.
In an extra middle school match, Liam Angle beat Brandon Lisle by fall at 1:28 in the 98 pound class.
