Falls City High scored 72 points and placed sixth as a team at the Auburn Invitational, held Dec. 21. The Tigers medaled four wrestlers, with two taking home first place medals.
Chase Thompson, a 182-pound senior, and junior heavyweight Jeremy Zimmerman fought their way to the top spot on the podium after winning their respective weight classes. Junior Morgen Valentine (145) reached the finals, but was unable to upset Bellevue’s fourth-ranked Jake Gardner in championship. Justin Ernst took home his first medal of the season, as the 152-pound junior placed fourth. Ernst earned a pin in the wrestle-backs to reach the medal round. Freshmen Brody Smith, Deven Nycum and Dalton Kennel scored points with victories for the Tigers, but were unable to reach the medal stand.
The Tiger wrestlers do not return to the mats until January 10 when they travel to Ashland-Greenwood and head coach Ernie Valentine said the team will need to use this time to improve fundamental skills and he hopes his wrestlers settle into their permanent weight classes after the break, which should make them more competitive the second half of the season.
TEAM STANDINGS
Norris 160.5
C. Bluffs Abraham Lincoln (IA) 149
Bellevue West 138.5
Auburn 131.5
Thayer Central 74.5
Falls City 72
Fairbury 52
Omaha Roncalli 35.5
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