The AGWSR boys wrestling team concluded its season after having some open weight classes in dual meets. It was a thin lineup, but Head Coach James Abbas says a dual tournament on Saturday, January 11 at St. Edmond was a highlight, including a 47-36 win over Southeast Valley.
“On paper, if you looked at that duel before we went into it, I don’t think we ever should have won,” Abbas says. “There were some kids that came up key as far as winning matches, getting a fall, that made some things happen there. And that was super exciting. I remember one match in particular, Karder Brekunitch ended up pinning some kid right in front of us coaches. And it kind of sealed the deal for that meet. That was one of those days that we did well as a dual meet team. With as many open weights is that we give up, it’s tough in the dual meet competitions. And so that was fun day over there at Fort Dodge.”
The Cougars went 3-1 at that tournament.
Jariyah Bowles was a 1A state tournament qualifier at 138 pounds. He didn’t win a match at the tournament, but Abbas says the stage is set for a strong senior season.
“He wrestled really, really well towards that end of the season. He’s wrestling with maturity and we’re putting things together. Super excited for him to make it down to the state tournament again. Didn’t win a match, but he wrestled well. You can’t take anything away from him there. And we’re looking towards next season. We’re already making plans for what we need to do to make that outcome different.”
Bowles was the team’s leader in wins at 28-15. Kealain Urban, Brady Abbas and Clayton VanLoh also surpassed 20 wins.
The team went 6-17 in duals and has graduated five seniors.
