Log in

Eagles runner-up in two tourneys

Posted
by Stephanie Croston, scroston@sewardindependent.com

Runner-up was the place to be for the Milford wrestling team last week. The Eagles finished in that position at both tournaments they competed in.

MHS was at Axtell Dec. 12, an opportunity to see teams from out west it doesn’t see in the regular season.

“It gives us some good looks,” Coach Joe Schluckebier said.

The team title came down to the last match. Milford finished 2.5 points behind champion Burwell. Each team had five individual champs.

“It came down to who came through the back half best,” Schluckebier said.

Milford had seven wrestlers in the finals. Cooper Rea (132), Conner Kohout (138), Sean Stanton (144), Hunter Dickinson (157) and Garrett Schoen (285) won their weights.

Kellen Lovitt (106) and Quinn Zegers (113) finished second, with Jonny Kohout (120) and Cory Langenberg (150) placing third, and Brodie Roth (190) ending fourth.

“It was a test of toughness, and we took a step,” Schluckebier said. “We are one of the teams that keep getting better throughout the year.”

He said the tournament gave the Eagles areas to work on.

The team was back on the mat Dec. 16 at Logan View and finished behind Broken Bow, one of the best teams in the state.

Milford brought home three gold medals, with Zegers, Conner Kohout and Stanton winning their weights. Dickinson and Schoen were third, and Lovitt, Jonny Kohout and Rea were fourth.

“We had a good performance at Logan View,” Schluckebier said.

He said Conner Kohout and Stanton are wrestling at a really high level right now.

“These are guys who feed off each other,” the coach said. “It’s a really fun group. The freshmen have come in with a great attitude. They work hard and set the tone.”

The Eagles will finish the pre-Christmas schedule with a home dual Thursday, Dec. 21, against Syracuse and David City. Matches start at 5:30 p.m.

“Syracuse is on the rise, and David City is always tough,” Schluckebier said. “It will be a fun one. Syracuse was at Logan View, and David City does not want to lose to us.”

He said the night’s results will be key to the Eagles possibly making the state duals in February.

County triangular (from Dec. 13 edition)

In a battle for county wrestling bragging rights, the Milford Eagles swept Centennial and Seward Dec. 7, winning the county triangular for the fifth consecutive year.

“That’s a real source of pride,” MHS Coach Joe Schluckebier said. “We’re all familiar with each other. We didn’t match up real well in places, but we’re deep enough we were able to pull off the win.”

Milford topped Centennial 47-28 and Seward 45-30.

Schluckebier said he was hoping to see Jarrett Dodson of CHS and Connor Kohout of MHS wrestle each other. However, as happens in duals, wrestlers moved weights and Dodson faced Sean Stanton in a rematch from Friend Dec. 2. Schluckebier said Stanton didn’t match Dodson’s intensity, and the Bronco senior got the win 4-2 in overtime.

Schluckebier said there were some good matches against Seward, including Jax Hansen edging Kaydon Mueller 8-7 at 126 pounds.

Milford was also at the Crete Invitational Dec. 9. Milford finished seventh in the team standings.

“That’s always a tough invite,” Schluckebier said. “It’s a good early season test for us. We get to see top-level competition.

“In eight years doing this (coaching), and 10 to 12 I can remember, I can count the number of champs from Milford on one hand.”

Milford had seven wrestlers in the semifinals but only one was able to advance to the championship.

“It spiraled for us,” Schluckebier said. “We should’ve put three to four in the finals.”

Stanton was the only Eagle to advance to the finals, and he lost to Tristan Burbach of Central City by pin to finish second at 144 pounds.

Kohout picked up third at 138 pounds, going 3-1 with two pins and his only loss to Iverson Mejia of Wilber-Clatonia in the semifinals.

“Connor had a good tournament,” Schluckebier said.

Kellen Lovitt (106), Quinn Zegers (113) and Hunter Dickinson (157) all finished fourth in their weight classes. Cooper Rea (132) and Garrett Schoen (285) placed fifth.

Other items that may interest you

CM falls to Bluejays, Bears

Eagles better marks at home meet

Carter breaks two minutes, school record

Five Eagles fly to state

© Copyright 2024 The Milford Times
Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions