By Craig Vonder Haar
Missourian Sports Writer
Wrestling last Saturday at the Farmington Duals, Pacific registered a 3-2 overall team record.
The Indians posted wins over DeSmet 54-9, Parkway West 56-24 and Warrenton 48-22. They suffered a 58-21 setback to Farmington and lost the third-place meet to Poplar Bluff, 39-35.
“We had a good day. Our kids wrestled pretty well. We still have some guys out with injuries,” said Pacific Head Coach Rob Schimsa. “We did better against Farmington than we have in the last couple of years. The Poplar Bluff meet could have gone either way. One more win and it could’ve been a different outcome.”
Finishing the day with 5-0 records were freshman Josh Franek (106) and junior Austin Repp (170). Franek improved to 12-1 overall on the season. Repp moved to 13-1.
“Josh beat a state qualifier from Farmington, so that was good for him. His only loss of the season came in the finals at Westminster. He’s off to a great start as a freshman,” Schimsa said. “Nobody challenged Austin. He dominated. He had one forfeit win and his four other wins came on first-period pins.”
Indians with 4-1 records on the day were Zain Mathena (113), Joe Rind (120), Jeff Miller (132), Danny Nickelson (138) and Curtis Paglusch (152).
“Zane is a freshman who saw his first varsity action of the year. His only loss was to a state medalist from last year. He has little league experience. He’s a solid kid,” Schimsa said. “Joe had another good day. We know he’s going to be solid. His only loss was against a Warrenton kid who placed sixth at state last year.
“Jeff’s loss came against Farmington in a match he was winning at the time. He should’ve won. He’ll learn from it. Danny had a good day. He’s been wrestling with the junior varsity team and stepped in and wrestled very well. His only was against Farmington. Curtis also had a good day. He got beat up a little at Westminster, but came back here and got a taste of success.”
Matthew Schimsa (126) and Jamie Myers (195) both registered 3-2 records.
Andrew Cooper (182) had a 2-3 record. Devin Somers (145) was 1-4.
“Devin is a JV kid who we took down there to fill a spot,” Schimsa said. “I was proud of the way he competed.”
Pacific was open at 160, 220 and 285.
Dalton Voyles, the Indians’ 160-pound wrestler, was sick.
Pacific wrestled Tuesday against Borgia and competes Friday and Saturday at the Raytown South Tournament.
