By: Dana Becker
Messenger Sports Staff
MIAMI, Okla. — The Iowa Central wrestling team moved into the championship bracket here Friday at the NJCAA Coaches Duals.
The Tritons will take on Northeastern JC on Saturday at 9 a.m. The eight-team field includes Carl Albert State, Southwestern Oregon, Northeast Oklahoma, North Idaho, Triton and Northwest.
Semifinals are scheduled for noon with placement matches taking place shortly after.
During pool duals, Iowa Central took care of Neosho, 45-3, Cowley, 36-12 and North Idaho, 25-15, to place first.
"I thought we did a lot of good things," ICCC head coach Luke Moffitt said. "We really pushed them hard during the break and I thought they responded. It's been a while since we last competed, so we had to shake some rust off."
Former Fort Dodge Senior High standouts Lane and Brooks Cowell combined for five wins, while Humboldt grad Colten Goodell went 2-0.
Lane Cowell was 3-0 with a pair of decisions and a forfeit, while Brooks Cowell went 2-1 with a pin and a decision. Goodell had a fall and a decision.
"Lane and Brooks really had good days," Moffitt said. "And Colten wrestled well. We were able to mix in some other kids and give them matches, too, which was important."
Matt Sarbo were each Andrew Gamble 3-0 with Caleb Nadig, Nathan Napolitano and Phil Smith Jr. each winning twice. Rives Hargis, Colten McElliott and Quentin Saunders each won a match.
Last year, Iowa Central was third here, falling to Clackamas in the semifinals before besting North Idaho for the bronze title. Clackamas went on to defeat Western Wyoming for gold.
Clackamas, ranked No. 1, was knocked into the consolation bracket on Friday, as they will face Ellsworth. Second-rated Western Wyoming will also compete there.
- Northeast Oklahoma and Triton are both ranked fifth, with North Idaho seventh. Northeastern is 12th, Carl Albert State is tied for 15th and the Tritons are 23rd.