Christi Christner | Johnson Publications
Evan Nordhausen works for a pin late in the first period of his match against Neligh-Oakdale’s Griffin Claussen while getting encouragement from Wauneta-Palisade coaches Shad Weise (seated left) and Danny Schluckebier (seated, right) and teammates Colton Barrett (standing) and Willis Christner (kneeling).
Wrestlers continue to show improvement at Cambridge
The Wauneta-Palisade wrestlers stayed a little closer to home last week, traveling to Cambridge for the Fran Jorgensen Invite.
WP coach Danny Schluckebier said the team was in a great mood and excited for the day.
It showed, with team members Colton Barrett and Evan Nordhausen each picking up at least one win.
Barrett finishes fifth
Barrett led WP with a fifth place finish in the 145-pound bracket.
Barrett opened the day with a pin after recovering from an early error. Schluckebier said Barrett really dialed up his intensity.
Barrett also won his second match by pin before losing to in the championship semifinals to Elwood’s Raul Clouse by decision.
Schluckebier said Clouse was the best wrestler Barrett had faced this year.
Barrett had the lead until late in the match, but Schluckebier said Clouse got to his feet and out battled Barrett to the end.
Barrett lost the match 7-10.
In the consolation semifinals, Barrett’s match went all three periods.
Schluckebier said Barrett fought well and very quick against Elm Creek’s Xavier Perez, but got caught at the wrong moment and was taken down and couldn’t recover this time.
In his final match of the day, Barrett picked up a pin and placed fifth.
“Colton came in with great energy and started the match going toe to toe with his opponent,” Schluckebier said. “Late in the match Colton was able to roll him the right way and get the pin.
Barrett is now 5-2 on the year.
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