Wenzel turns to pinning ways

MOUNT VERNON - Matt Wenzel has gone to the well over and over again. The well hasn't dried up yet.

So, when he gets a chance to sink in a bar arm he takes advantage and it has resulted in success this season.

Wenzel pinned both of his opponents, helping Class 2A 15th-ranked Mount Vernon sweep a Wamac Conference double dual Thursday night at home. The Mustangs beat South Tama, 55-15, and Center Point Urbana, 59-17.

The Mustangs 220-pound senior didn't reach the third period in either match.

'I find it easier to wear them out in the second period, because I am not super strong compared to everybody else,” Wenzel said. 'I can usually turn them with the bar arm.

'I used to not do it much, but it seems to work efficiently for me this season. I keep going back to it.”

Wenzel has improved his turns and working on top. He still is growing into his frame, according to Mount Vernon Coach Vance Light

'He's a little deceiving,” said Light, who earned his 327th dual win. 'He's a 220-pounder but he likes to roll around like a little guy. He's done a really good job.”

Wenzel improved to 19-5 this season. He leads the Mustangs with 13 pins. The feat is impressive given it is his first full year as a starter. He said he wants to make the most of the moment as his prep career closes, hoping it ends at the state tournament.

'It wasn't a huge deal coming in,” Wenzel said. 'Now, I only have a limited amount of wrestling matches left in high school. I just want to do the best I can.”

The Mustangs (14-2) rolled, claiming 11 of 14 weights in each win. Bryce Cox (195) had two pins, Tony Garcia (126) scored a pin and technical fall. Ryan Muller had a pin and major decision at 138. Heavyweight Tristan Wirfs and Levi Wade (152) both were 2-0.

'We wrestled really well,” Light said. 'There are things to improve on and go from here.”

Even more impressive than the amount of wins was the way they were earned. Mount Vernon tallied bonus points in 20 of 22 wins, including 11 pins, five major decisions and two technical falls.

'We've talked to the kids as the season has progressed that if they are up six or seven to get the extra point,” Light said. 'Those extra points come in handy, especially in close meets. They have been doing a really good job of and working on it all year.”

South Tama split its Wamac duals, beating Center Point-Urbana, 48-27, in the opener. The Trojans were led by freshmen Tanner Probasco (113) and Colton Vest at 132. Vest recorded two falls.

The Stormin' Pointers were led by defending state champion and two time state finalist Brock Rathbun. The top-ranked 120-pounder had a pin and scored 18 points in a technical fall. Trevor Rommann had two falls at 182 for CPU. Teammate Wyatt Sadler (170) scored a decision to start the night and added a fall.

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