Independence tops Mount Vernon to return to State Duals

INDEPENDENCE - Independence is in seventh heaven.

The prize is another trip to Des Moines.

The fourth-ranked Mustangs defeated No. 11 Mount Vernon, 36-21, in a Class 2A regional dual final last night at Independence High School. The win notched Independence's seventh trip to the Iowa High School Athletic Association State Dual wrestling tournament, including each of the last two years.

'The kids have worked hard this year,” Independence Coach Michael Doyle said. 'It is a reward for their hard work.”

Independence (18-5) took control in the second half of the dual, winning six straight bouts. Logan Williams provided a little breathing room for Independence late.

Williams trailed Sam Moore in the second period, turning a reversal into a pin in 3:29. Once he came out on top, Williams was focused on earning bonus points.

'I just stayed in good position and tried to take advantage of his mistake,” Williams said. 'I just wanted to hold him down and get the pin for the team. It's all about the team.”

Independence clung to a 24-18 lead before that match. Williams swung momentum into Independence's favor with a 12-point edge with three matches remaining.

The dual was a roller coaster of emotion for Doyle. He admitted it was nerve-racking, but his wrestlers did what they had to do.

'We have some kids that look awesome and sometimes you hold your breath,” Doyle said. 'We saw that (Tuesday).

'Luckily we were able to come out on top of it.”

The key fall came in the middle of a six-match win streak that was sparked by top-ranked Chase Straw's technical fall at 152. His win pulled Independence within one point before Jake Juhl's decision at 160 gave Indee a lead for good at 20-18.

Independence produced bonus points in five matches, receiving a fall from Mitch Evens (120), a major decision from Nick Holt at 170 and a forfeit for 132-pounder Andrue Wright.

Independence was third a year ago and has had its sights set on returning with a more experienced lineup this season.

'That was our goal at the beginning of the year,” Doyle said. 'We felt we had a team that could do that.”

Mount Vernon Coach Vance Light said the final score did not indicate the competitiveness of the dual. Mount Vernon (19-3) was missing a starter due to injury and suffered a couple bad breaks.

'I thought we wrestled well,” Light said. 'It's hard to give a good team six points and win.”

Jake Durgin (113) had a fall for Mount Vernon. Liam Conroy (106), Tony Garcia (126), Ryan Muller (138), Charlie Engelbrecht (145) and heavyweight Tristan Wirfs added decisions.

Neither team struggled in the semifinals. Independence handled Vinton-Shellsburg, 62-9. Mount Vernon opened with three straight pins against Grinnell and never looked back for a 61-16 win.

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