Washington wins season-opener over Marion in quick fashion

MARION - Cedar Rapids Washington Coach Matt Hatcher and Marion Coach Jason Haag are trying to make the most with what they have in their wrestling programs.Both face issues with fielding a full lineup, but have hope for improvements in the future.In the meantime, the Warriors and Indians opened varsity competition in the Metro Tuesday night at Marion High School. Washington won four of the seven competed weights, getting a pin from in the final match and a late major decision from Dax Dills, for a 34-33 victory over the Indians.Half the dual was decided by forfeits. Marion has only 20 wrestlers, but some are stuck at the same weight. Washington has close to 30 but the recent holiday break prevented some to be ready for competition."We have half of our team that didn't practice," Hatcher said. "They need another week before they can compete."Youth clubs are essential to building strength and depth at the varsity level. Both have had problems with feeder groups that has affected the varsity programs."The club died off for a little bit," Haag said. "We have kids in the hallway that don't know what wrestling is all about. It's hard to get them out.Haag added, "Our youth club has 80 kids, right now. Hopefully, we'll get some numbers in the future."Numerous factors come into play, according to Hatcher. The key is to keep recruiting athletes of all stages to participate. Hatcher, who is working with performance physical education classes, said he hopes he will be able to attract some of those athletes to increase numbers in the room."You still have to promote the sport," Hatcher said. "We have to do what we can."The Warriors (1-0) scored bonus points in all four wins, including a 13-2 major by Dills at 152 pounds that set up Burkle's decisive first-period fall. Patrick Reirdan (220) and Trey Schuler (132) also had pins.Dills is a defending Mississippi Valley Conference champion, who suffered an upset at districts and did not advance to state."He's a tough kid," Hatcher said. "He kind of felt the pain last year. He senses blood and wants to get after it a little more."Hatcher said Dills is strong on the mat and can get into some quirky flurries during a match. It works to his favor, which included a nearfall and almost a pin in his bout."His scrambling ability is his best attribute," Hatcher said. "He gets in some funky positions. He keeps his head up, which is good."Marion received falls from Colin Conway (138) and Jack Serbousek (160). The latter gave Marion a 33-28 lead with a match left. Miles Martens (182) opened with a decision for the Indians (0-1).Haag said he can see potential for the wrestlers he has out to progress throughout the season."I like the group I have," Haag said. "They're working their tails off."

AT MARION

C.R. Washington 34, Marion 33

182 pounds - Miles Martens (M) dec. Keelan Hale,  5-2.

195 - Noah Fox (CRW) won by forfeit; 

220 - Patrick Reirdan (CRW) pinned Kenneth Kiene, :35; 

Hwt. - Double forfeit; 

106 - Logan Sears (CRW) won by forfeit; 

113 - Double forfeit; 

120 - Wyatt Her (M) won by forfeit; 

126 - Trey Clifton (M) won by forfeit;

132 - Trey Schuler (CRW) pinned Caleb Conway, 1:25; 

138 - Colin Conway (M) pinned Matt Ackerman, :37.

145 - Brad Willimack (M) won by forfeit; 

152 - Dax Dills (CRW) major dec. Nick Kramer, 13-2;

 160 - Jack Serbousek (M) pinned Mason Gee, 1:00; 

170 - Tyler Burkle (CRW) pinned Jacob Ottaway, 1:07.