Solon’s Gage Marty aspires to cap high school wrestling career with state crown

SOLON — Gage Marty recalled how he started wrestling in third grade with the Solon Wrestling Club.

He also remembered how he looked up to high school wrestlers.

The roles were reversed when the Spartan senior wrestled in front of the youth club that was introduced before the dual against Dyersville Beckman.

“I did the same thing these kids did, running out of the tunnel,” Marty said. “I remember seeing the upperclassmen, thinking they were the best guys in the world. I’m sure these little guys appreciate that, too.”

Marty treated the youngsters to a victory at home, but the Blazers won nine matches in a 49-26 Wamac Conference dual victory Thursday night. Beckman (7-7) posted eight bonus-point wins with seven pins.

Marty improved to 23-0 with a 5-1 decision over Jason Koopman at heavyweight.

“It’s been good,” Marty said about the season. “There have been some ups and downs with sicknesses and stuff. I’ve been fighting through it. We’ve just been coming in every day and working hard.”

The two-time state medalist said it’s cool to be around the younger wrestlers. They usually approach and say hi. A few crowded the edge of the mat to watch his bout. Marty works with the youth as much as he can.

“He does a good job of giving back,” Solon Coach T.J. Bevans said. “He’s good around the little kids, giving them high-fives and stuff. It’s great to see that. That’s what we want out of this program. We want guys to give back, so kids grow up wanting to be a Solon wrestler.”

Marty has wrestled heavyweight and 220. He plans to wrestle at the lower class this weekend and is undecided what weight he will compete in the postseason.

“He moved great at heavyweight,” Bevans said. “We liked how he looked there. He wants to give it a shot and go down there.”

Beckman opened the dual with pins by Levi Feldman (195) and Owen Huehnergarth at 220 pounds, setting up the pairing of state qualifiers. Marty controlled the entire match, scoring a takedown in the first, escape in the second and a two-point nearfall off a tilt in the third.

“I started off slow,” Marty said. “I kind of got it going in the end. I was a little rusty. This weekend, I’ll get back in that groove.”

The last two seasons have ended on the state podium, placing sixth and seventh. Marty has worked on a go-to shot and conditioning. The hope is for the second-ranked 220-pounder to finish atop that awards stand.

“My ultimate goal is to be a state champ,” Marty said. “I’ve been coming in and working to get in the best shape I can. I know how to wrestle. I think I know what I’m good at. I just need to get in the best shape I can to execute everything I’m good at.”

Beckman continued to stockpile pins, overcoming three forfeits. Jake Schmidt (106) and Shawn Brunsman at 113 notched pins for a 24-3 Blazers lead. Nick Schmidt (126), Alex Hageman (145) and 160-pounder Conner Grover added falls for Beckman. The Blazers’ Ryan Funke capped the meet with a 10-2 major decision over Dade Altman.

Freshman Charlie Karam provided bonus points for Solon (3-6). Karam used three takedowns and 11 nearfall points for a 17-0 technical fall over Riley White.

Solon also held a girls’ dual with Anamosa. The Spartans won five of nine bouts. Solon’s Safina Yermetova and Anamosa’s Ava Scranton both went 2-0. The Spartans’ Maddy Hoyle and the Raiders’ Emily Waters and Maggie Wagner were 1-0. Bella Feaker and Olivia Bonnema added wins for Solon.

AT SOLON

Dyersville Beckman 49, Solon 26

(Individual takedowns in parentheses)

195 pounds – Levi Feldman (DB) pinned Trevor Meyers, 3:55 (2,0); 220 – Owen Huehnergarth (DB) pinned Braydon Hoffman, 1:15 (1,0); Hwt. – Gage Marty (S) dec. Jason Koopman, 5-1 (1,0); 106 – Jake Schmidt (DB) pinned Evan Burg, 1:33 (1,0); 113 – Shawn Brunsman (DB) pinned Kyler Jessup, 4:19 (2,1); 120 – Lawson Sinnwell (S) won by forfeit; 126 – Nick Schmidt (DB) pinned Jordan Schmidt, 4:20 (0,1); 132 – Charlie Karam (S) tech. fall Riley White, 17-0 (3,0); 138 – Cole Carney (S) won by forfeit; 145 – Alex Hageman (DB) pinned Jackson Feuerbach, 3:35 (2,0); 152 – Ryan Schlarmann (DB) dec. Kaden Lamm, 3-2 (0,0); 160 – Conner Grover (DB) pinned David Karam, 3:29 (1,0); 170 – Lucas Kampman (S) won by forfeit; 182 – Ryan Funke (DB) major dec. Dade Altman, 10-2 (2,0).

MEET STATISTICS

Takedowns – Beckman 11, Solon 6. Reversals – Beckman 3, Solon 0. Escapes – Beckman 3, Solon 5. Nearfall points – Beckman 16, Solon 13. Penalty points (awarded) – Beckman 3, Solon 2. Total match points – Beckman 50, Solon 32.

GIRLS RESULTS

SOLON VS. ANAMOSA

Safina Yermetova (S) dec. Emily Myer, 8-1; Bella Feaker (S) pinned Kinzy Parton, :44; Ava Scranton (A) pinned Cheyenne Mulford, 1:34; Olivia Bonnema (S) dec. Bree Brophy, 5-4; Emily Waters (A) pinned Addison Burden, :37.

Maddy Hoyle (S) pinned Myer, :17; Yermetova (S) pinned Parton, 3:34; Scranton (A) dec. Feaker, 7-3; Maggie Wagner (A) pinned Bonnema, 1:18.