by Kinsey Phipps

PCM knew what was on the line as the wrestlers loaded the bus on Dec. 8 for their first conference duals of the season. The varsity grapplers headed to North Polk High School to face the Comets and the Nevada Cubs. PCM prevailed as they won against North Polk, 54-18, and Nevada fell to the ‘Stangs, 51-22.

“We are going to push each other harder and harder everyday in the wrestling room. I am going to work harder everyday and focus on the main goal. That goal is to get to Wells Fargo Arena in February,” sophomore Jarron Trausch said.

The first head-to-head dual was against North Polk. The ‘Stangs came out hot, raking in 10 victories and winning 54-18. Among those victories were five pins, three forfeits and two decisions in PCM’s favor. Among the pins was senior Xavier Miller, juniors Drew Johnson and Chase Shirk, sophomore Wes Cummings and freshman Payton Drake. All pins were in the first period. Seniors Leevi Telfer and Chace Palm won by decision, scoring 7-2 and 6-1, respectively.

“I felt like we wrestled well. We get a good workout in, so we are prepared for our matches, Drake said. “I want to make it to State as a freshman. I’m going to work hard in practice. I’m going to take control in matches and do what I know how to do.”

The next and final dual of the night was against Nevada. The Mustangs stampeded over the Cubs in victory with a score of 51-22. PCM had nine victories including seven falls, one decision and one forfeit. Among the pins were Miller, Palm, Cummings, Van Wyk, Trausch, Drake and senior Clayton Welch. Sophomore Dalton Schlangen won by decision.

Watch out for the PCM varsity grapplers as they battle for the Heart of Iowa Conference dual championship this season.

Trausch said, “We pushed each other. We are more than a team, we are a family.”