Clipper wrestling wins ECNC tournament

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Gavin Zoucha knows that it takes more than just a few factors to be an elite wrestler. Not only does it take strength and athleticism, a solid work ethic and a sharp mind are also key. Throw in an extra dose of determination and you have Class C’s top-ranked 160-pounder.

The Malcolm junior was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Jan. 30 Raymond Central Invite that included wrestlers from some of the best programs in Classes A, B and C.

“Getting that recognition showed me that other people are beginning to realize my potential,” Zoucha said. “I’ve competed with the best in the state and done pretty well.

“I appreciate the recognition as it shows me all of my hard work and dedication is beginning to pay off.”

Zoucha went 2-0 on the day, including a 9-2 decision in the gold medal match over Jarrett Koch of Beatrice who is currently ranked No. 4 in Class B.

“Beatrice is a legit program,” Malcolm head coach Matt Coufal said. “They’re the top-ranked team in Class B and they wrestle a tough schedule during the season.”

The successful day at Raymond Central happened just hours after Zoucha won the gold medal at the East Central Nebraska Conference meet on Jan. 29 in Malcolm by going 2-0 and avenging an earlier loss to Freeman’s Brody Dickinson to claim the title. Zoucha dominated the match with an 18-3 tech fall.

“Gavin had his way with him this time,” Coufal said. “He just wore him down, both physically and mentally, and really had his way with him.”

The Malcolm grappler has his eyes set on a spot at the top of the medal stand at the CHI Center Omaha at the Feb. 20 NSAA State Championships.

“Before the season started, I had one goal: a state title,” Zoucha said. “I just have to stay focused and motivated. I don’t see any reason for me to fall short of where I want to be.”

It was also a good weekend for Kale Nordmeyer who averaged just 83 seconds on the mat as he earned six pins in two days to claim gold at 285 pounds at Raymond Central and the conference meet. Nordmeyer’s pin over Zachary Burr of Syracuse in the championship match at Raymond Central took just 1:32.

“That’s what happens when you follow the game plan,” Coufal said. “We work on things everyday in practice and when we actually apply them to our matches, good things happen.”

Zoucha and Nordmeyer were joined by Zane Zoucha (120), Josh Stewart (170) and Caleb Courter (182) as conference champions as they helped the Clippers to their second straight ECNC title. Malcolm scored 147.5 points. Auburn was second with 123.5.

If there were was an endurance award to give out, it would have gone to Josh Stewart. The 170-pound junior wrestled five times on his way to gold with four of those matches going a full three periods. His lone pin came with 24 seconds to go in his match against his teammate, Cooper Witte.

The Clippers enter the postseason this weekend with a trip to Aquinas Catholic to compete in Friday’s C3-A subdistrict.

“We think our subdistrict and the district the next week are probably the toughest in Class C,” Coufal said. “That being said, I think we should be able to get at least six or seven wrestlers on to the district round next week.

“Maybe more if some of our younger, less experienced wrestlers keep improving and get some upsets.”