A series of duals opened the 2020-21 season for the Seward wrestlers.
SHS was to host York and Norris in a triangular Dec. 10, but because Lancaster County delayed the start of youth sports, Norris was unable to participate. So the Jays hosted the Dukes and lost 57-24.
“We have a lot of new, young kids,” SHS Coach Bob Core said. “I thought we wrestled alright.”
Seward was open at four weight classes, giving York 24 points. Cash Duncan pinned his opponent, as did Conner Rosendale and Mason Bisbee.
Core said Nolan Hill wrestled a tough match against a state qualifier at 182 pounds. Freshman Xander Foulk wrestled a returning state medalist and did well, Core said.
“It was not bad for what we have,” the coach said.
Eight Bluejays wrestled in a dual tournament at Cozad Dec. 5 and, although they didn’t win any duals, Core said they wrestled well again, with everyone winning at least one match.
“You’re probably not going to win a lot of duals with just eight guys,” he said.
Duncan was 5-0 on the day with four pins at 120 pounds. Conner Rosendale was 4-1 at 138 pounds, and Boone Duncan went 3-2 at 160 pounds.
Core said the Jays are still using their descent plans to get to their final competition weights, and that should be done after Christmas. Some wrestlers will move to other weight classes to fill in those gaps, he said.
“We will be better after Christmas,” Core said.
The Jays are scheduled to host Milford and Centennial in a triangular Thursday, Dec. 10, starting at 6 p.m. Seward will wrestle Milford first, then Milford will wrestle Centennial. The Jays and Broncos will finish off the evening.
Seward will compete in Crete Saturday, Dec. 12, with matches starting at 9 a.m. The tournament has been divided over two locations, and fans will be limited.
“Every day we get to practice is a blessing,” Core said. “We’ll take it week by week.”
The team will be back at work this week fixing problems brought to light in last week’s competitions.
“We’ll keep getting better,” Core said.
