The High Plains Invitational wrestling tournament grew from humble beginnings into one of the state’s premiere out-state meets, and the 2019 version held Friday and Saturday at Central Community College in Columbus was no exception.
“What a ‘studly’ tournament. The toughest tournament in the state this weekend,” acknowledged Boone Central/Newman Grove Coach Josh Majerus. “The tournament included 21 schools, ten Top 10 teams from classes A to D, 55 total ranked wrestlers and 14 #1 ranked wrestlers. Every weight class had a wrestler ranked in the top two.
“This tournament is close to the level of a state tournament, besides having all classes put together.”
Six Cardinals entered the grueling competition, with five advancing to the second day and placing in the top eight of their respective weight classes.
“Friday, all wrestlers were put into four pools to split the top four wrestlers in each class. Those who placed in the top two of their pool qualified for the eight-man brackets Saturday,” Majerus explained. “Five of our six qualified. Gavin Dozler wrestled very tough Friday, but fell short to a two-time state champ and the #4 state-rated athlete.
“Qualifying for day two of this tournament means you are in for a dogfight. Five Cardinals placed in the top eight. Jon Merten was fourth, losing to the two top-rated kids in Class A. Dalton Rasmussen placed fifth and Tyson Haddix placed sixth, upsetting the fifth-ranked wrestler from Battle Creek. Ethan Dozler was sixth, losing close matches to rated opponents. Will Grape placed seventh.”
