DES MOINES — Class 2A second-ranked senior Kaleb Olejniczak (45-2) suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss to top-rated junior Jack Thomsen (46-0) of LaPorte City Union in the semifinals of the state wrestling tournament Friday.
Olejniczak had a 1-0 lead after the second period, with Thomsen tying the match in the third. Both wrestlers launched repeated attacks against the other, but each time strong defense or the edge of the circle stopped points from being scored.
Eventually Thomsen caught Olejniczak with roughly 15 seconds remaining in the first overtime, and scored a take down on the edge of the ring for a 3-1 victory, denying the Bluejay standout a return to the finals (he was second at 126 in 3A last season).
Olejniczak had advanced to the semifinals with a 7-3 decision over seventh-ranked freshman Jadyn Peyton (38-8). He will now face Vinton-Shellsburg senior Luke Radeke (44-4) in the consolation semifinals at 10 a.m. Saturday and can finish anywhere from 3-6 in his final prep campaign. Peyton will face Columbus Community senior and third-rated senior Jared Kadel (41-1) in the other consolation semifinal.
Nelson was eliminated by a foe he has seen several times on the mat in the past few weeks, Webster City freshman Camron Phetxoumphone (38-5), who recorded a 12-0 major decision. The Bluejay frosh ends an outstanding initial prep season with a 35-15 mark for head coach Mark Weber’s team.
