W-G duo stopped shy of state tourney podium

0
2915
Woodward-Granger's Dustin Harney (right) faced off with Grinnell's Landon Kirby Friday in the second round consolations at 160 pounds.

DES MOINES — Woodward-Granger senior Riece Graham and junior Dustin Harney were both eliminated from the Class 2A State Wrestling Tournament Friday after each lost in the second round of the consolation bracket.

Graham finished his final prep season 32-12 overall. He drew Davis County’s Taylor Huggins (27-5) after the junior was pinned, in 1 minute, 19 seconds, by fourth-ranked junior Logan Arp (20-6) of South Tama in the quarterfinals.

Huggins jumped out to a quick 7-1 lead and had control of the match throughout. Graham did his best to mount an attack, but could find no easy way to score and dropped a 12-4 major decision.

Harney (41-10) was pitted against Grinnell senior Landon Kirby (28-5), who had lost a 9-2 decision to top-ranked junior Hayden Taylor (37-0) of Solon, the 2020 champion at 145 pounds.

The Hawk junior was aggressive and kept the match close but, in the end, could not overcome an early deficit in falling, 11-6.

W-G sent four wrestlers to the state tourney this year, as both 170-pound senior Jon McKeever (38-9) and 113-poound sophomore Peyton Nixon (35-8) also competed. Both were bounced after consecutive losses Thursday.

The Hawks are coached by Dave Smeltzer, with Jay Grohn, Josh Atwell and Chris Hallinan.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.