Harrison Central wrestlers earn multiple podium finishes at Wayne Invitational

Harrison Central’s wrestling team turned in a strong performance over the weekend at Smithville’s Wayne Invitational Tournament near Akron.

“The coaches are extremely proud of all the wrestlers and mat stats for the weekend’s performance,” Coach Bill Bryant said.

Aiden Hensley, wrestling at 120 pounds, took the top podium spot and brought home a first-place trophy after going 5-0.

Jakob Kreptowski placed sixth at 132, and Andrew Cox finished fourth at 138. In the 144-pound class, Brody McCabe took fifth. Brennan Engstrom earned fourth at 157, Cael Bryant placed sixth at 165 and Jaden Harris finished third at 190.

Overall, the Huskies placed seventh as a team.

“Overall individual records combined were 31-22 — not bad for how young we are,” Bryant said. “You think about it, we only had three wrestlers compete today who had more than two years of experience. Again, super proud of them all.”

The Huskies will face Buckeye Local Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Buckeye Local.

The junior high team also competed this week, wrestling Dec. 6 at the Buckeye Local Tournament in Rayland.

“I am very pleased. It was an outstanding performance by our kids. As a team we were in first place for more than half the tournament,” junior high head coach Drew Case said.

The team finished fifth out of 22 squads.

Junior high placers were Nelson Lan, second; Isaiah Gotschall, third; Bentley Manbeck, third; Rage Moreland, fourth; Kyle Atkins, fifth; Lavon Sturgeon, fifth; Landon Cummings, fifth; and Logan Stephens, sixth.

The junior high Huskies will also face Buckeye Local on Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in Rayland.