The Baxter boys wrestling team showcased impressive performances at two recent tournaments, securing notable placements against strong competition. The team competed at the Ron Dodd Viking Invitational in Northwood on December 9, 2023, finishing eighth in a field of ten teams.
Kinnick Poage emerged as a standout, claiming the runner-up position in the 113-pound category. His performance included a strong record of 4-1 for the day, with four victories coming by way of pinfall. Poage’s only setback occurred in his first match, where he was leading 3-2 before being pinned. His overall season record now stands at 12-2.
Ruger Kincaid also had a commendable outing, finishing third in the 190-pound category. Although he lost his opening match 20-9, Kincaid bounced back emphatically with three consecutive pins, demonstrating his resilience. His final pin came while he was leading 14-1, bringing his season record to 8-3. Additionally, Lincoln Russell represented the Bolts at 120 pounds, securing a fifth-place finish with a 2-2 record that included two pins.
The tournament was dominated by out-of-state teams, with Dover-Eyota taking the title with 215 points, narrowly edging Westfield at 208 points. Highland, Central Springs, and the host Northwood-Kensett rounded out the top five.
Strong Showings at Montezuma Invitational
On December 12, the Bolts faced off again at the Montezuma Invitational, where Poage, Kincaid, and Maddox Peters combined for an impressive 7-3 record on the mat, with all three wrestlers finishing in the top three of their respective weight classes.
Bondurant-Farrar claimed the tournament championship with 305.5 points, while Norwalk’s junior varsity team followed in second place with 155 points. The remaining competitors included Montezuma, Cedar Rapids Washington, and Knoxville, among others.
Poage continued to impress in the 106-pound category, finishing second with a 2-1 record, both victories achieved by pinfall in under 1 minute and 50 seconds. Maddox Peters, competing at 175 pounds, also secured second place, going 2-1 with both wins coming from quick pins, totaling less than three minutes of mat time.
Kincaid excelled at 215 pounds, finishing with a 3-1 record that featured three pins, including a rapid fall in just 42 seconds during his first match. His sole loss was to Braxton Plants, ranked second in Class 1A. Sam Wilhelm added to the Bolts’ efforts with a fourth-place finish at 190 pounds, concluding his day with a 1-2 record.
Russell, who competed at 120 pounds, had to medically forfeit his two matches.
The performances of the Bolts wrestlers at both tournaments highlight their growth and determination as they aim to build on their successes in the coming matches.
