WMS wrestlers open season

The Washington Middle School wrestling team has been busy to start its season, already taking part in two meets this season.

On Nov. 23, the Demons took on Burlington and Mt. Pleasant, and on a night that featured multiple athletes wrestling their first career match, the Demons came away with a 10-19 record, recording nine pins on the night.

Dillan Sanders, Nathan Beenblossom and Brody Wagner each picked up two victories at the Burlington meet, while Justin Simmering, Matt Collett, Brandon Dickel and Jadon Crawford each earned a victory.

The Demons then traveled to Fort Madison for matches against the Bloodhounds, Keokuk and Fairfield on Tuesday. The team improved on its first meet, by posting a 17-12 record on the night, claiming 10 pins.

Simmering, Collett, Dickel, Joseph Labelle and Joseph Schrock each had two victories on the night, while Sanders, Beenblossom, Crawford, Ori Henricksen and Bryan Martin each earned a victory.

?I could see some of the new wrestlers were a little surprised by how physical and fast a wrestling match is,? Washington Middle School wrestling coach Shawn Ellingson said. ?You could see the newer wrestlers pick up their pace (on Tuesday) and take the match to their opponent; that will win a lot of matches for a kid.?

Washington will have a meet at Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday, before hosting a meet the next week.