Grinnell sending three to state wrestling tournament

       Grinnell's Gene Blalock (285), center, is joined by Logan McDonald (126) at right and Maxwell Mintle (152)  at left, all who will compete at the Iowa High School Wrestling Tournament at Wells Fargo starting on Wednesday, Feb. 15. ​Class 2A wrestling action gets underway at 1:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

By Sean Skillern
 
      The Grinnell Tiger wrestling team traveled to Huxley on Saturday, Feb. 11 to compete in the 2A District 2 wrestling tournament to punch their ticket to state.
     Gene Blalock (285) bullied his way to the finals and upset the formerly undefeated and number 1 ranked heavyweight in 2A to secure his victory. In overtime no less! 
     Logan McDonald (126) and Maxwell Mintle (152) both lost their finals match and would have a wrestle back for true second.
    Logan won a convincing 17-4 major decision, securing runner up and punching his ticket to state for the first time in his career. 
    Maxwell overcame some adversity to win his wrestle back 9-2, joining his teammates in their trip to Wells Fargo. His second qualification of his career.
     Class 2A wrestling action gets underway at 1:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.
Fourth Place Finishers:
    Matthew Mintle (138), Alex Peiffer (138), Teylor Doty (160), and Oliver Louden (195) would all go 2-2 on the day. 
    Big Shout Out to our two seniors that ended their seasons yesterday. Oliver Louden would finish his senior year with 35 wins, while joining the 100-win club. Darren Schulte (145) a first year wrestler, never let up on the gas regardless of who stepped on the line across from him. Both tremendous kids who left a positive mark on the program.