SPARTA — The host Highland Scots wrestling team easily won Wednesday’s tri-match against Centerburg and Harvest Prep. With the win, the Scots showed that they are a force to be reckoned with against an old backyard rival.
After knocking off Harvest Prep, 42-18, the Scots pinned seven Trojans en route to a 63-15 victory.
“We had four starters out with injury, so tonight was not what I expected,” said Centerburg coach Mike Linkenhoeker. “It’s tough with the experience (Highland) has and our four starters out. It’s really hard for me to judge how we fared.”
Highland was dominant, despite their youth, as they manhandled both opponents.
“Our team is young,” said Highland coach Adam Gilmore. “We have a lot of first-year wrestlers. They’re improving; we’re seeing the technique developing, so it will take time. Centerburg has the same thing going. Fortunately, we have a few experienced veterans — guys that wrestled in middle school, guys that are sophomores and juniors — who are really helping us.”
The Trojans will take this as a learning experience for their younger wrestlers.
“They showed me some good things,” said Linkenhoeker. “I also saw some things that we are going to have to work on.”
Gilmore liked what he saw from his Scots.
Mike Sheppard, Artie McAndrew, Cody Kucera, Billy O’Keefe, Skylar Wiggand, Austin Kucera and Andrew Brinson all recorded pins for Highland against the Trojans.
“They’re giving me everything they’ve got,” said Gilmore. “There was pressure there. They were excited; nerves were there. They did a good job and we’re looking for them to improve. Everything will make more sense as we practice.”
The Trojans even managed a few highlights.
“Rhett Henser had a good match,” said Linkenhoeker. “It was a good run for him. Justin Keys had a good win. We got a couple of decent wins against Harvest Prep. It’s good for the young guys to get some experience.”
The Trojans lost to both opponents but, even in defeat, Damien Thelman had the Trojans’ only pin of a Highland wrestler, while Jimmy Alexander was also impressive for Centerburg.
“Jimmy looked pretty good,” said Linkenhoeker. “It’s turned into a bit of a rivalry with he and (Highland’s Jordan) Ammens. He beat him once last year and lost to him this year.”
“A lot of our first-year wrestlers got the jitters out,” said Gilmore. “They went all out and that’s what I like to see. We have a long way to go, but it’s a start. With that, I like what I saw. The team camaraderie was high. We’re developing that camaraderie that we need to sustain the team through the year.”
Highland will host the Highland Invitational on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m.
