COLUMBUS — The Centerburg Trojans
wrestlers took a big step toward postseason tournament time with their best-ever
finish at the St. Charles tournament in Columbus on Saturday night.
The Trojans placed third in a field of 17 teams, finishing with 180 points. Only
Amanda Clearcreek (206.5) and Worthington Kilbourne (182), who placed first and
second, fared better than Centerburg. Host St. Charles (150.5) was fourth, finishing
well ahead of fifth-place Newark (136.5).
“We have gotten better in three years going to this tournament,” said
Centerburg wrestling coach Mike Linkenhoker, whose team placed seventh the first
time they went to St. Charles and fifth two years ago. “Last year we were
snowed out and this year, we bounced up there and brought home a team trophy.
We finished only two points behind Worthington Kilbourne, which is a pretty good
Division I team.”
Leading the way for the Trojans was 145-pound Jimmy Alexander, who was their
only individual first-place finisher. Alexander went 4-0 for the day and raised
his record to 32-1 for the season.
“Obviously, Jimmy is kind of the leader right now,” said Linkenhoker. “This
is his last shot to try to get to state. His one loss was a tough one that he
lost at the end. He also pulled out a couple of tough wins at the end this year.”
Heavyweight Nick Thissen and 130-pounder Daniel Colopy placed second for the
Trojans, going 3-1 in their individual weight classes. Thomas Thatcher was third
in the 125-pound class, going 4-1 in his individual bouts.
This is the strongest the Trojans have been, going into the postseason in some
time.
“There’s a couple of kids banged up but, hopefully, we are peaking
at the right time with the postseason just around the corner,” said Linkenhoker. “(In
two weeks) the big postseason starts with the sectionals. After that there’s
the district and, maybe, we can send some kids to the state.”
The Trojans host the league tournament this Saturday. Linkenhoker is hoping that
this strong performance can be repeated.
“We’ll be in the ‘B’ pool and Utica in the ‘A’ pool,” said
Linkenhoker. “Of course, you’ve got to give Northridge their respect,
too. They have a lot of nice, young kids there. We have to respect them and,
hopefully beat them first before we face Utica.”
- February 8, 2011 11:01 am EST
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