Sailors Send 6 Into Finals at Nashua-Plainfield

The Sailors turned in a solid team performance on Saturday at the Nashua-Plainfield tournament. The Sailors took six wrestlers to the varsity portion of the tournament, and all six wrestlers reached the finals. Max Magayna led the way for Columbus, winning the championship at 160 pounds. Bumping up from 152 pounds, he defeated the #2, #3, and #10 ranked wrestlers en route to the title. Columbus finished in 5th place out of 11 teams. Finishing runner up for the Sailors were Gavin Reed, Sam Hackett, Carson Hartz, Mason Knipp, and Connor Knudtson.

Although very pleased with the individual performances today, the overall team performance really left an impression on Coach Boleyn. “Overall it was a great day. Bringing six guys to a tournament; especially one as tough as this one is, and putting all six guys in the finals says a lot for how hard our guys are working in the room. But now we need to be able to finish. We need to be able to close that door and finish strong. Our guys were able to prove to themselves that they are able to get to the finals matches, now they need to understand that they belong there and that they need to believe in themselves that they can win it. We will get back to work on Monday, we have another solid week of competition coming up that we need to be ready for.”

Today’s man of the match, as voted by his teammates, was once again Max Magayna. Jumping up a weight class today, he was able to take out three more ranked wrestlers to add to his growing resume. When asked how he felt his freshman season was going so far, “It’s been pretty good so far, it’s been a fun ride. I’m just trying to keep winning and keep having a good time.” Max has been doing some jumping around the weight classes depending on the match ups. He has shown that he is comfortable at both 152 and 160. “I just want to show that I can win state at both 152 and 160. I want to get the best matches that I can, these guys didn’t win it, but I want to show that I can at least be a finalist and that I belong in that group.” One thing that has been lacking in the Columbus program over the past few years is strong success on a team level. Due to low numbers it is tough to compete in any team competitions. Placing multiple teammates in the finals was a boost for not only individual performers, but showed that this is a team on the rise. “I think it just shows how good we are, it shows that I’m practicing with some of the best kids. Hopefully we’ll all be winning some more tournaments together,” said Magayna.

In the finals at 113 pounds, Gavin Reed took on #3 ranked Garret Rinken of Nashua Plainfield. After a close first period, a series of turns put Gavin in a hole, ultimately falling via tech fall in the third period. Gavin finished in second place on the day.

In the finals at 138 pounds, Sam Hackett took on Karter Decker from MFL Mar Mac. Sam started the first period with a takedown attempt but was unable to finish and ultimately surrendered a takedown to end the period in a 0-2 hole. After starting the second period on top, Sam used a turn to earn back points and ended the second period tied at 2-2. Once again starting the third period on top, a tough ride with no changes takes the match into overtime. A Decker takedown ends the match in sudden victory. Sam finished the day in second place.

In the finals at 160 pounds, Max Magayna takes on Gabe McGeough from MFL Mar Mac. In the first period, McGeough starts off the scoring with a takedown that is met immediately with an escape. Max would open up the offense to answer with a takedown of his own and would ride out the period with a 3-2 lead. A neutral start in the second period and Max once again gets an early takedown. He follows up with a tilt to end with an 8-2 lead at the end of the second. An escape, takedown, and back points extends the lead in the third. Max will finish the match off with a tech fall securing the championship at 160.

In the finals at 170 pounds Carson Hartz took on Mitch Johnson of Independence. Neither wrestler could find an opening in the first period, they will go into the second tied 0-0. Carson earns a quick escape to start the second period. Heavy hand fighting leads to a takedown from Johnson to end the period. Carson chose to let Johnson up in the third period, and then followed it up with a double leg takedown to tie the match at three. A Johnson escape with 15 seconds remaining proved to be the difference as Carson was unable to get a takedown. He will drop the finals match 4-3 finishing the day in second place.

In the finals match at 195 pounds, Mason Knipp took on Matthew Francis from West Hancock. Mason would give up the opening takedown and was unable to find an escape. He would lose the match by fall and finished the day in second place.

In the finals match at 220 Connor Knudtson took on Blake Johnson of Hudson. Connor used aggressive hand fighting to set up the first period takedown. After allowing the escape, A Johnson throw ends the match with a fall. Connor finishes his day in second place.

Sailors are back in action on Thursday night with a home dual. Live stream will be available on the Columbus Sailor Wrestling Facebook page.

Varsity Tournament

Gavin Reed-

vs Kale Wieland (Independence)- W Dec. 6-1

vs Konnor Barat-Klim (MFL Mar Mac)- W Maj. 9-0

vs Rafe Arbegast (West Fork)- W Fall 3:13

vs Garret Rinken (Nashua Plainfield)- L TF. 17-2

Finished in 2nd place

Sam Hackett-

vs Ivan Gomez (West Hancock) W TF 16-1

vs Karter Decker (MFL Mar Mac)- L Dec. 4-2

Finished in 2nd place