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'Blazing' Bison sparks win over Devils
OBERLIN, Kan. — Mason and madman sounded delightfully similar to McCook wrestling enthusiasts Thursday evening.
The Bison needed a spark following their 38-31 dual loss to Phillipsburg that started this double dual in Kansas.
“We came out very flat and uninspired in the first dual,” coach Nick Umscheid said even though Hunter Cunningham delivered a powerful 12-1 heavyweight victory. “I felt we gave away some matches and should have had some bonus points in other matches.”
Points barely even mattered when Mason Bales took over the mat against host Decatur Community.
He was facing a proven winner in state-rated Kansas Drew Juenemann, but it didn’t matter as Bales was finishing the pin before one period concluded.
“Mason Bales came out blazing. He was like a man possessed which was good to see,” Umscheid declared.
“Thankfully, we woke up a little more for the Oberlin (Decatur) dual and wrestled more like we’re capable of,” he added.
The Bison captured two more clutch victories as freshman Alec Langan pinned talented Rowdy Farr at 182.
Langan also stuck his Phillipsburg foe to continue a strong high school first season.
“Alec continues to pick up wins and pick up pins for him and the team,” the coach confirmed.
Trevor Felber gave McCook another lift with his 7-0 victory at 113. The Bison needed every point to offset Red Devil pins from state-rated Kel Grafel (126) and Dawson Kempt (138).
Umscheid also praised 195-pounder Jared Cole for battling throughout his 8-4 loss to Reegon Witt.
“Jared gives up about 15 pounds but fights all the way to the end,” he concluded. “He came up a little short but you can’t question his effort.”
Carson Richards, Talyn Campbell and Kallen Feikert all earned wins on the mat against Phillipsburg.
The Bison now move on and continue their tour at what will likely be a tough Norton Invitational on Saturday.
Once again, the Norton Bluejays boast Kansas Class 3A-2A-1A’s No. 1-ranked team.