Bison wrestlers reach state semifinals

OMAHA, Neb. -- McCook senior Eric Langan and junior Kaleb Taylor have reached the Class B state semifinals set for Friday after both won two huge matches Thursday night at Omaha's Century Link Center.

Langan(28-6) conquered two-time defending state champ Trevor Nichelson of Ashland-Greenwood (39-5 record) by a 13-7 decision in today's 182-pound quarterfinals.

He'll advance to the semifinal round -- which starts at 5 p.m. with 106-pounders -- against Wahoo-Cedar Bluffs sophomore Sam Kolterman (42-6).

Kolterman blanked a familiar Bison foe from the B-4 district in Cozad's Zeke Derr, 5-0.

Taylor's terrific late-season trouncings continued as he pinned both his 220-pound foes on Thursday. The quarterfinal featured him sticking Columbus Lakeview's Aaron Jasper just 29 seconds into their second period.

Now Taylor (29-5 record) takes on Wyatt Gutzmer from another Columbus school -- the Columbus Scotus Shamrocks -- for a chance to wrestle in Saturday's ultimate state championship round.

The other three Bison are all still competing for medals but must win consolation matches to start Friday. Senior Dunncan Rogers and freshman Carson Richards lost their first matches, while senior Jaret Matson dropped his quarterfinal after winning the opener.

More details will be featured in Friday's Gazette.