Three Patriot boy wrestlers traveled to Salina last Thursday, Feb. 22, for the three-day 3-1A State Wrestling Tournament.
Patriot junior Creyo Koop went undefeated for the season and claimed the state championship title in the 165-pound weight class as he went 4-0 at the tournament. He concluded his junior season with a 43-0 record, making his career record 129-3.
Koop placed third last year, in the 165-pound class, suffering his only loss to Drew Bretz of Hoxie, who went on to claim the state title and was state runner-up in the 145-pound class his freshman year.
Senior Evan Coble made his fourth state appearance. He went 2-2 at the state tournament in a tough 132-pound bracket. Last year, he placed fifth in the 126-pound class. He placed third in the 113-pound weight class during his sophomore year and placed fifth in the 106-pound weight class his freshman year. He concluded his wrestling career as a Patriot with a 140-26 overall record.
Sophomore Edward Metcalf made his first state appearance. He faced Corbin Puga, who later went on to win the state title.
Following are the results for West Elk participants at the 3-1A State Wrestling Tournament: 3-2-1A 132: Evan Coble (34-8) won by fall over Reid Fort (Oberlin-Decatur Community) 26-13 (Fall 3:36); lost a 3-8 decision to Will Donley (Ellsworth) 31-8; won a 7-3 decision over Isaac Fall (Lyons) 32-12; and lost by fall to Logan Courtois (Burlingame) 44-2 (Fall 2:11).
3-2-1A 165: Creyo Koop (43-0) placed 1st. He won by fall over Alex Mater (Hoisington) 25-18 (Fall 1:06); won by fall over Kayden Hudson (Phillipsburg) 34-10 (Fall 1:11); won by fall over Alex Dyke (Belleville-Republic County) 42-10 (Fall 1:57); and won a 12-2 major decision over Teagen Pfeifer (Russell) 31-7.
3-2-1A 285: Edward Metcalf (6-25) lost by fall to Corbin Puga (Norton Community) 37-2 (Fall 0:48); and lost by fall to Jonathon Mason (Ellinwood) 25-13 (Fall 0:15).
A special all-school and community assembly, honoring Koop for his accomplishments, was held on Tuesday of this week, at the West Elk gymnasium.
Additional photos from this year’s state wrestling tournaments can be found elsewhere in this week’s edition.
