Free State's Sid Miller, right, locks up with Leavenworth's Steven Martinez during their 138# wrestling match Thursday at FSHS.

Free State High wrestlers used winter break to work on their conditioning. They stayed after practices and put in a lot of time to improve what shape they were in.

It paid off in their return to the mat on Thursday. The Firebirds beat Leavenworth in a dual, 42-30, at FSHS and now own a 4-1 record in duals this season.

With the score tied 30-30 and two weight classes to go, senior Matt Stalkfleet and sophomore Nick Eddis pinned their opponents to secure the Free State victory.

“Winter break really helped a lot because we did more conditioning than we did wrestling and it showed,” Eddis said. “It definitely has improved some kids, including myself. It’s just helped more than most people would think.”

At 220 pounds, Stalkfleet pinned Leavenworth’s Jonathon Sculley in 1:41 and Eddis pinned Brock Degenhardt in 45 seconds.

“I did the half (nelson) and honestly, it’s probably one of my most favorite moves because it’s simple and they can’t get out of it,” Eddis said.

Most of the Firebirds were wrestling up a weight class, and were up for the challenge. Freshman Gabe Smith, freshman Isaiah Jacobs, junior Sid Miller and sophomore Ben Hill all won by decisions.

Miller, who was wrestling at 138 pounds, was even with Leavenworth’s Steven Martinez until double overtime, when he scored a point on an escape to claim a victory.

“I was pretty confident because I escaped earlier,” Miller said. “I also knew that he was more tired than I was.”

Hill also needed extra time, winning in sudden victory. He trailed by one point in the closing seconds of the final period, but his opponent was penalized a point for stalling. In the extra period, he quickly scored a takedown for the win.

The Firebirds had three wrestlers win by default: Tate Steele, Shayn Morris and Qualian Fowler. Steele (13-1 record) and Morris (7-4) are both ranked among the top six in Class 6A.

But it was the second-tier of Free State wrestlers that came up with big victories to lift the Firebirds.

“That’s what I was more impressed about,” FSHS coach Mike Gillman said. “The kids that are lower weights were really strong. … For them to come out and battle, and even go up one weight class to battle, amazing job tonight.”

The Firebirds will compete in the Shawnee Mission South Invitational at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Free State 42, Leavenworth 30

106 pounds: Gabe Smith, FS, def. Kodi Garrison, 11-6.

113: Tate Steele, FS, won by forfeit.

120: Shayn Morris, FS, won by forfeit.

126: Quailan Fowler, FS, won by forfeit.

132: Isaiah Jacobs, FS, def. Hayes Edwards, 8-3.

138: Sid Miller, FS, def. Steven Martinez, 3-2 (2 OT).

145: Ben Hill, FS, def. Logan Raney, 6-4 (SV).

152: Nicholas Starnes, LV, pinned James Wensel.

160: Daniel Butler, LV, def. Gage Foster by DQ.

170: Jake Harrington, LV, pinned Tyreik Gooch.

182: Nick Evans, LV, by forfeit.

195: Austin Tresner, LV, pinned Sky Carey.

220: Matt Stalkfleet, FS, pinned Jonathon Sculley.

285: Nick Eddis, FS, pinned Brock Degenhardt.