photo by: Contributed photo

Free State junior Drew Streeter blasts off during a match at the Leavenworth Challenger on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Leavenworth High School.

Back on the mat over the weekend, the Free State and Lawrence High wrestling teams made their first stop of several tough tournaments this season at the Leavenworth Challenger on Saturday. FSHS took first overall (352.5) in team scoring, with the Chesty Lions (191.5) falling in fifth place.

Juniors Grayson Hagen (150 pounds) and Otto Reese (138 pounds) led the Firebirds, finishing the tournament with perfect 5-0 records. Hagen, finishing with five pins, and Reese, recording three falls and a technical superiority, each claimed individual first-place performances.

Additional FSHS highlights included second-place finishes by junior Drew Streeter (126 pounds), senior D’onte Goodman (144 pounds) and sophomore Zane Shaw (175 pounds). Juniors Quinton Hice (106 pounds), Brayden Wilcox (113 pounds) and Cole Wright (165 pounds) each took home third-place medals.

Headlining for the Chesty Lions, senior Andrew Honas (132 pounds) and sophomore Lou Elsten (113 pounds) strung together two first-place individual finishes. Honas finished the tournament unbeaten at 5-0 and Elsten finished with four first-period pins.

Padding LHS’ score sheet, freshman Galen Dewhirst (106 pounds) went 3-2 in a runner-up performance for the newcomer. Junior Kenneth Marcial (144 pounds) and senior Brandt Wollesen (175 pounds) finished the tournament in third place.

Free State hosts Dodge City in a dual Friday beginning at 6 p.m.; LHS travels to Colby for the Eagles Duel Tournament and is slated to face off against several teams from Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska, on Thursday. The start time is to be determined.