Panthers work to get healthy

     The Monticello High School wrestling team’s theme for the remainder of this season is a simple one.

     “We’ve got to get healthy,” head coach Ryan Luensman said.

     Injuries and illnesses hit the Panthers last week, to the point where they sent just one wrestler – sophomore Chase Luensman – to the Loyd Shaffer Invitational Jan. 14 in Marion.

     And the injury bug hit even there; Luensman made the finals at 113 pounds but withdrew due to a foot injury, finishing second overall. At press time, the injury was not deemed serious enough to end Luensman’s season.

     “We’ve been plagued with some injuries,” coach Luensman said. “We’re trying to get healthy, but it was a tough week for that.”

     Monticello was able to send seven wrestlers to the Bobcat JV Invitational Jan. 13 at Western Dubuque, and had some success, with four place-winners.

     Thomas Broderick, at 152 pounds, won a pair of decisions to reach the finals before he, too, withdrew due to an injury, finishing second.

     Mason Reuter scored a pair of falls on the way to a third place finish at 195 pounds.

     And two others – Alaina Sunlin at 106 and Travis Heinrich at 132 – finished fourth in their divisions.

     The Panthers also had a double dual meet Thursday, Jan. 12 at Durant, and scored a pair of wins, 60-9 over Durant and 54-22 over West Branch.

     Forfeits were a big part of the meet; Monticello received nine forfeit victories over Durant and seven against West Branch.

     But the Panthers also had some big match wins. Against West Branch, Sunlin at 106 pounds and Luensman at 126 won by fall. Heinrich scored a pin in the Durant match.

     Monticello will have its final home meet of the season Thursday, Jan. 19 against Tipton and Wilton, and that will be Senior Night as well. The Panthers are scheduled to compete in the Alburnett tournament Saturday, Jan. 21.

Jan. 12

Durant double dual

Monticello 60,

Durant 9

(Monticello wrestlers listed first)

     170 – Gavin Holub won by forfeit. 182 – David Bagby as pinned by Jacob Prunchak. 195 – Lake Stahlberg won by forfeit. 220 – Mason Reuter won by forfeit. 285 – Tyler Kuper won by forfeit. 106 – Alaina Sunlin lost to Gage Finke, 13-10. 113 – Garrett McCoy won by forfeit. 120 – Chase Luensman won by forfeit. 126 – Andrew Wall won by forfeit. 132 – Travis Heinrich won by fall. 138 – Noel Halder won by forfeit. 145 – open. 152 – open. 160 – Thomas Broderick won by forfeit.

Monticello 54,

West Branch 22

(Monticello wrestlers listed first)

     182 – David Bagby won by forfeit. 195 – Lake Stahlberg won by forfeit. 220 – Mason Reuter won by forfeit. 285 – Tyler Kuper won by forfeit. 106 – Alaina Sunlin pinned Barrett Walsh, 0:32. 113 – Garrett McCoy won by forfeit. 120 – open. 126 – Chase Luensman pinned Dalton Depoorter, 3:40. 132 – Travis Heinrich won by forfeit. 138 – Noel Halder lost by major dec. to Zach Wright, 11-3. 145 – Monticello lost by forfeit. 152 – Monticello lost by forfeit. 160 – Thomas Broderick won by forfeit. 170 – Gavin Holub was pinned by Cale Donovan, 3:15.

Jan. 14

Loyd Shaffer Inv.

(at Marion)

Monticello 60,

Durant 9

TEAM SCORES

     1, Williamsburg 231; 2, Wilton 189; 3, North Linn 183; 4, Marion 177.5; 6, Oelwein 150; 7, Benton Community 131; 8, Cedar Rapids Xavier 123; 9, Louisa-Muscatine 110; 10, Monticello 23.

MONTICELLO RESULTS

     113 – Chase Luensman (runner-up) received a bye; pinned Cameron Keith, Wilton, 1:32; won by major dec. over Cody Calvelage, L-M, 11-2; lost to Jalen Schropp, Williamsburg, injury default.