The Baxter boys wrestling team showcased strong performances at two recent tournaments, with standout efforts from wrestlers Kinnick Poage and Ruger Kincaid. Competing against teams from outside their state, the Bolts finished eighth at the Ron Dodd Viking Invitational on December 9, 2023, and placed seventh at the Montezuma Invitational on December 12, 2023.
At the Ron Dodd Viking Invitational held in Northwood, the Bolts secured a total of 48 points in the ten-team field. Poage emerged as the runner-up in the 113-pound category, completing the day with a record of 4-1 and achieving four pins. Despite losing his opening match by fall while leading 3-2, he demonstrated resilience and skill through the remainder of the competition. His rapid pins lasted under 50 seconds each, bringing his season record to 12-2.
Kincaid also had a notable performance, finishing third in the 190-pound category. After an initial setback in the first round, where he lost 20-9, Kincaid bounced back to secure three consecutive pins, two of which were achieved in the first period. He concluded his matches with a pin while leading 14-1, improving his season record to 8-3. Lincoln Russell also represented the Bolts at this tournament, finishing fifth in the 120-pound category with a record of 2-2, which included two pins.
The Bolts continued to build on their momentum at the Montezuma Invitational, where they collectively achieved a 7-3 record on the mat. Bondurant-Farrar took home the tournament title with 305.5 points, while the Norwalk junior varsity secured second place with 155 points. The rest of the nine-team field included Montezuma with 146 points, Cedar Rapids Washington at 114, and others trailing behind.
In the individual standings, Poage placed second at 106 pounds with a 2-1 record, both wins coming by way of pin in under 1 minute and 50 seconds. Maddox Peters, competing at 175 pounds, also finished second, achieving two pins in three matches while spending less than 3 minutes on the mat. Kincaid further solidified his skills by going 3-1 with three pins in the 215-pound category. His victories included a 42-second pin in his first match and a decisive fall while trailing 4-2 in another.
Additionally, Sam Wilhelm competed at 190 pounds and placed fourth with a 1-2 record. His day included a hard-fought victory of 10-8 between two losses by fall. Russell did not compete due to medical forfeits for his two matches at 120 pounds.
The performances of Poage, Kincaid, Peters, and the rest of the Bolts reflect their dedication and skill as they continue their wrestling season. The team looks forward to building on these experiences as they prepare for upcoming competitions.
