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Webster City 44, St. Edmond 24

160 - Cody Crouch, WC pinned Dillon Nelson, 3:50; 171 - David Lindner, SE dec. Jacob Bullock, 8-3; 189 - Garrett Johnson, WC won by forfeit; 215 - Ben Kraayenbrink, SE pinned Justin Crouch, 1:21; 285 - Kit Paper, WC won by forfeit; 103 - Lance Maguire, SE pinned Avery Johnson, :56; 112 - Trey Flatgard, SE dec. Jacob Johnson, 9-8; 119 - Tyler Raygor, WC tech. fall Patrick Oberg, 24-7; 125 - Tyler Patten, WC won by forfeit; 130 - Royce Nessa, WC won by forfeit; 135 - Teddie Harvey, SE dec. Joey Powers, 6-4; 140 - Mason Waddell, SE dec. Eric Tolle, 4-0; 145 - Josh Graves, WC dec. Patrick Crimmins, 8-7; 152 - Luke Shannon, WC pinned Joe Winge, 1:25.

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While the final results might not be an accurate reflection of their performance, the untested St. Edmond wrestling squad displayed plenty of promise here Thursday in their season-opening dual at the SEHS gym.

Four open weights proved too much for the Gaels to overcome in a 44-24 setback to North Central Conference rival Webster City.

"I was really proud of our effort," said SEHS head coach Jim Allison. "Outside of our open weights, we were right there with (Webster City).

"We've got a lot of young guys, but they're looking good and already starting to jell."

St. Edmond prevailed in six out of 14 matches on the evening. Juniors David Lindner (171), Ben Kraayenbrink (215), senior Lance Maguire (103), freshman Trey Flatgard (112), classmate Teddie Harvey (135) and sixth-ranked 152-pound senior Mason Waddell (140) all notched victories for the green and white.

"We truly believed we had a chance to win if everyone wrestled to their ability," Alison said. "Even though we came up short, I was not disappointed in any of (our kids).

"Hopefully we can build on this and keep getting better every time out."

After a pin (3:50) by Cody Crouch (160) of the Lynx in the first match of the night, the Gaels quickly answered with an 8-3 decision from Lindner against Jacob Bullock.

Kraayenbrink and Maguire eventually kept the momentum going for SEHS with wins by fall. Kraayenbrink topped Justin Crouch (1:21), and Maguire needed just 56 seconds to down Avery Johnson.

Flatgard and Harvey also provided bright spots for the Gaels with victories by decision. Flatgard used a late reversal to edge (9-8) Jacob Johnson, while Harvey rallied from a third-period deficit to best Joey Powers, 6-4.

"Flatgard wrestled like a champion for his first time competing at the varsity level," said Alison. "Harvey also made quite an impression."

Waddell, a two-time state qualifier, tallied the final points for St. Edmond with a 4-0 decision over Eric Tolle.

"I thought Tolle did an awesome job against Waddell," WCHS head coach Ted Larson said. "He battled him hard until the end, which is all you can ask for."

Garrett Johnson (189), Kit Paper (285), Tyler Raygor (119), two-time defending state bronze medalist and third-rated Tyler Patten (125), Royce Nessa (130), Josh Graves (145) and Luke Shannon (152) all delivered the other triumphs for the Lynx.

"I was pretty happy with our intensity, but we obviously still have some room for improvement," Larson said. "We just have to remember to wrestle hard for six minutes."

Cody Stromberg, Patrick Lindner and Austin Walker each produced a pair of victories for the Gael JV.

St. Edmond travels to the Manson Northwest Webster Invite on Saturday. Action is set for 10 a.m.

Contact Josh Meyer at (515) 573-2141, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net