One final North Central Conference dual awaits the St. Edmond wrestling team here tonight.
The Gaels (18-6 overall, 3-4 NCC) will look to impress their home fans when they welcome Hampton-Dumont.
Junior varsity matches begin at 6:30 p.m., with varsity action to follow at around 7:30 p.m.
"At the (North Central) conference meet, (the Bulldogs) beat us everywhere on the top side except for (Kaden) McClintock," SEHS head coach Jim Allison said. "Even though they might not have a couple of lighter weights, I'm still expecting a really tough meet. (The outcome) could all come down to only a few points either way."
In its previous outing on Saturday, St. Edmond placed fifth at the NCC meet with 126 points. No. 5 (Class 1A) sophomore McClintock (106) became just the second Gael in school history to win back-to-back individual league crowns, joining elite company in former state champion Ben Becker (2004-06). Turning in runner-up NCC showings as well for the Gaels were junior Colten Lastine (113), ninth-ranked junior Teddie Harvey (145), No. 5 sophomore Vinnie Harvey (182) and third-ranked senior Ryan Rodenborn (220).
McClintock (21-1 overall), Lastine (24-7), 126-pound senior Patrick Oberg (22-12), 152-pound senior Joe Winge (24-10), 170-pound senior Patrick Lindner (26-8), Vinnie Harvey (29-4) and Rodenborn (25-3) have each delivered at least 21 victories on the season for SEHS.
"I'm looking for some more production from our middle weights, especially at 52, 60 and 70," said Allison. "Those three weights have to come through for us if we're going to win (tonight)."
Despite receiving a boost to their lineup this evening with the return of 120-pound freshman Ryan Szalat (collarbone injury), the Gaels will be without the services of Teddie Harvey (concussion).
"This dual and the (South Central Calhoun) duals on Saturday in Rockwell City are real important for us," Allison said. "We need to correct our little mistakes and wrestle to the best of our ability before heading to sectionals."
Sophomore Grant Lehmann (152) and No. 10 (2A) senior Caleb Goodman (195) pace Hampton-Dumont on the mat. Both Lehmann and Goodman settled for silver at the NCC meet.
Last year, the Gaels doubled up the Bulldogs, 48-24.
Contact Josh Meyer at (515) 573-2141, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net