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Tritons in second place

—Photo by Kirk Hardcastle Iowa central’s dayton racer competes in the 157 pound bracket at the NJCAA National Championships in Council Bluffs. Racer is in the semifinals.

COUNCIL BLUFFS — The Iowa Central wrestling team is in the hunt for the NJCAA national championship and five individual titles.

The Tritons are currently in second place with 91 team points. Northeast Oklahoma leads with 93. Clackamas is third with 83.5.

Northeast has three semifinalists and nine wrestlers. The Tritons have three on the backside. Clackamas has six in the semis and two in consolations.

“We had some ups and downs,” said Iowa Central head coach Luke Moffitt. “For the most part it wasn’t for a lack of effort, I think it’s because they know what’s at stake. We are going for a team title, so you have to attempt to get as many team points as you can.

“Guys are putting themselves at risk for the team title because that’s what we are looking for.”

Fifth-ranked Todd Small (125), top-ranked Zac Hensley (133), fourth-ranked De’Andre Reed (141), top-ranked Dayton Racer (157) and top-ranked Thomas Petersen (HWT) all reached the semifinals.

“Putting five guys in the finals, will be hard to beat,” Moffitt said.

Small earned a decision and a major decision. He’ll face top-ranked Cole Verner in today’s semifinal action.

“Todd looked really tough,” Moffitt said.

Hensley had a tech fall and a decision. Hensley will go head-to-head with fourth-ranked Nate Johnson of Clackamas next.

“Hensley is on a mission,” He’s had a long year, battling injuries and he has a lot of will to win.”

Reed earned a major decision and a decision. Reed will faceoff with Nick Casella of Nassau in the semis.

“De’Andre had a strong day,” Moffitt said. “He won two tight matches.”

Racer picked up a fall and a major decision. He’ll square off with fourth-ranked Shae Conley of Labette in the semis.

“Racer has been on fire and he continues to show his drive,” Moffitt said.

Petersen had a major decision and fall on his way to the semifinals. Petersen will face second-ranked Lisiate Anau of Northwest Wyoming.

“Peterson is on a roll,” Moffitt said. “He’ll face the No. 2 kid in the semifinals and this will be a tough match.”

Brandon Murray (149), Antrez Clagon (174) and Danny Bush (184) are still alive on the consolation side.

“Brandon and Danny lost two heartbreakers. Danny’s was controversial, but we just have two push forward,” Moffitt said. “We need wins out of these guys to set up more points for fifth or sixth instead of seventh and eighth.”

Semifinals and consolations will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the semifinals slated for 7 p.m.

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