Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Ryan Duckett of St. Edmond grabs Akron-Westfield Jader Briggs on Thursday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

IOWA FALLS — The St. Edmond wrestling team shook off the rust of an extended break, battling Iowa Falls-Alden and Roland-Story here Thursday night.

The Gaels dropped both duals, falling to Iowa Falls-Alden, 77-10, and Roland-Story, 60-12.

“You could definitely tell we were coming off a break,” SEHS head coach Eugene Carlson said. “The kids were flat-footed and, despite going over it in practice, we just never turned it over into a real match (vs. Iowa Falls-Alden).

“In the second dual with Roland-Story, we wrestled much better. We’ve just got to keep progressing and hopefully carry over into Saturday.”

Ronnie Orres scored a major decision victory over Tegan Oliver, 11-2, and Ryan Duckett picked up a forfeit for the lone Gael wins vs. the Cadets.

Orres and Duckett each recorded decisions, with Johnny Dickerson picking up a forfeit for victories vs. Roland-Story.

Orres topped Ben Sarver, 9-8, with Duckett earning a 9-6 decision over Joe Hovick.

“Ronnie looked better,” Carlson said. “It took him a little while to get going. Ryan had a really good match with Hovick, who is a senior and a very experienced wrestler.

“He put together some power moves and controlled the match.”

St. Edmond will host its home dual tournament this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Joining the Gaels will be the Fort Dodge JV, Southeast Valley, West Hancock, AGWSR and Roland-Story.