MARION — With the postseason just around the corner, Matthew Crimmins continues to make the most of his time on the mat.

The St. Edmond sophomore reached the Marion Invitational finals, adding an impressive victory to his resume.

The seventh-ranked (IAwrestle) 144-pounder upset No. 4 Kaden Lange by a 13-8 count in the semifinals. Crimmins (22-5) had used a 38-second pin and a fall in 1:18 to advance.

“Matthew wrestled great in the semifinals,” said SEHS head coach Kaden McClintock. “He stuck to the gameplan and wrestled a solid match. He was down a couple points with 20 seconds left. He got a nice takedown and put him on the mat.”

The sophomore dropped a tight 7-2 decision to fifth-rated (2A) Brady Patterson (22-2) of Benton in the finals. Patterson is ranked at 150, but dropped down.

“It was a tight match in the finals, despite the score,” McClintock said. “They were battling. Matthew wrestled well on his feet.

“It was a difficult situation that didn’t go our way. I was very proud of how he wrestled.”

McClintock knows tough matches are key as the stretch run looms.

“It was great to get that match late in the season,” McClintock said. “We’re trying to be our best for February, and that’s why we’ve focused on strengthening our schedule.

“He really wanted it, but he’s keeping his head up and works well in practice.”

St. Edmond’s Jace Stanley (8-17) placed sixth at 113. Stanley had a fall in 2:18 on the back side for the Gaels.

“Jace wrestled well and is getting better every day,” McClintock said. “He has showed a ton of improvement. He’s a super tough kid and listens well.

“I think Evan Knox is doing a great job as well. He didn’t place (on Saturday), but he’s getting his weight down and he’s down 30 pounds. He’s an awesome teammate and it’s nice having him on the team.”

The Gaels are back in action on Saturday at the North Central Conference Meet in Humboldt.