Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Matthew Crimmins of St. Edmond competes on Saturday in the Gael gym. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

The annual St. Edmond Duals on Saturday served as a perfect reminder of what a determined group can accomplish.

Coming off a busy night of hosting the Vinnie Harvey Wrestling Tournament for youth in the area, the Gaels put together an impressive performance in their final home action of the season, including the first dual win for head coach Kaden McClintock.

St. Edmond used a key fall from Evan Knox to down Sioux City West, 48-30. Nick Utley, Jace Stanley, Owen Rutherford, Caleb Mosier, Cooper Cokeley, Matthew Crimmins and Sam Touney all had their hands raised in victory during the dual.

Crimmins and Utley both finished 4-0 on the day, while Stanley and Knox put together 3-1 marks. Each wrestler in the Gael lineup scored at least one victory, as Sam Touney recorded two.

“It was very cool because the team showed up and got the wins they needed in front of the home crowd, which made it even more special,” said McClintock, a former St. Edmond standout wrestler himself. “We felt going in that we could win a dual, and honestly, we had a shot at another because of how well the kids wrestled. If a couple of things had gone differently, we just might have.

“But our guys came out and they were fired up, focused and determined to have a great day.”

The day-long tournament capped off a frenetic three days of action that started last Thursday with a road North Central Conference triangular. The program then hosted a youth tournament in honor of former Gael all-stater and head wrestling coach Harvey on Friday.

“We are so thankful for all of the support we receive from the parents, teaching staff and supporters to host both the youth tournament and this event,” McClintock said. “Every kid stayed after practice to help late Friday with the kids tournament, which just continues to grow each year. It has been amazing to see that, and it is amazing ot see the kind of support we get for it. It was awesome seeing some of the Harvey family there, too.”

“And with the St. Edmond Duals, again, just tremendous support and help from so many.”

Crimmins, a sophomore who qualified for state last year, earned three first period falls, including a 52-second pin and a 58-second pin. His other victory came via forfeit.

Utley was also dominant, earning three falls and a forfeit, highlighted by a 10-second pin. His other two falls came in the first minute of the second period.

“Matthew and Nick were very impressive,” McClintock said. “They both had tremendous days, and showed just how much they have improved since the start of the season.

“Honestly, it’s been incredible to see the progress all of these young men have made. They continue to listen and show what we are teaching out on the mats.”

Stanley had two falls and two forfeits, Knox earned a fall, an injury default win and a forfeit, and Touney picked up a decision to go along with a forfeit. Owen Rutherford, Caleb Mosier, Cooper Cokeley and Grant Anderson each had a victory, with Anderson earning his via decision.

Southeast Valley went 4-0 to claim top honors, earning dual wins over the Fort Dodge JV (48-32), Sioux City West (72-12), St. Edmond (51-15) and AGWSR (60-23).

Josiah Hefley, Keelan Wellman, Colton Haug, Drake Nitch and Kyle Eastman each put together 4-0 days, Wyatt Blair and Chris Andrews went 3-0, and Colin Johnson and Caden Milham finished 3-1.

The Fort Dodge JV had a 3-1 day. Mykel Benedict went 4-0, Brody Reimers finished 3-0, and both Zander Jones and Jesus Guillen went 2-0.

Carter Ashten, Aaron Perez and Lane Hansen each recorded 3-1 marks for the Dodgers.