SC/F wrestlers compete at 62nd annual Bob Smith Invitational to close out 2024

The 62nd Annual Bob Smith Invitational Wrestling Tournament, held recently, saw a strong showing from the Sedgwick County-Fleming wrestling team earning multiple podium finishes.

Grant Firme took sixth at 120 pounds. He had a challenging run in his class but finished strong with a earning 11 team points. Firme began with a quick win by fall over Zack Confer of Dayspring Christian Academy, but was pinned by Drew Godsey of Wray in the quarterfinals. He earned a win by fall over Kace Chamberlain of Wray in the consolation round before being edged out in a sudden victory loss to Raegan Torres of Akron in the semifinals. Firme’s tournament ended with a 2:01 fall loss to Traysen Rosane of Holyoke in the fifth place match.

Maddox Herskind faced stiff competition at 132 pounds, and although his results did not see him place, he earned 4 team points. Herskind began his tournament with a tough 18-1 loss to Merek Charney of Akron, but found success in the second round, pinning Danny Sontay of Limon High School. He was eliminated after a quick fall by Kaleb Grauer of Akron.

Scotty Engle claimed fourth at 144 pounds. He made a strong push to the podium, earning 16 team points. Engle opened with a pin over Dillon Keller of St. Francis HS/Bird City-Cheylin HS and a hard-fought 7-5 win over Atlas Grosch of Chatfield in the quarterfinals. Engle was then pinned by Andrew Buoy of Wray in the semifinals. He continued to fight in the consolation rounds, pinning Tayshaun Thomas of Akron, but lost to Atlas Grosch of Chatfield in the third place match by decision.

Austin Knox also claimed a fourth place finish. He competed in the in the 150-pound class, contributing 16 team points. Knox received a bye in the first round and then won by fall over Shiloh Dellamia-van Overmeiren of Chatfield in the quarterfinals. After being pinned by Logan Clark of Dayspring Christian Academy in the semifinals, Knox earned a win by fall over Owen Erker of Wiggins School District in the consolation round but fell short in the third place match against Isaac Coronado of Chatfield.

Ryan Davis fought valiantly in the 175-pound bracket, finishing in sixth and earning 11 team points. Davis started with an impressive fall over Wyatt Kapke of Chatfield, but was defeated by his teammate, Levi Reichman, in the quarterfinals. He earned two more wins, including a pin over Aiden Mayer of Wiggins School District, but was eliminated by Zach Carr of Limon High School in the consolation semifinals. Davis ended his tournament with a medical forfeit in the fifth place match.

The SC/F wrestlers finished fifth as a team with several standout performances. Nathan Gonzales, Owen Harris, and Levi Reichman were particularly impressive, each securing third place finishes in their respective weight classes. While some wrestlers faced tough competition, the team’s overall effort demonstrated their growth and potential heading into the remainder of the season.

The squad is scheduled to compete in a dual at Yuma on Thursday, Jan. 9 and the Garden County Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Oshkosh. Saturday’s matches begin at 9 a.m.