SALINA — Finding a way to get out of trouble proved to be record-setting for Iola High freshman Trey Colborn Saturday morning.
Colborn was down but not pinned in the second period of his consolation bracket wrestling match. Chance Runnion appeared to have Colborn set up for a pin.
But Colborn squirmed his way out, reversed Runnion and got the pin and the win himself. That came with 1 minute, 3 seconds left in the second period.
With the victory, Colborn advanced to the consolation quarterfinals of the 2012 Kansas Class 4A State Wrestling Tournament in Salina. Colborn also became the first Iola High wrestler to record two match victories at a state tournament in the Mustangs’ four-year history.
Competing in the 285-pound weight class, Colborn faced Zell Bieberle of Colby in the quarterfinals. He was one win away from reaching the medals — six medals are awarded at the state tournament.
Colborn and Bieberle locked up as the match began. Neither wrestler could score in the first period.
Bieberle had the choice in the second period, taking the bottom position. He quickly gained a reversal on Colborn and turned the Iola freshman to his back.
Bieberle pinned Colborn in 1:23 and ended the Mustangs’ run at the state tournament.
“Yes, it is disappointing for me since I was one away from placing but it feels good that I got this far,” Colborn said following the match.
Colborn and senior Devin Culler qualified for the 4A state tournament. Iola has qualified two or more wrestlers for the state tournament in each of its three seasons competing on the varsity level.
Culler lost both of his matches Friday in the 160-pound division.
“I wanted to be here so bad and I got sick during the day Friday. So this was an amazing experience but a disappointing one for me,” Culler said at the end Saturday.
Culler was a member of the first Iola Middle School wrestling team as an eighth-grader. His freshman year was the first year of Iola High wrestling.
What drew Culler to wrestling?
“The way it pushes you and the physical nature of it. Not everyone can wrestle. It’s a very physical sport that challenges you each time you step on the mat,” Culler said.
