PARSONS — Two overtime victories and a reversal into a pin lifted Iola High’s Mustang wrestling team to a sweep of Tuesday’s Southeast Kansas League double dual.
Those three wins came in a historic team victory for Iola High. Never before in its short history had Iola beaten Columbus High’s Titans in an SEK dual. Iola won 36-31.
The Mustangs defeated host Parsons High’s Vikings 34-26 earlier in the evening. Iola is 2-2 in SEK dual action and 7-2 overall in duals.
“The team pulled together this week. This was a big step for the program since Iola had never beaten Columbus,” said Aaron Sweazy, IHS head coach.
Devin Culler, who had run his SEK record to 3-0 at 160 with a 9-1 decision over Parsons’ Billy Virtue, moved up to 170 against Columbus. Culler defeated Seth Sullivan 5-3 in overtime.
Chase Roettgen improved to 4-0 in SEK action at 220 pounds for Iola. He won by forfeit against Parsons then came through with an 8-6 win over Columbus’ Travis Hodgson in overtime.
Bryce Misenhelter reversed Columbus’ Aaron Napier and pinned him with just seven seconds left in their 182-pound match. Misenhelter lost 4-0 to Parsons’ Matt Martinez. He is now 2-2 in the SEK.
Trey Colborn’s quick pin — 19 seconds — of Chris Gurney in the 285-pound class sealed the win for Iola over Columbus. Iola had forfeit wins at 132-Cody Conner, 145-Jacob Rhoads and 160-Jordan Long.
Against Parsons, Rhoads nailed down his first SEK win. Rhoades pinned Jeremy Chabupek in 1 minute, 47 seconds. Also getting his first league victory was Denton Christian at 195 with a pin of Steven Cronick in 36 seconds.
“The kids were rooting for each other and it was really good to see the unity on the team,” Sweazy said. “Now, we have to gear up for league action against Labette County and Chantue at Chanute Thursday.
Iola was without senior Zack Vaughn, who was out with a shoulder injury, at 170 pounds. Also sophomore Mike Armstrong at 120 pounds was not available.
Southeast Kansas League
Double Dual at Parsons
Iola 34, Parsons 26
126 — Andrew Fix (P) pin Kaleb Mock (I) 3:57
