HAYS After a rocky start, Humboldts Dagen Goodner is headed to a second day of the Kansas Class 3-2-1A state wrestling tournament at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
The 195-pound senior came away with a win in the first consolation round after putting himself in a tight spot by losing his first match of the day.
The Cubs came to Hays with two wrestlers qualified for the state tournament. Along with Goodner was 285-pound senior David Watts.
But for Watts, life intervened when his girlfriend, Faith Taylor, called to say she was soon to give birth to their child.
It was a surprise, Watts said. I knew she could give birth at any time, but still.
Watts told head coach Kent Goodner and the rest of the Humboldt faithful the deal, and dashed out the door.
I was upset that I had to leave but at the same time I was happy, Watts said. I worked hard this year and this was going to be the payoff but I was more excited to meet my son. Thats what really mattered to me at the time.
Watts made it home in plenty of time. As of press time, Faith had not delivered.
Watts came into the meet as one of the top first-time state qualifiers in the tournament after winning the 3-2-1A regional in Fredonia. This season was his first full season of wrestling and he had gotten to the point where he was really getting it.
Once I started to get the technique down, wrestling was easy for me, Watts said. Ive really enjoyed it.
Watts and Goodner served as co-captains on last seasons 13-1 sub-state runner-up Cub football team.
MEANWHILE, back in Hays, Goodner faced off against Nortons Judson Wiltfong and went the distance but ending up losing by 6-3 decision.
I just didnt wrestle my best match, Goodner said. I stalled out a lot and I didnt move my bottom and it ended up costing me. Hes a good wrestler. Hes strong and hes tall and I just wasnt prepared.
Goodner had some time between matches and came into the first consolation round with an energy that wasnt apparent earlier.
Republic County senior Mason Simmons tried to manhandle Goodner but he proved too crafty to allow that to occur.
He kept trying to throw me, Goodner said. I do some throws but it didnt look like he knew how to throw at all. So I made him pay for it.
