Alliance Wrestlers Travel to State
February 25, 2015
State Wrestling finally came and went as fast as it does every year, and the Century Link Center was packed. The hotels were packed with wrestlers and families and the stands were filled with cheers. There isn’t a better atmosphere than State Wrestling as the mats went from ten to just four.
This year Alliance took five wrestlers: Jorgen Johnson wrestling at 106, Walker Johnson wrestling at 145, Danny Vallejo wrestling at 160, Bryant Wilson wrestling at 170 and Jacob Baldwin wrestling at 220. One freshman, two sophomores, and two seniors battled until nothing else could be given.
Jorgen Johnson, a freshman, placed fourth at this year’s state tournament. Starting off Thursday with two wins against Dubs of Seward (16-0) and Fauver of Gretna (4-2), securing his medal and entered the semifinals. Johnson then wrestled Friday where he lost to Hughes of Syracuse (2-8). On Saturday, determining if he would wrestle for third or fifth place J. Johnson wrestled and beat DeLancey of Bennington (4-3). The third place match followed and ended up being a heartbreaker with Johnson getting pinned by Nielson of Plattsmouth in 1:54. Johnson did exceptionally well in his first appearance at the state tournament.
Walker Johnson, a senior, had the most disappointing outcome. Even though Johnson placed third overall, he was seeded, projected (according to @Huskermat,) and ranked first. He started his day much like his brother, Johnson tech falls Hernandez of Ralsten (16-0) and wins by major decision against Sok of Northwest. Johnson then prepared to wrestle Zeckser of Adams Central and got stuck on the mat, getting pinned in 3:25. Johnson’s match was a bummer for everyone. Johnson came to wrestle on Saturday, tech falling Gray of Plattsmouth (15-0), putting him in the run for third place. Finishing his senior year with a decision (8-2) against Sok of Northwest and a season record of (43-2).
Danny Vallejo, a sophomore, placed third at districts at the weight class 160. Although Vallejo was beat out in two, he put a tough fight against Johnson of Fairbury and Kraus of Norris.
Bryant Wilson, also a sophomore, had a close match the first day, but fell short against Bruner of Gretna. Friday morning Wilson came to wrestle and defeated Anson of Wahoo, but lost within the last thirty seconds of his match against Wonch of Aurora (3-4). Wilson has improved tremendously throughout the season, and we will expect to see good things from him in seasons to come!
Jacob Baldwin, a senior, had the most exciting match at districts, surprising everyone and making it to state. Baldwin had a tough match first round and fell to Stille of Ashland-Greenwood in 1:47, but came back strong and pinned Gutzner in 2:00. Baldwin then got pinned by Ayala of Lexington in 51 seconds ending his senior year with a record of 17-21.
The wrestlers did extremely well this weekend and we are proud of their accomplishments! First year Coach Ruff said, “I am very proud of our performance at State, our boys wrestled hard-nosed and aggressive. Most opponents had difficulty with the high pace we wrestled at!” Although we didn’t get some outcomes that we wanted, they worked hard all season for one chance to get on top of the medal stand.
