On Saturday December 5, the 2015 Alliance Wrestling team traveled to Cozad for their first tournament of the season. Thirteen varsity wrestlers out of fourteen competed in the tournament and ten of those thirteen made it in to finals. It’s the best the team has done in many years. On top of the tournament Saturday, the team had a home dual on Tuesday with Hot Springs, a new addition to the schedule.

Evan Steggs wrestled 106 and placed fifth overall. Steggs has improved tremendously since last season and the team is going to see great things from him. We have high hopes that he’ll be a state qualifier this year. On top of his performance at Cozad, Steggs pinned Atkinson of Hot Springs in 2:41.

Braydon “Boone” Wilson wrestled 113 and placed fifth overall as well. Boone has had a great start to his first year wrestling in high school, and we’re excited to see what this freshman will bring. On Tuesday, Boone had a forfeit.

There was no wrestler at 120 in Cozad, but Josh Jensen wrestled at the home dual on Tuesday. Jensen fought hard for his first varsity match, but fell short in the end and got pinned in 1: 17.

Jorgen Johnson wrestled 126 and placed second in the tournament. Johnson placed fourth at state last year in the weight class 106. The whole Johnson family has been successful in wrestling as they have made their way through AHS. The team looks to Johnson as a leader and he fits the role well. We’re lucky to have him on the team. Johnson won on Tuesday with a pin in 1:43.

Erik Elford wrestled 132 and won his first match as a high school wrestler, but due to lack of experience had close matches, but didn’t make it to finals last Saturday. Elford has the skills to be a good wrestler, and with some experience, he will soon shine on the mat. On Tuesday, Elford fought, but got pinned in 0:46.

Lane Applegarth wrestled at 138 and placed fifth at Cozad. Applegarth has improved since last year and will continue to improve throughout the season. The team has high hopes for Applegarth while he continues to work hard on and off the mat. What an exciting and close match that took place on Tuesday, but in the final seconds wasn’t quick enough to get another takedown with a final score of (4-5).

Rey Valdez wrestled 145 and placed third at the tournament. Valdez won three of his four matches of the day. As a junior, the team believes Valdez will be an asset to the team. At the dual on Tuesday, Valdez started cramping and lost when he was pinned in a banana split.

Danny Vallejo wrestled at 152 and placed third in the Cozad tournament. As a returning state qualifier, Vallejo is vital to the success of the team. After a close match with the state champion, Derek Robb from Sidney, Vallejo wasn’t messing around with three pins and a decision for the third place match. On Tuesday, he accepted the six points for a forfeit.

Emmanuel Cabello wrestled 160 and was the champion of the Cozad tournament. The senior has wrestled varsity since his freshman year. This year, Cabello is showing more of an offensive side to his wrestling, a good change from his old defensive style. Cabello will, without a doubt, be attending the state tournament this year. Cabello gave the team three points with a decision at the dual against Hot Springs.

Bryant “Buster” Wilson wrestled at 170 and placed first at Cozad. Wilson is another returning state qualifier. Buster is a tough wrestler, a great leader and an asset to the team. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Buster made it to the finals at state this year. Buster won the team five points with a tech fall in the third period.

Tyler Trout wrestled at 182 and did not place at the tournament, but went (1-2). Trout wrestled his freshman year, but did not return for his sophomore season. As a junior, Trout is doing well and continues to improve. Trout had a tough match on Tuesday and fell to Madsen in 1:21.

Baily Hood wrestled 195 and placed fourth at his first high school tournament. Hood will bring a good fight to anyone he faces and is an asset to the team. Hood accepted the six points for a forfeit at the dual.

Lane Lauder wrestled 220 and did not place at the Cozad tournament. Filling those heavyweight spots is essential, and Lauder is the best for the job, battling until the final whistle. Lauder accepted the forfeit gaining six more points for the team on Tuesday.

Nathan Lauder wrestles heavyweight and placed fourth at the Cozad tournament. Lauder is a great wrestler and will continue to get better throughout the season. Lauder pinned Arneson in 5:09 at the dual Tuesday.

The team has kicked off the season with a great start and will continue to get better. Alliance ended the tournament in second place and beat Hot Springs at the dual. The team has had a great start and we’re looking forward to what the rest of the season will bring.

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