Bluejays Compete at State Wrestling
by Rose Graham
This year’s state-qualifying wrestlers Ryder Fuchs, Brett Tinker, and Cody Yawn competed at the state championship tournament beginning Thursday, February 15, through Saturday, February 17 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha.
Pierce saw its first-ever state finalists as Fuchs and Yawn both made their way through the initial rounds of the tournament. Fuchs received a state title, and Yawn received runner-up.
Wrestling at 145 was Brett Tinker, who lost to Gavin Avery of Centennial by decision in the first round and Chase Morris of Superior in consolation.
At 132, Yawn started off the tournament with a pin over Creighton Redler of Aquinas. In the quarterfinals, Yawn won by fall over Trevor Widener of Bridgeport. In semifinals, Yawn beat Elijah Green of Nebraska Christian by fall. In the championship, Yawn lost by decision to defending state champion Jordan Kelber of Valentine.
At 195, Ryder Fuchs won in the first round by fall over Michael Hegge of Ponca. In the quarterfinals, Fuchs won with another fall over Ethan Gabriel of Ord. In the semi-finals, Fuchs won by decision over Wyatt Kee of Gibbon. In the championship, Fuchs won by decision over Marce Vasquez of Bridgeport.