Paynesville's first match was against Hopkins. This was one of their more easier matches of the day. The Bulldogs won eleven out of thirteen matches with six pins. The wrestlers who won were Dave Kerzman, Chris Welle, Josh Frenchick, Jeremy Reiter, Tim Roberg, Colby Scheierl, Zach Welle, Andy Heinen, Bill Stanger, Jesse Spates, and Lee Hiltner.
Paynesville then faced Elk River. Elk River showed how strong they were at the bottom weights when they won the first three matches. The Bulldogs came back though, when Jeremy Reiter won by a tech fall and Ryan Stoneburner won by a major decision. Elk River then won the next three matches. After Zach Welle won by a tech fall, Elk River won the next two matches. Jesse Spates and Lee Hiltner won the final two matches but it was not enough as Elk River stayed on top and won by a score of 28-24. This now put Paynesville against Milaca.
Paynesville knew this also would be no easy match, and their lower weights had to gain some momentum for them. The lower weights did just that. The Bulldogs closed the match off with three wins by Billy Stanger, Spates, and Hiltner. The final score was 32-17. Paynesville, with this win, claimed third place behind Hastings and Elk River.
Next week Paynesville will have a very rough week as they wrestle on Monday at Long Prairie, Tuesday at Annandale with Rocori and Annandale, Thursday at home against Litchfield, and Friday at home will be the West Central Conference individual tournament. Fans are encouraged to come as it will be a very important week.
Paynesville 54
Hopkins 6
103--Dave Kerzman (P) pinned PJ Agate (H) 1:33;
112--Chris Welle (P) pinned Nick Ellison (H) 3:05;
119--Josh Frenchick (P) pinned Peter Rankin (H) 2:36;
125--Jeremy Reiter (P) decisioned Adam Anderson (H) 5-2;
130--Tim Roberg (P) majored Craig Sweet (H) 11-1;
135--Adam Gallagher (H) decisioned Ryan Stoneburner (P) 3-2;
140--Colby Scheierl (P) pinned Mike Schroeder (H) 1:18;
145--Pete Marcy (H) decisioned Karl Sanborn (P) 8-7;
152--Zach Welle (P) pinned Jamie Schnack (H) 3:18;
160--Andy Heinen (P) majored Bud Worum (H) 9-0;
171--Billy Stanger (P) majored Lindsey LeBlanc (H) 12-3;
189--Jesse Spates (P) pinned Josh Tunks (H) 1:18;
HWT--Lee Hiltner (P) decisioned Matt Gustin (H) 7-3.
Paynesville 24
Elk River 28
Paynesville 32
Milaca 17