Wresetlers prepare for the post-season

By Lindsay Mueller
Last week was busy for the Pirate wrestlers as they had two dual meets two days in a row. 
On Thursday night the team traveled to take on Wapsie Valley and Jesup.  Postville was up against Jesup first, winning by a team score of 51-24. 
David Pfister, Abe White, Bryan Mueller and Kollin Berg all had pins against their Jesup opponents.  Chris Dibble had five takedowns to win 21-8.  "I was glad to see that Dibble has his outside single leg takedown working very well for him," commented Coach Decker. 
Chris Zuercher also used a pair of takedowns to win 5-2 in the 135-weight class.  Travis Donlon beat Aaron Dunkelberger 6-4 on a couple of third period cradles.  Dunkelberger just missed a trip to state two years ago, so it was a great win for Donlon.
Others who won were: Sam White, Ethan Snitker and Alex Berns all by forfeit.
In their second match-up of the night against Wapsie Valley, the Pirates didn't come out so well, losing by a team score of 42-27.
Freshman, Mitchell Schultz was injured during his match, but kept on wrestling and finished with a sprained elbow.  "He is a very tough kid and was doing some of his best wrestling of the year the past few weeks.  Mitchell had a good chance of making it through to districts and was working very hard in practice.  He will be a threat to others trying to go to state for the next three years," said Decker.
Chris Dibble and Alex Berns each won by fall and Sam White and Cory Miner each won by forfeit. 
Chris Zuercher trailed 6-5 in the third period, but tied it up at 9 to send it to overtime.  Zuercher was wrestling up a weight at 140 this match to help out the team and would need a takedown to win his match, and that is exactly what he got!
           
POSTVILLE- The Pirates had some tough competition on Friday night as they hosted Waukon and Valley CEW. 
In the first match-up, Postville was up against Waukon, only to lose by a team score of 46-25. 
Kollin Berg, Chris Dibble, and Abe White all won by falls in their matches. 
Kollin Berg did very well and had been wrestling with a lot more confidence and more aggression said his coach. 
Ethan Snitker used a pair of near falls to beat Hilleshiem 8-0.  Ethan was working very hard for the fall, but just couldn't make it happen. 
Sam White also used a near fall to come out on top 14-10.  "Sam has done a great job for us at 130 on Varsity.  He always wrestles aggressively and does whatever he can for the team," commented Decker.

In the next meet, Valley took on the Pirates and the final scored favored Valley as they won by the score of 42-34. 
Chris Zuercher, David Pfister and Travis Donlon all won by fall.  Zuercher recorded his 98th career win and will be looking for 100 this Saturday.  He will also be shooting for his third straight district appearance.
Pfister came from behind to pin Wilson.
Donlon rolled up a big lead before pinning Havenstrite. 
Sam White also rolled up a 16-7 major decision on Eischeid, and Kollin Berg and Cory Miner accepted forfeit victories.
Come out and watch the Pirates in the Sectional wrestling tournament held this Saturday, February 12th.
Good Luck to all the Pirate grapplers as they begin the tournament trail to state. First and second place winners in Saturday's sectional tournament will qualify for the district tournament the following weekend.
GO BIG RED!