By: Nathan Bloechl — nathanb@977thebolt.com
Clarion, Iowa — On a frosty and frigid day, wrestling kept residents of the North Central Conference nice and toasty on Saturday.
Despite sub-zero temperatures, the conference showed up en masse for Saturday’s North Central Conference wrestling championships, and were treated to an outstanding day of wrestling.
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, the host school, claimed yet another NCC title.
It was just the second time in conference history — 52 years — that the host school won the tournament that day. The only other was the historic 2009 Clear Lake Lions.
Collectively, Humboldt had an outstanding day leading to a 4th place finish.
The Wildcats had one champion, senior 145-pounder Joey Busse.
It’s just par for the course for Busse now as he just continues stacking milestones this year. Earlier in the week he claimed the spot as Humboldt’s most victorious wrestler, with — now — more than 161 wins.
He’s got his eyes on the ultimate prize.
The Wildcats also got several runner-ups Saturday, represented by 152-pounder Tyler Vitzhum, 170-pounder Levi Naeve, 182-pounder Joel Osborn and 285-pounder Justin Jones.
Jones squared off with last year’s 285-pound state runner-up Spencer Trenary of C-G-D. Trenary got the better of him, with a 3-0 win.
The two will most definitely meet up at least once more this year, hopefully more.
106-pounder Cole Nelson was defeated in the semi’s by terrific Webster City freshman Cameron Phetxoumphone.
Nelson was able to win out on the consolation side of the bracket for a 3rd place finish.
The overall team standings from Saturday are as follows:
1. Clarion-Goldfield-Dows 225
2. Clear Lake 177
3. Hampton-Dumont 174
4. Humboldt 155.5
5. Webster City 135
6. Algona 133
7. Iowa Falls-Alden 113.5
8. St Edmond 10
Humboldt will be back at it Thursday at Perry, wrestling analyst Brad Duffy will have the call.