Utesch suffers first losses of the season

Chet Utesch, the Westerners' third-ranked 119-pounder, missed weight at the Woodbury Central Duals over the weekend and had to wrestle at 130.

There he ran into Sioux City North's Chad Ryan, who dealt Utesch his first loss of the season by technical fall.

Ryan, you may recall, scored an 11-6 decision over Le Mars' Anthony Schimek to win the Le Mars Invite 130-pound weight class in January.

Utesch suffered his second loss of the season on Tuesday as he lost to Vermillion's T.J. North, who Van Oort said is ranked No. 7 in the nation at 112 pounds. North, who according to Google has committed to Augustana College, scored a two-point reversal as Utesch was going for a cradle in the second period, then rode Utesch out in the third period to win.

While Utesch is likely disappointed to lose his chance at a perfect season, it's worth noting he won't have to see either of these wrestlers again this season.

"Having a loss doesn't dictate who is going to win the state tournament," Van Oort said.

And in many cases, having a loss can be a good thing. You don't want your first loss to be in the state finals.

On a more sobering note, Westerners freshman 125-pounder Cole Oltmans is done for the season after suffering a back injury. Oltmans had come on strong this season with three tournament titles and an eighth-place finish at the BC-IG tournament, prompting Van Oort (and me) to think he had a shot to advance beyond sectionals.

That's about all from here tonight. I will be up at the West Lyon sectional on Saturday along with Roy Tucker and the Hinton and A-W wrestling teams. Bethany will be in Milford with K-P.

Here is the video for Tuesday's highlights:

And here is the video of the Tuesday dance team performances from Le Mars and Gehlen: