The Joplin Eagles opened the new wrestling season with a 54-24 dual victory on Tuesday over Central Ozark Conference rival Webb City at Kaminsky Gymnasium.
Webb City jumped out to a 12-0 lead early behind a win by pin at 106 and a forfeit at 113 pounds, but Joplin took control of the dual in the six weight classes from 120 through 150 with five pins and one decision producing 33 unanswered points for the Eagles.
Webb City also won matches at 157 and 285, but it was not enough since Joplin went 9-3 overall in the 12 contested matches Tuesday.
“First match of the year, you really start learning a lot about your team,” Joplin coach Jeremy Finley said. “What we learned tonight is that we know how to fight. We fought tough. We came out a little flat, but I think as the matches went on, we settled down a little bit and I thought it ended up going our way.
“It’s also a testament for all our kids’ work in the wrestling room. Wrestling’s a tough sport and you saw that tonight. Obviously, we had to dig deep. We had a little adversity, and I was very proud of our kids.
“We’ve got to get in better shape. We were breathing hard in a few matches, but that’s to be expected. Wrestling season is a very long season and we’re not looking to be in tip-top shape right now. We could be wrestling at the end of February in the state tournament. We will get there, I promise you.”
Joplin’s Jabin Brown (120) pinned Drake Carter in 3 minutes, 32 seconds, Toryn Jones (126) pinned Jessy Stalford in 4:58, Andrew Burke (132) pinned Aiden Moore in 4:31, Freddy Cerrato (138) pinned Blake Leonard in 1:00, Alex Short (144) won a 6-4 decision against Colt Taylor, Orion Norris (150) pinned Carson Farmer in 3:53, Juan Morales (165) won 10-4 against Aidan Rose, Drew VanGilder (175) pinned Dominic Boles in 2:39, Josiah Hazelwood (190) pinned Bronson Collard in 1:37, and Draven VanGilder (220) won by forfeit.
Webb City’s Tyler Pearish (106) pinned Aiden Ward in 2:30, Kyler Butler (113) won by forfeit, Justin Allen (157) pinned Cole Gandy in 1:36, and Garrett Mathis (285) pinned Dawson McMullen in 1:25.
Joplin won 24-0 in the girls dual Tuesday against Webb City: CoryAunna Muller (115) and Mya Ndedi-Ntepe (170) each won by forfeit and Erika Washom (140) and Ilannah Burtrum (190) each pinned their opponents.
Joplin (1-0) returns to the mat Thursday on the road against conference rival Carl Junction (0-1), who lost 40-39 to Carthage on Tuesday.
Webb City (0-1), meanwhile, does not return to varsity action until Dec. 8 with a triangular against Diamond and host Monett.
