After dropping a one-point dual to the Kernels in the middle of January, the Governors came out on top of the rematch, winning another one-point matchup with Mitchell in the semifinals of the Dakota Duals tournament in Brookings on Saturday.
That win propelled Pierre to a second-place finish at the tournament.
 Nick Hartley | Brookings Register Pierre’s Dusty Paulsen locks horns with Sioux Falls Lincoln’s Tyler Nordlund during their 125-pound match at the South Dakota A Duals Saturday at the Swiftel Center in Brookings. Advertisement |
“It was really fun to have a good showing like that,” Pierre coach Ryan Noyes said. “Especially coming off a loss to Mitchell, to be able to get a bunch of outstanding performances and turn that around was great.”
Against the Kernels, Pierre again won seven matches, but came out ahead at 37-36.
Every point counted, but Noyes pointed out two matches in particular that were big for the Governors: Tanner Monfore scoring a major decision to open the match at 103, and Tyler Sarringar winning a decision over Justin Greenway at 152.
“Tanner getting that extra one point, that’s what we talk about, with everybody taking care of what they can for the team,” Noyes said. “And Tyler getting a win over Greenway, who is an outstanding wrestler, that was big.”
Caleb Stoltenburg got a pin at 112 for Pierre, as did Dusty Paulsen at 125. Jacob Wagoner won by forfeit at 130, and Mark Ray picked up a pin at 135. Chase Lettau continued to wrestle strong for the Govs, pinning his man at 171. Those were the last six points the Governors would need.
After the win over Mitchell, Pierre faced Rapid City Stevens in the finals. But facing their fifth match in three days against one of the top two teams in the state, the Govs found discretion the better part of valor. Pierre rested several grapplers and Stevens cruised to a 61-13 win.
“We knew they were a powerhouse team, and we have some kids with some injuries where we’re only going to wrestle them if it makes a difference,” Noyes said. “We rested a few kids.”
Caleb Stoltenburg did pick up a win for the Govs, as did Sean Snyder at 140. Terrance Maier got a major decision at 171.
The Governors got the tournament started in style, dominating the host Brookings Bobcats, 60-6. Eleven Governors picked up victories in the opener.
“Brookings is a young team, and they have some talented kids at the lower weights, but we took care of business,” Noyes said.
Picking up wins for the Govs were Monfore, Paulsen, Wagoner, Ray, Snyder, Josh Stoltenburg, Kade Binegar, Colton Hanson, Terrance Maier, Chancy Riggle and Colton Jacobsen.
Pierre then matched up with Sioux Falls Washington in the second round, and came away with a 39-28 win.
“I’ll tell you, Washington is a very underrated team,” Noyes said. “They were much better than a lot of people give them credit for.”
With Washington strong in the upper weights, the Govs bumped Lettau and Maier a weight class each, and the pair responsed with wins to put Pierre over the top.
“Chase was giving up 10 pounds, and he just did a great job against one of their best wrestlers,” Noyes said. “He stepped up and got it done for his team. He’s a handful for whoever he wrestles right now.”
Also picking up wins over the Warriors were Caleb Stoltenburg, Wagoner, Josh Stoltenburg, Sarringar, Binegar and Jacobsen.
After a tough stretch, the Governors get a chance to heal up and fine tune before the stretch run. Pierre is not back in action until its final dual a week from today at Brookings. Then the Govs have the ESD meet, regions and the state tournament.
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