Bobcats split duals at Elkhorn Valley triangular

The Summerland Bobcat boys wrestling team returned from Elkhorn Valley on Jan. 9 with mixed results after a triangular meet against Howells-Dodge and Elkhorn Valley. Following a dominant 42-17 win over Howells-Dodge in the first dual, the Bobcats fell to a strong Elkhorn Valley squad, 53-23.

Bobcats v Howells-Dodge

Summerland opened the night with a decisive win over Howells-Dodge, powered by key performances from Ethan Kester (150) and Austin Mendoza (144), who both secured falls. Matt Umphress (165) pinned his opponent in just 1:46, while Isaac Mendoza (132) added another fall in 1:19.

Steven Mast picked up a win, pinning Evan Coufal in 1:07.

Logan Kester lost by 18-3 tech fall, to Konner Bourek, at 157. In the 126 match, Ayden Bazelman lost by fall in 1:22 to Blane Stutzman.

Forfeits at 215 and 120 pounds contributed to the Bobcats’ total, helping them clinch the dual.

Bobcats v Elkhorn Valley

In the second matchup of the evening, the Bobcats faced tough competition from Elkhorn Valley, who racked up six wins by forfeit and fall. Despite the loss, several Summerland wrestlers delivered standout performances.

At 150 pounds, Ethan Kester dominated Kaden McAllister, earning a technical fall with a score of 15-0 in 4:00.

Liam Cleveland (120), Isaac Mendoza (132) and Austin Mendoza (144) each added forfeit victories for the Bobcats

Elkhorn Valley’s strength on the mat was evident, as Nathan Werner (165) secured a fall against Matt Umphress at the 6:00 mark, and Mason Nitz (138) defeated Steven Mast by technical fall, 20-3, in 1:11. Paxton Cleveland (215) pinned Jacob Schlecht in 2:55, further extending the Falcons’ lead.