Wrestler Cornez Tucker Jr. liked what he saw from his Blair High School teammates Thursday during the Bears' 57-24 home dual victory against Missouri Valley.
“I think they did really well,” the BHS heavyweight said. “They won when we needed a win.”
Coach Erich Warner's team notched nine pins overall and a 6-2 decision from 132-pounder Keenan Wyman. The match started, however, with Jaxon Logan's 93-second fall at 113 pounds.
Blair's Tyson Brown secured the next pin at 138 before Carson Faue claimed a hard-fought, third-period pin against the Big Reds' James Wendt.
“Just kept pushing,” the 144-pounder said when asked what led to the victory. “Whatever I do in practice just relates over into that.”
Faue said he didn't necessarily set up the eventual finish, but he ended the match in 4:40 all the same.
“I took my opportunity,” he explained.
Atticus Dick pinned Colton Beckner for the Bears next before Missouri Valley's Ben Hansen and Aiden Vergamini cut their team's dual deficit to 27-24.
Blair dominated from there, though, rattling off five-straight pins to cap the matchup. Blaise Baughman pinned his 175-pound opponent in 25 seconds before Brock Hamm and Thomas Chikos took 1:39 and 1:13, respectively, to finish off their wins.
Next, Tucker Jr. faced Missouri Valley's Vinny Zappia, who stood taller and weighed more than him at heavyweight.
“That was fine with me,” the Bear said. “I wrestle big men every time.”
Zappia took a lead in the match, but Tucker Jr. secured a headlock and took his opponent to the mat for a pin in 4:34.
“It just fell in my lap,” BHS' 285-pounder said. “Pinned him.”
Tannon Bellamy wrestled for the Bears last Thursday, pinning Matthew Cliffe in 1:14 at 106 pounds. His team next competes 7 p.m. Thursday at Millard West.
