Fort Calhoun sophomore Lance Olberding delivered Tuesday night during the Pioneers' final regular season match.
The 120-pounder earned an 11-2 major decision against Conestoga's Braden Ruffner, clinching a 28-24 home dual win. With the victory, coach Drew Welchert's squad could turn its attention to Saturday's Class C1-A Subdistrict Tournament in David City.
“I think everyone's in a good mindset,” said FCHS senior Trey McCoy. “I think we're good.”
Like Olberding, the Pioneer 106-pounder will enter his first postseason tourney of 2021 on a victory after Tuesday's four-point team win. He earned one of his team's four victories in contested matches against the Cougars, besting Asher Koehnen by first-period pin.
“It's been a good season,” McCoy said after his 24th win of the school year. “And I think I'm ready (for subdistricts).”
The Pioneers' Ely Olberding also looked primed for the postseason after a first-period pin of Conestoga's Ethan Gloe. The match took just 1:51.
In addition, FCHS 182-pounder Grant Nixon finished off Malakai Jones in 2:16 Tuesday night, sticking the Cougar's shoulders to the mat. Jesse Hartline, meanwhile, picked up six team points by forfeit at 220 pounds.
The Pioneers trailed their final dual opponent of the season 18-0 at one point, but overcame the deficit with three consecutive wins — including Lance Olberding's — to cap the night.
