KHS wrestlers show promise in defeat

The success of Kingfi sher’s dual opener last week can’t necessarily be measured in the result.

Yes, the Jackets dropped the dual at Class 3A’s Hinton on Tuesday.

However, the success can be measured in the final score.

The Comets were able to win the final bout and escape with a 46-36 victory.

The fact the Jackets had a chance to win going into the heavyweight bout says something, according to coach Steven Wilson.

“They beat us 70-6 last year and they brought back all but one starter,” Wilson said. “So it’s fair to say we’ve made some progress.”

The teams swapped forfeits through the first four weight classes before Gant Browning gave the Jackets an 18-12 lead at 132 pounds.

The senior needed just 29 seconds to pin Nehemiah Matrix.

The Comets got four points back at 138 with a major decision over Brayden Kochenower.

Then came one of the surprises of the night for KHS.

Damien Haynes pinned his 144-pound foe in 3:06.

The Jackets also got a pin from Jose Santoyo at 215 pounds.

“Both of those guys were giving up some weight, so it was an added boost to get some points we weren’t necessarily expecting,” Wilson said.

Haynes’ victory put the Jackets up 24-16.

However, the Comets won four of the next five matches via pins, raking up 24 points in the process.

“Those were all four state qualifiers last year and one was a state placer,” Wilson said of the string of Comets. “We knew that was a tough stretch going into it.”

Breaking up the run after three falls was Kingfi sher’s Mason Alig.

He grabbed a pin just 22 seconds into his 175-pound bout to keep KHS in the dual.

The Jackets got a forfeit at 215, pulling them within four points going into heavyweight… meaning they had a chance to win with a pin or technical fall.

However, the Comets were able to secure the dual with a pin in the third period.

Lady Jackets grab program’s 1st dual win History was made Tuesday by the Kingfisher High School girls wrestling team.

The Lady Jackets won their first dual in program history by toppling Hinton 36-18 on the road.

“I think they tried to play it off a little,” said coach Steven Wilson. “But afterward I could tell that it meant something to them.

“And it should.” Kingfisher got big wins from Emily Warren and Zoey Padilla.

The two pinned their foes in the first period of their respective matches.

Kingfisher also grabbed forfeit wins from Alexi Otey, Serenity Starr and Elizabeth Pickle.