Marion wrestler repeats as 6th at state
Staff writer
Marion senior Brian Nguyen was the lone county wrestler in Hays this weekend for the state tournament.
After qualifying as a regional runner-up in the 215-pound weight class, he took sixth place in state competition for the second year in a row.
He lost to Brodie Boudreaux of Beloit in what could be deemed déjà vu. It was the exact same scene, opponent, and outcome for Nguyen last year.
“This was set to be Brian’s final match of his wrestling career, and he battled his heart out the entire time,” coach Tyler McMichael said. “This matchup had similar issues to the first time, with us being unable to score points on a very defensive wrestler.”
Nguyen did earn the 100th victory of his high school career at state, pinning Ben Vogel of Cimarron in the first round.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment for him,” McMichael said. “We’re extremely proud of Brian as a wrestler, and as a person.
“Brian came to our wrestling room in seventh grade as someone who had never stepped foot on a wrestling mat. Throughout the last six years, Brian has listened and worked hard to grow as a person and wrestler.
“He put in all of the hard work in the weight room, the wrestling room, and the classroom to be a complete student-athlete.”
Nguyen concluded his career with a record of 102-54, a regional championship medal, a regional runner-up medal, and as a two-time state placer.
“Brian is going to be greatly missed as our lone senior wrestler,” McMichael said. “His influence and leadership set the stage for all of our upcoming Warriors who had the chance to be in the wrestling room with him.”
Hillsboro
The Trojans, fielding a joint team with Cantan-Galva, had two wrestlers compete at state this weekend, William Andreas and Jaxon Chrislip.
Both were eliminated after the second round.
“William making it to state in only his second season of participating in wrestling, after not winning a single match last year,” coach Scott O’Hare said, “was a huge testament to the progress he made this season and the experience he has gained.
“Jaxon suffered an ankle/Achilles injury the night before regionals that hampered his ability to compete the way he is capable. This set him up for a tough draw at the state tournament.”
Andreas will be returning as a senior next year, while Chrislip will return as a junior.