Nguyen earns a return to state

By NICHOLAS KIMBALL

Staff writer

County wrestlers competed over the weekend in Fredonia for slots at state competition Friday and Saturday at Fort Hays State University.

Marion senior Brian Nguyen punched his ticket to state, finishing as runner-up Saturday.

Two Canton-Galva wrestlers, part of a joint team with Hillsboro, also will compete at state.

Nguyen, who went 2-1 Saturday, finished second after falling in the finals to the top-ranked wrestler in his weight class. It will be Nguyen’s second straight trip to state.

He boasts a 34-5 season record and will face off against junior Ben Vogel of Cimarron in the first round.

Two other Marion boys competed Saturday. Sigsbee Ostlee finished 1-2 and Sam Rziha 2-2, coming up just shy of the tournament’s blood round.

William Andreas and Jaxon Chrislip of Canton-Galva each finished fourth in their respective weight classes and earned trips to state.

Chrislip is returning after qualifying last season as a freshman. Andreas is making his first trip as a sophomore.

“Our lone senior, Logan Rogers, has been in our program for several years and came up short this weekend,” coach Scott O’Hare said. “His work ethic, grit, and fun personality will be missed in the program next year. We wish him the best.”