By OLIVER GOOD

Staff writer

Bringing their winning streak to eight events and perhaps breaking a few hearts along the way, the Warriors emerged victorious with 117.5 team points at a wrestling tournament in Chase County on Valentine’s Day.

“We didn’t wrestle very well,” Coach Chad Adkins said Monday. “But we fought hard to get it done.”

Overall, he said the Warriors “wrestled flat” and lost a few matches that they shouldn’t have because of some lazy mistakes with takedowns Marion wrestlers made on their feet.

The Warriors beat out larger 4A schools Wamego, El Dorado, and Mulvane for the team win.

Marion’s 182-pounder Adam Janzen and 220-pounder Kyle Palic both took first in the tournament. Adkins noted that Janzen also defeated the No. 3-ranked wrestler in the state from Doniphan West.

Max Gerlach took second place at 106 pounds. Jarrett Johnson and Noah Albin placed third at 113- and 126-pound weight classes, and Bryce Shults and Tyler Palic came in fourth at 132- and 195-pounds.

This week in practice, Adkins said the team would be working on takedowns and strategy to prepare for the Regional Wrestling Tournament Feb. 20 and Feb. 21 in Fredonia.

“If you get the first takedown you not only take control, but you set the tone for the match,” Adkins said. “Some kids think they’re beat if you take them down first.”

Going into regionals, he has positive hopes for the Warriors.

“The guys will be ready to go this weekend,” Adkins said. “If we go down and wrestle the way I know we can, I’m sure we will qualify the guys we think will qualify.”