Mikey Ryan, Caysen Curran, and Jaxson Anderson were all able to end the first day at the State Wrestling tournament with wins to keep Mount Vernon’s motivation strong. All three received byes in their first round, and won their second round matches.
On Thursday, Ryan (157)won by tech fall in 2:45 against Sawyer Kirby from Williamsburg. Ryan, a senior, won his first match to start the tournament in two minutes and 45 seconds. Despite Ryan not having a match in the first round, he was able to rest up and start strong in the second round at the Casey’s Arena in Des Moines. Ryan had much to look forward to as he was able to punch his way through his first match.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the mat and having some more fun matches,” Ryan said.
Ryan was able to look for ways to improve and get better for his match. “I am trying to build on every match and keep my pace high and attack my opponents harder each match.”
“I look up to my four older brothers the most in wrestling,” Ryan, the youngest of nine siblings, said.
Mount Vernon’s Cayson Curran (175) won by decision (3-0) against Brady Grier from Williamsburg. Curran, a senior, won championship round 2 to start his run in the tournament.
Curran had a first round bye to start the day but that didn’t stop him. “Durring the time I had off,” Curran said, “I kept my mind off my match so I wouldn’t overthink it, and compete at my best ability.”
Curran knew he had hard competition ahead, “I’m just trying to focus on myself” Curran said, “and not stress each match so I don’t get in my own head.” Curran was able to end the first day undefeated.
William Goodlove, a senior, was able to finish his day 1-2, with a loss to Camanche in the 165-pound round 1, a bye in consolation round 1, and a loss in consolation round 2 to Taevyn Zinnel of Algona.
Jaxson Anderson, a senior, ended his first day 2-0 receiving a win by decision (5-1) over Tayten Rummel from Algona in the 215 championship round 2. Although Anderson had a first round bye he took the time to relax and mentally prepare for his upcoming matches.
The Mount Vernon Wrestlers have lots of success leading their way for these next upcoming days.
