ALGONA - The Estherville Lincoln Central wrestling team struggled throughout the 2009-10 season, however, they dealt with open weights, injuries and frustrations and did the only thing they could do - persevere.
While the road has come to an end for the majority of the wrestlers in the program following the sectional meet in Algona, ELC's Gable Bonner took second place by going 2-1, qualifying him for the district tournament this weekend in Lake Mills and keeping his State Tournament dreams alive.
"First, I want to congratulate Gable for qualifying for the district tournament next weekend," said ELC coach Chris Koenck. "He will have a tough week ahead of him to prepare himself for a tough opponent."
Bonner will face Class 2A No. 9 rated Patrick Hansen of Hampton Dumont. Koenck believes that in preparation for his match, Bonner will do exactly what he has done all season - go to work.
"Gable has wrestled many tough, ranked opponents throughout the year and has battled to the very end with them," said Koenck. "He is capable of beating a good kid, but he will have to work harder than he has ever worked to get to that next level. Gable is one of, if not the hardest working kids in our room, so there will be no doubt that he will do everything in his power to be ready to beat his opponent."
ELC's Seth Shatto fell just shy of earning a trip to districts, earning a third place finish in the tournament at 152 pounds.
Freshman Curtis Klingbeil placed fourth at 135 pounds, going 1-1 at the tournament.
Riley Edwards (171), Alex Blomquist (140), Aaron Howing (160) and Cole Mace (189) all earned fifth place.
"As for the other members of our team whose season came to an end, I want to commend them on their hard work, dedication, and perseverance," said Koenck. "They have improved steadily to this point and there is no doubt that we will be a different team next year.
"We know everything didn't work out the way we wanted it to, but the upside of that outcome is that everyone is coming back next year. These young men know that with hard work this off season and dedication to wrestling and their teammates, they can improve vastly and then can come back next season and achieve their goals.
"I am proud of all of them and feel privileged to have coached them."
Coach Koenck also had a message for the ELC wrestling fans.
"I want to thank all of the parents and fans who came over to Algona on Saturday to cheer us on. We appreciate the support and hope to see a big crowd over at Lake Mills on Saturday as Gable lays it on the line for a bid to wrestle at the State Tournament."
