Wrestling: Early leads slip away for Tigers

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The Farmington wrestling team saw early leads slip away in both of its team losses during a seventh-place finish at the Koda Classic Saturday at Tiger Gym.

The hosts opened their first-round dual with ninth-ranked Lakeville North by winning the first five matches, only to lose seven of the final nine in a 31-29 setback. The same thing happened in the second round against Paynesville when three pins, a major decision and a forfeit gave the Tigers a 28-0 lead in an eventual 40-34 loss.

The Tigers closed out the tournament by winning eight of 13 matches in a 45-24 victory over Lake City in the seventh-place match.

Chatfield defeated Lake City, Milaca and Lakeville North to win the title at the eight-team tournament.

“We were in all the duals, but again it comes down to giving up too many bonus points,” Farmington coach Chad Olson said. “We are not at full strength and are dealing with injuries. The positive is we now have the depth, when someone goes down we have capable backups ready to go at almost every weight.”

Taylor Venz, Jacob Gabbard and Brayden Chapman each turned in 3-0 days for the Tigers. Venz, ranked second in the state at 106 pounds, scored two pins and a 2-0 decision over North’s state-ranked wrestler at 113 pounds. He now has a record of 20-2.

Gabbard earned two pins and a decision, as well, and Chapman nabbed a decision, a major decision and a forfeit at 132 pounds.

Jamin LeDuc added a pair of wins at 106 pounds to up his record to 15-1. Matt Rustad, Joe Hoeve and Jamie Scavone also won a pair of matches.

The Tigers are back on the mat tonight when they host a triangular against Eagan and Stillwater.

Tags: high school, sports, farmington, tigers, prep, wrestling