(Des Moines, IA)- The Trojans had three wrestlers qualify for the state tournament this year, and after Day 2, they all remain alive in the bracket.
Unfortunately, it has become a do-or-die time for Taye Jordan, Aiden Smith, and Evan Sorenson, as they’ve all notched a loss at Wells Fargo Arena and find themselves in the consolations. 106-pounder Jordan and 126-pounder Smith both had BYEs to start their tournament run before winning their first matches on Wednesday but would both drop their quarterfinal matches on Thursday.
285-pounder Sorenson had a loss to a top seed in his second match of the tournament on Wednesday and battled through the consolations with two Day 2 wins. Coach Duff is ready to push the wrestlers on Friday as it becomes the defining day for podium finishes.
While for a while it may hurt, Coach Duff is looking at the positive aspects of even just being here at the state tournament, a feat many dream of but not many accomplish.
Speaking of chances to get that medal, Evan Sorenson has been battling in the tournament so far as he lost his second match of the tournament and has now won two straight in order to be one win away from the consolation quarterfinals and the state tournament podium. This match means just a little bit more as it’s against a familiar opponent in Creston’s Max Chapman.
A high goal to strive for but his teammates of Taye Jordan and Aiden Smith may have higher goals as Sorenson’s belief in the two of them is immediate and confident.
Coach Duff and the Trojans return to action for the Class 2A session at 9am on Friday with updates on 96.5 KSOM, KS 95.7, and Western Iowa Today TV.
