Michael Smith
The Winnetonka boys wrestling team could be a team to watch for in 2023-24.
The Griffins had an impressive showing in Tuesday’s quad dual against Raytown, Truman and Raytown South.
They won all three of their duals, topping Truman 67-6, Raytown 48-25 and Raytown South 60-18.
Wrestler Interviews from:
- Tyree Broom, Winnetonka (113): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Xavier Woods, Winnetonka (126): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Tim McCane, Winnetonka (138): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Justin Urriola, Raytown South (120): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Jericho Vahle, Truman (150): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Doone Taylor, Winnetonka (215): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Josiah Hogan, Raytown (150): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Tuff Johnson, Winnetonka (175): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Edgar Orozco, Raytown (157): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Norman Schneider, Raytown South (132): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Roman Butler, Raytown (165): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
- Jordan Colon, Winnetonka (285): Raytown South Quad Dual Interview
Raytown went 1-1 with its one victory coming against rival Raytown South 57-24. South was 1-2 with it’s lone win coming against Truman 47-24.
The Griffins had 11 wrestlers go undefeated including nine who finished at 3-0.
Senior Xavier Woods (126) was one of those as he earned two pins and a forfeit victory. He said he models his wrestling after Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs and utilized his double-leg takedowns effectively Tuesday.
“ I like to get to my glass double leg takedowns, I learned that from (Burroughs),” Woods said. “In one match, I got a throw by into a spladle.”
Senior Tim McCane (138) was just as dominant as Woods. He pinned all three of his opponents in the first round. He said the biggest challenge for him was cutting weight before the event.
I got my weight down by grinding hard yesterday,” McCane said. “I came into today ready to wrestle. I knew my team needed me at 138 pounds and I had to come through.”
Senior Jordan Colon (285) will be looking for his first state medal this season and he looked like he could compete for one later in the season on Tuesday. He had a pin, a 5-0 victory and a forfeit to finish his day unbeaten.
“I think I did good not only with my defense, but spaced out my energy,” Colon said. “I think I did good but I need to get better in neutral.”
Other Griffins to finish 3-0 on the day included Braiden Loyd (106), Tyree Broom (113), Landon Shermen (145), Tuff Johnson (175) and Shane Hall (190) and Doone Taylor (215)….
