The Cardinals boys wrestling team qualified three for the state tournament with a handful of big wins at Saturday’s regional tournament in Tonganoxie.
Sophomore Newt Schreiner and freshman Bryce VanDonge both picked up clutch wins in win-or-go-home matches that clinched their bids to state.
“I’m proud of all of them,” head coach Miles Cleveland said. “They’ve all wrestled really well today. It’s been awesome.”
Schreiner fell behind early in his qualification match in the 150-pound weight class but battled back to claim the win in a display that Cleveland said showed heart. When Schreiner finally claimed the victory, the Eudora sidelined roared in support.
“I’ve known Newt since he was a little kid,” Cleveland said. “So seeing him finally get over the hump, that was huge. I get a little teary-eyed.”
Schreiner said he was excited to compete at the state level. He won his last match to finish third at regionals.
For both him and VanDonge, it will provide valuable experience for two wrestlers who are still underclassmen.
“I think it’s just a great opportunity,” Schreiner. “You know, I’ve been working really hard for this all season and seasons before, so it just means the world.”
VanDonge also won a big match on the back side in the 120-pound weight class to claim his spot at state, despite battling injury and sickness throughout the year. Cleveland said qualifying will be a huge confidence booster for the rest of VanDonge’s career.
Junior Gabe Campbell snagged the first state bid of the day, making the final and finishing second in the 113-pound weight class.
“It was great,” Campbell said of his qualification. “I really wanted it this year. I really felt I could make it.”
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at eudoratimes@gmail.com
