Republic wrestlers earned four falls and four forfeits to come from behind and defeat Kickapoo 51-30 in a dual in Springfield on Wednesday. Republic trailed 30-18 before surging to the win.
The Tigers won six consecutive matches (three contested) from 157 pounds through 285 pounds to pull away. Kaiden Patterson started the streak with a pin at 157 pounds, and Kameron Sutton followed with a 10-8 decision at 165 pounds.
Cameron Allen (175), Tanner Gonzalez (190), Chase Hicks (215), and Jaxston Feuerborn (285) closed out the dual with victories for Republic. Allen and Gonzalez won by forfeit, Hicks pinned Jake Nunn, and Feuerborn won by forfeit.
Republic coach Eric Nolan said some of his wrestlers picked up victories despite not feeling their best.
“A couple of our kids battled and found a way to win,” Nolan said. “We dropped a couple that we’d like to have back.”
Earlier in the dual, Corbin Massey (120), Shelby Horton (126), and Shea Rogers (138) earned wins for Republic. Horton and Rogers both picked up falls, while Massey won by forfeit.
Both teams competed without several regulars due to injuries. Republic’s regular 106-pounder, Coy Chrihfield, was out of the lineup, and so was 138-pound junior Keaton Overcast. Nolan said he expects both back by the district tournament, if not before.
“This is a long race. We’re running a marathon here,” Nolan said. “Our guys are ready to step it up when it really counts here at the end of the season, going into conference and going into districts.”
