The Sabetha Bluejay wrestling squad entered the 2023 Big Seven League Wrestling Tournament with a full head of steam, and the momentum continued as the team totally dominated their competition. The tournament was held on Friday, Feb. 10, at Riverside and the Jays captured the championship with a total of 226.5 points, out-distancing Holton, who had 165 points, and Nemaha Central with 149.5 points.

“We wrestled very well as I expected them to,” said Assistant Head Coach Trevin Edelman. “There were no upsets and every match went as expected.”

All 14 wrestlers finished in the top three of their respective weight divisions with seven grapplers being crowned league champions. 

“All year long we talk about peaking at the right time of the year,” Edelman said. “We are right on track for what we want out of these young men. We are definitely wrestling at our best and the timing is perfect as we head into regional action Saturday here at home.”

Capturing gold medals for the Jays were seniors 150-pound Kellan Spielman, 157-pound Jonathan Renyer and 175-pound Josh Herrmann. Juniors getting in on the gold medal action were 132-pound Cullen Wikle, 138-pound Colin Menold and 285-pound Josh Grimm. Sophomore 113-pound Dennis Mortorff also brought home a first-place finish.

Five wrestlers fell just short of the top of the podium and finished in second place. Senior 190-pound Jacob Kuenzi finished in second place, as did juniors 126-pound Zach Kibbe, 144-pound Cole Hinton and 215-pound Dalton Rokey. Sophomore 106-pound Caleb Renyer also captured a silver medal for his day’s work. Senior 120-pound Lucas Menold and junior 165-pound Brayden Meredith finished in third place.

The Jays’ next action will be at home on Saturday, Feb. 18, as the Jays will host the 2023 KSHSAA Class 3-2-1A Regional Tournament. The action will begin at 9:30 a.m. with 24 teams participating. The top four wrestlers in each weight class will advance to the KSHSAA Class 3-2-1A State Boys Wrestling Tournament held in Hays on Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25.