The Gibson Southern Titan wrestling team traveled to Princeton in the first dual meet of the year against the Tigers. The meet started at the 145-pound weight class with freshman Kemper Pennington losing by a pin, as did senior Colin Sokeland. Junior Jack Rose won by pin at 160 pounds, as well as his younger brother, sophomore Beau Rose at 170 pounds. 

“Me and Beau’s victories were both crucial to winning the dual, and both were good matches,” Jack Rose said.

The pins from the Rose brothers put the Titans and Tigers close in point standings; however, the Titans went on to lose their next few matches. 

“[Freshman] Keaton Richardville lost by tech-fall,” sophomore Max Wahl said. “[Sophomore] Justus Dill lost by pin, [freshman] Blake Ulm had a forfeit, [sophomore] Jacob Stallsmith lost by pin, and [freshman] Brodey Klem won with a pin.”

Wahl pinned his opposing 138-pounder to win the duel for the Titans. 

“It was the most hyped I have been after a wrestling match,” Wahl said. “I’ve never won a match that the team needed to win. The kid was pretty good.”

With Wahl’s win, it propelled the Titans forward to victory with a final score of 36-33. 

“I think Max Wahl did a really good job in his match,” assistant coach Josh Elpers said. “He started out in a tight spot and was able to fight back to get a fall. We tried to focus on controlling the hand-fighting, keeping a good position and controlling the pace of the matches.”

The win gave the Titans a 1-0 start on the season for dual meets.

There were several forfeits in this match: 113 pounds, 120 pounds, 126 pounds and heavyweight. 

“We will keep working on winning in scramble positions, as well as just getting tougher throughout the season,” Elpers said. 

The Titan’s next meet is Friday, December 9, at Tell City for the PAC duals. They travel to Reitz on December 13 for the next dual meet.