Spencer/Columbus wrestlers eye the prize

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By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com

SPENCER – Three Spencer/Marshfield Columbus Catholic wrestlers stand just a few wins away from their ultimate goal – a trip to the WIAA State Individual Wrestling Tournament.

Freshman Trevor Ackman (33-6), sophomore Kyle Andreae (19-7) and junior Nick Vaughan (30-10) will compete at the WIAA Division 3 sectional Saturday at Osseo-Fairchild with the hopes of taking one of the top three spots in their weight classes and advancing to next week’s state tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison.

Rockets coach Adam Vaughan said he thinks all three have what it takes to get there.

“I think all three wrestlers have a good shot to go,” Vaughan said. “Our biggest obstacle is inexperience. We have never been here before and for a sophomore and a freshman to make it – there is going to be a lot of pressure.

“I think if they come in with the attitude to win instead of worrying about losing, they are going to be OK.”

Ackman (119 pounds) and Andreae (285 pounds) won regional titles last Saturday at Cadott, while Vaughan lost in the title match at 215 pounds, then had to win a second-place wrestleback to advance.

Coach Vaughan’s expectations of the three were different coming into the season.

“Trevor has a lot of experience wrestling, so we knew he could go far,” Adam Vaughan said. “Nick had a pretty competitive sophomore year, so the expectations were high for him. Kyle was a surprise for us. He and Sam Nigon battled on JV last year and then again for a varsity spot. Wi the massive amount of mat time he is receiving, he has come full circle with his ability.”

In preparing for the sectional, Adam Vaughan said he couldn’t be more pleased with the team’s focus.

“All week we have been stressing attitude and wrestling the complete six minutes,” Coach Vaughan said. “We always like our chances in the third period and all three have been extremely focused this week. Their focus and competitiveness in the practice room is refreshing since I haven’t seen it in a while.

“Kyle beat a kid that beat him twice this year and Nick and Trevor have been winning the close matches. I am excited for the hard work to pay off.”