The Baxter boys wrestling team showcased impressive performances at two recent tournaments, with standout athletes Kinnick Poage and Ruger Kincaid leading the charge. Competing against teams from outside the state, the Bolts finished eighth at the Ron Dodd Viking Invitational held on December 9, 2023.
At this event, Kinnick Poage secured a runner-up position in the 113-pound category, achieving a commendable record of 4-1 and recording four pins throughout the day. Although he initially lost his first match by fall while leading 3-2, he bounced back with a series of dominant performances. Poage’s season record now stands at 12-2. Ruger Kincaid also contributed significantly, finishing third in the 190-pound class with an overall record of 8-3. Kincaid faced a challenging start, losing his opening match 20-9, but he quickly regained his momentum by securing three consecutive pins, two of which occurred in the first period.
The tournament saw out-of-state teams dominate the standings, with Dover-Eyota clinching the title with 215 points, narrowly defeating Westfield, which scored 208 points. Other top contenders included Highland (179), Central Springs (152.5), and host Northwood-Kensett (113).
The Bolts continued to demonstrate their prowess at the Montezuma Invitational on December 12, 2023, where Poage, Kincaid, and teammate Maddox Peters combined for a strong 7-3 record on the mat. Bondurant-Farrar emerged as the tournament champion with 305.5 points, followed by the Norwalk junior varsity with 155 points.
Poage again proved his mettle by finishing second in the 106-pound category after a 2-1 performance, including two pins that lasted only 1:50 in total. Peters, competing in the 175-pound class, also placed second with a record of 2-1, demonstrating efficiency with two pins achieved in under three minutes.
Kincaid excelled at 215 pounds, finishing with a record of 3-1. He began the day with a swift victory by fall in just 42 seconds and continued to dominate, securing another pin in the first period. His sole loss came against Class 1A No. 2 Braxton Plants of Montezuma. Additionally, Sam Wilhelm placed fourth at 190 pounds with a record of 1-2, while Lincoln Russell medically forfeited his matches at 120 pounds.
The performances of Poage and Kincaid highlight the ongoing development and competitive spirit of the Baxter wrestling program as they aim for continued success in the season ahead.
