Wheelers whip through Underwood to send five to State as District champs

Kerkhoff and Juelsgaard returning, Fett, Smith and Mulford reach State for first time

By Drew Herron - AJ Sports Editor / Feb. 20, 2014

UNDERWOOD – If there is a silver lining to be found in missing out on this year’s State Dual Tournament, it’s the cause and effect result one disappointing Tuesday had on what turned into a remarkable Saturday.

The five Wheeler individuals that remained alive all hit the mat truly hungry in the District 1A site in Underwood on Feb. 15, and swept through their matches via a cumulative 10-0 performance that include seven pins and three decisions in a statement effort.

On paper it might not have been so surprising in retrospect, but after falling hard to Logan-Magnolia (53-15) in the Regional Dual four days prior, and placing third a few too many times last Saturday, the Wheelers entered the District cautiously optimistic.

But pushing all five guys through, as District champions no less…it’s not bad.

“We’re pretty happy with the way today turned out,” Wheelers head coach Blane Kerkhoff says. “We knew we had the potential, but you never really know how things are going to shape up. Today, the kids wrestled hard, and good things happened.”

After the Regional Dual loss mid-week, the boys got back to work with the clock ticking. Over the week, the Wheelers spent part of their time practicing with Atlantic/CAM’s squad, and coach Kerkhoff says that he feels it was very beneficial as far as addressing the physical side of things. 

By Saturday, the Wheelers had their confidence back about them, and they put it on display.

“I don’t think there was ever any doubt in their mind, it’s just a matter of putting it on the mat,” coach Kerkhoff says. “Tuesday night was real downer all the way around. It’s difficult to get a lame horse to win a race, and that’s what we were Tuesday. Today was much better.

“But, it is a bit surprising,” coach Kerkhoff says. “You never know if you are going to come out and wrestle that well."

Another bit of good news is all five Wheelers to advance will face a District runner-up to open the State Tournament Thursday.

That might create some favorable match-ups, though coach Kerkhoff says don’t buy into that too much.

 “The kids need to understand that nothing is easy at the State Tournament,” coach Kerkhoff says. “But at the same time, it’s just another match. We can’t let that arena get us out of our focus. Every one of our guys is going in as a champion, but you never know what you are going to get drawn into,” coach Kerkhoff says. “But hopefully we will be wrestling all three days.”

Kyle Juelsgaard was impressive again, using a first-period pin and a major decision in the final (10-0 over Guy Sudmann – Underwood). In doing so, he was the first of the five Wheelers to put his name on the list at State, and he’s doing it for the second straight year.

“He really controlled the ties up on his feet, and he looked good with his takedowns,” coach Kerkhoff says. “Kyle was in control in both of his matches.”

At 126, junior Brad Kerkhoff too will return to Wells Fargo Arena is Des Moines after working his way through the District with a pair of routine pins. The No. 7 ranked individual in Class 1A, Kerkhoff brings a 44-6 record to State.

“Brad’s real steady and he fears no one,” coach Kerkhoff says. “He comes in with a plan, and he puts it to work.”

Junior Trevor Smith qualified for State this year with two pins as well, marking the fifth pin on the day through the first four weight classes. 

“Trevor has good technique and positioning,” coach Kerkhoff says. “And when he’s on, he’s tough to beat. He finished up his finals match real strong…he got the cradle, settled in, didn’t let it get out of control, and just worked (Bauerkemper) all the way down to his back before he got the fall.”

Sophomore Jake Mulford is headed to Des Moines as well for the first time at 132 pounds. Mulford rode out two decisions at the Underwood District to finish as champion, improving his record to 22-7 on the season.

With all five guys advancing, the Wheelers have the opportunity to do something memorable at Wells Fargo Arena, especially if they keep up the torrid pace.

“It’s pretty exciting when you come here with five guys, and all five are District champs and we are all moving on together,” Fett says. “It’s going to be a fun and exciting week.”