The stands were filled for the annual Miami Trace, East Clinton and McClain High School SCOL tri-match Thursday night at MHS.
McClain kicked things off against defending champion Miami Trace in round one, according to information provided by MHS mat coach Shane Paul. Miami Trace proved to be the toughest team the Tigers have faced so far this year, Paul said. The matches were very competitive, but Miami Trace was able to pull off a 55-16 victory.
Keegan Rawlins (145/152) of MHS was able to keep his undefeated season going with a major decision (10-2) against Gavin Moore of Miami Trace.
Trace won in round two against East Clinton by a final score of 63-15. The Panthers left the gym after round two with a 2-0 league record and again sitting on top of the league standings.
In round three, the visiting East Clinton Astros and the home team squared off to see who would split matches on the night and who would leave at 0-2. The Tigers got the split on the night with a close 42-33 victory. Rawlins, a junior, won his 75th career match, and now stands at 12-0 on the year. The triple digit career win mark is a highly sought-after plateau for a varsity wrestler.
“Keegan is well on his way,” said Paul.
Individually, Quinton Smith (113), Dawson Immel (126), and Rawlins (145/152) led the way for McClain, all three going 2-0 on the night. Conner Morarity (120), Kyler Trefz (170), Ethan Taylor (182), and Kai Borrelli (220/285) split even on the night at 1-1.
Matthew Milnes (132) and Phil Waters (160) both fell short of victory in two tries.
McClain is now 4-3 on the season and 1-1 in the SCOL. They travel to Walnut Hills High School on Saturday, Dec. 17 to compete in the Eagle Rumble. Teams from Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky will make the out of state trip to Cincinnati for the dual-meet tournament.
“I expect this young team to hit the rumble hard and come away with some victories,” Paul said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how they accept this challenge.”
