With their first competition of the 2020-21 season complete, the Saint Louis U. High wrestling team is looking to learn from and build on the mistakes that typically accompany first matches while preparing for an upcoming quad meet with Washington, Union, and Rockwood Summit this Friday.

“It was just nice to finally get back out on the mat. SLUH hasn’t wrestled any real competitions since last February, so I think everybody was ready to be back,” said junior Jack Onder.

Although Franklin County, where St. Clair High School is located, is more relaxed than St. Louis County regarding their implementation of Covid restrictions, the wrestlers still dealt with some new rule changes last Wednesday.  

Both teams were asked to weigh-in and warm up with masks on.  However, they were not required to wear them while wrestling. Additionally, the referee did not hold up the hand of the winning wrestler, as is typical at the end of a match. He instead pointed in the direction of the winner.

The meet began with senior Leo Wagner, who wrestles in the 152-pound weight class, getting pinned by his opponent late in the second period. Wrestling at 160, senior Cameron Perry’s match similarly ended in a pin.  

The Jr. Bills’ first win came from senior Bobby Conroy, wrestling at 170. After choosing to start the second period in referee’s position (Conroy was down on the mat while his opponent covered him), he quickly broke away and returned to neutral. Seconds later, Conroy tripped the St. Clair wrestler and pinned him.

Next, junior Alex Nance (182) and senior Lenny Madalon (195) took byes.

Senior Logan Nuemann wrestled a gruelling match at 220. After gaining a 20-14 lead, Neumann used an upper body throw to get his opponent down on the mat. He sealed the deal with a pin as just under 30 seconds remained in the third period.

Concluding a series of byes, sophomore Connor Whalen, who wrestles at 132, won after his St. Clair opponent was disqualified. Following an illegal suplex by St. Clair which sent Whalen off the mat for the night, the competition was nearly concluded.

The final match of the night featured junior Jack Onder, wrestling at 145. Although in the lead all match, Onder at first struggled to pin his opponent. His opportunity came when, in the third period, Onder fought off his back and reversed the St. Clair wrestler. Forcing him onto his back, Onder pinned his opponent 40 seconds into the third period.

Although SLUH put up several impressive matches, they narrowly lost to St. Clair, who won the dual 42-36. However, many of the wrestlers were able to take key lessons away from their match, something which can prove to be invaluable over the course of a season.

“Usually, during a wrestler's first match of the season, they are overcome by their nerves. It can cause them to freeze up and abandon their plan for the match. They go out on the mat and don’t try any of their moves. We definitely saw some of that Wednesday night. Hopefully, with the first competition out of the way, the boys will feel more confident in themselves going forward in the season,” said coach Todd Clements.

Facing another altered week due to Monday’s delayed Covid testing, which has prevented contact-practices on Monday, Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday, the Jr. Bills must work especially hard to prepare for their competition Friday.

With the first matches of the season complete, the SLUH wrestling team is looking to build on its successes and grow from its shortcomings, both showcased at St. Clair. Continuing to display an eagerness to compete, anticipation remains high among the wrestlers for upcoming meets where they hope to display growth from last Wednesday.