CORRECTION: An earlier version misspelled the name of wrestler Jett Blackburn.
The host Bluffton High School wrestling team finished a solid fourth at the Northwest Conference championship meet Friday evening, February 19.
Two Pirates won individual weight class championships and another came in second at the event. Three Bluffton wrestlers ended up third in their weight class.
Pirate senior Kaden Basil captured the 175 lbs. NWC crown with a record of 3-0 on the strength of three pins.
Freshman Jett Blackburn won the 132 lbs. league title with a 5-0 record. He recorded two pins and three decision victories.
Pirate sophomore Kyle Basil authored a 4-1 record with four pins at 157 lbs. to finish second.
Senior Dustin Mortimer went 4-2 at 150 lbs. to finish third.
Junior Isaiah Mikesell finished 3-2 at 165 lbs. to come in third.
At 215 lbs., Trent Howard took third with a 3-2 mark and three pins.
Defending title-holder Allen East repeated again as NWC champions with 304.5 points, followed by Spencerville in second (256) and Columbus Grove in third (217).
Bluffton scored 159 points to end up fourth.
Bluffton top-six placers by weight class:
132:
1st Jett Blackburn 9, Bluffton
175:
1st Kaden Basil 12, Bluffton
157:
2nd Kyle Basil 10, Bluffton
150:
3rd Dustin Mortimer 12, Bluffton
165:
3rd Isaiah Mikesell 11, Bluffton
215:
3rd Trent Howard 12, Bluffton
138:
6th Micah Minnig 12, Bluffton
NWC meet team results:
1. Allen East 304.5 points
2. Spencerville 256
3. Columbus Grove 217
4. Bluffton 159
5. Crestview 145
6. Jefferson 114
7. Lincolnview 109
8. Ada 71.5
The Pirate matmen compete next in the Lima Div. III sectional meet February 26 at LCC.
