Bryce Thompson finished on top of the podium at 113 pounds for Highland at the Fort Madison Invitational on Saturday. Thompson won each of his first two matches by tech fall, including a 15-0 decision over CCA freshman Jack Stevens, who had just one loss for the season. 

Thompson earned a first-place finish with an 8-6 decision over Lane Scorpil, who finished sixth at 106 in the 2A state wrestling tournament for Columbus last season. 

“Bryce went out and scored early in his finals match,” Highland coach Derick Ball said. 

“He put up points all day long. He did a great job finishing his leg attacks and did a great job working from top position.”

Easton Schlabaugh dropped a 4-2 decision in the quarterfinals, but responded with a pair of pins to finish fifth at 106. Carlos Valenzuela went 4-1 on the day, and won three straight matches in the consolation bracket to finish fifth as well. 

“Easton got upset early but bounced back with a couple wins on the back side,” Ball said. 

“He learned a lot about match prep and will continue to improve. I was happy with the way Carlos, Jack (Peiffer), and Tristin (Richardson) battled. They will continue to work hard and improve. Overall, a good day.”

Hotz finishes fifth

Lone Tree’s Will Hotz finished fifth at 170 for Columbus at the Fort Madison Invitational. Hotz won by fall to advance to the quarterfinal round, where he dropped a 5-0 decision to Solon’s Lucas Kampman. Hotz moved on to the fifth-place match with another pin and finished the day with a 6-2 decision over Fort Madison’s Isaac Thatcher. Hotz has a record of 8-3 for the season.