Demons win team title in Maize
By: John Zetmeir
The Dodge City High School wrestling team had to wait two days longer than expected to start the 2017 portion of their schedule.
After last Thursday’s dual at Garden City was postponed due to inclement weather, the Red Demons got back on the mat Saturday at the Maize Invitational. The winter break and extra two-day layoff did not appear to slow Dodge City down as it took first place with a team score of 261.5 on Saturday. Dodge City, the No. 6 ranked team in 6A, edged out Pratt the No. 5 ranked team in 4A.
“It was a great tournament 
and it’s where we should be in the progression of things and we’re lining up great for the end of the year,” Dodge City head coach Lars Lueders said. “The kids did well, they wrestled hard, we saw a lot of improvement.”
Seniors Devon Plaza, Tylor Garcia and Dylan Servis all took first place in their respective weight classes while four other Red Demons placed second.
“What I liked the most is, whether (individuals) won the tournament or they didn’t, they were asking questions on what can they do better and how can they do a certain move better,” Lueders said. “So they are still in the learning mindset and that’s the most important thing.”
Last week’s cancellation has created some reshuffling in the Red Demons’ schedule. The Dodge City, Garden City dual has been rescheduled for Jan. 17.
“It’s not ideal because we have our schedule exactly how we want it,” Lueders said. “We feel like it’s perfect in the way that it peaks them for the regional and state tournament but that’s part of life.”
The Red Demons will travel to Hays on Tuesday afternoon for their second Western Athletic Conference dual of the season.
MAIZE INVITATIONAL RESULTS
106 – Chad Nichols (0-4) placed 5th.
113 – Couy Weil (18-3) placed 2nd.
120 – Kenedy Escobedo (17-4) placed 2nd.
126 – Devon Griego (10-8) placed 3rd.
132 – Devon Plaza (13-0) placed 1st.
138 – Collin Clark (7-15) placed 8th.
145 – Tylor Garcia (21-2) placed 1st.
152 – Preston Moon (11-11) placed 3rd.
160 – Jonathan Ayala(0-3) placed 6th.
170 – Tyler Pipenger (8-8) placed 6th.
182 – Dylan Servis (20-2) placed 1st.
195 – Ansony Quezada (17-4) placed 2nd.
220 – Marcos Fisher (14-6) placed 2nd.
