RAPID CITY – Aberdeen Central wrestlers won four of its six matches Thursday during the opening round of the State A wrestling tournament. As as result, the Golden Eagles are in the top 10 in the team standings with 13.5 points.

“When we won, we won by bonus points,” said Central Coach Donnie Bowden. “We’re actually sitting in ninth team wise, which is kind of a surprise but we’re hanging up there because we’re getting those extra bonus points.”

Brandon Valley and Rapid City Stevens are tied for first place with 35 points.

Central got on the board early with a shutout win from Rayden Zens at 106 pounds.

“He came out from the word go and was on the attack,” Bowden said. “He just kind of imposed his will and just kind of kept the pressure on his opponent. He was always in control of the match.”

Mason Schrempp followed up on that victory with one of his own at 113 pounds, scoring a 12-4 decision.

“Mason wrestled really well, too,” Bowden said. “He got a major decision over a Pierre kid that he lost to in a dual and in the region finals.”

Brock Martin defeated his opponent by technical fall at 126 pounds. Bowden said tech falls are hard to come by at state tournaments.

“He’s wrestling really well at this time,” Bowden said of Martin. “I think he’s peaking right at the right time, and I think he’s going to have a really good tournament.”

Central’s other win came from Sam Calvert, who continues to dominate his opponents, this time recording a pin in 3:10.

“Sam Calvert went out there and took care of business just like he’s done,” Bowden said. “He gets on top and pins people.”

The Golden Eagles will be right back on the mat this morning.

“We’ll start out with the quarters and first-round wrestlebacks. When it comes to a state tournament, that round, that hand, that’s the most important thing,” Bowden said. “We wrestled most of these kids at least once. We’re just looking to avenge some losses and stay on the winning side of things.”

Six Central girls will also be competing today.

“We’re looking to turn them loose. They’re excited and ready,” Bowden said. “Hopefully they can do a little bit the same as the boys.”

For complete first day results visit the following link: https://www.sdpb.org/hsactivities/sports/wrestling/