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Upperclassman lead team to victory on Senior Night

TAYLORVILLE — Tuesday, in the west gym at Taylorville High School, the Tornadoes hosted MacAurther and Decatur Eisenhower wrestling teams. The home defending wrestling team came points ahead against the Generals and Panthers respectfully.

With Head Coach Jake Smothers at home due to illness it was up to Coaches Jeff Emery, Alex Ostermeier and the seniors to lead the team to victory.

The night was a special one for the three seniors Gage Rusher, Jordan Hamell and Hunter Gerlick and it was only fitting there were only two matches against Eisenhower. Those matches went right to the eligible seniors.

Rusher won by pin in the second round and Hamell pinned his opponent too but in the first round. Gerlick was out due to a knee injury. He, along with staff, suspects he will be out for the season.

“It is terrible but I think I would rather be able to walk when I’m older.” he wisely stated after the match.

The two pins set the stage for the Tornadoes to have a successful night. Ethan Dyer got things started for the Tornadoes. The freshman secured the pin halfway through round number two.

Next the senior, Gage Rusher, hopped in again. He inched two more wins closer to his goal of 100 career wins on Tuesday night. Rusher has earned 25 wins on the season pushing his high school career total to 87.

“We’ve all been putting in the work everyday.” said Rusher “There should be plenty of matches left to reach the goal of 100 wins.”

Junior William Blue capped off the night. The junior looked to be playing with his food getting a takedown, back points then allowing his opponent to get back on his feet only to repeat the process a few more times. He went on to win by technical point limit in round two.

The Tornadoes looked extremely comfortable on the mat Tuesday night. The team will travel to Mahomet on Thursday for a huge conference contest.

Taylorville will take on the Bulldogs along with Effingham and Mattoon.

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