Tiger Wrestlers Open Season with Narrow Loss to Winnetonka

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (December 9, 2025) – The Tiger wrestling season opened with an exciting dual against the Winnetonka Griffins on Dec. 9, with the Tigers coming up just short.

The Griffins dominated the lower weights with wins or open slots in five of the first six weight classes. Sophomore Vincent Holsey dropped the 106-pound match by fall in the second period to start the night. The Tigers were open at 113 pounds, giving the Griffins six points. Sophomore Nathan Tylec was pinned in the third period at 120 pounds, allowing the Griffins to take an 18-0 lead.

Sophomore Logan Bates picked up the first win of the night for the Tigers with a 12-2 major decision at 126 pounds. Freshman Parker Scoma dropped the 132-pound match by fall in his first high school match. The Tigers were open at 138 pounds, giving the Griffins a 30-4 lead heading into the 144-pound match.

Junior Carson VanDoremalen worked his way to an 11-2 major decision victory to start a strong stretch for the Tigers. Senior Cooper Collins followed with a second-period win by fall at 150 pounds, and senior Gaige Carr added a 17-0 technical fall at 157 pounds to narrow the margin to 30-19 with five weight classes remaining.

Senior Conrad Purnell picked up a second-period fall at 165 pounds, and freshman Maison Logan earned his first high school victory with a win by fall at 175 pounds, bringing the Tigers within one point at 31-30 with two matches remaining. Freshman Landry Hays gave the Tigers the lead with a win by fall at 190 pounds, but that was the final Tiger victory of the night.

Senior Cooper Lester lost by technical fall at 215 pounds, and junior David Xiong fell by pin at 285 pounds to secure the 41-37 win for the Griffins.