Norwalk wins with six pins against Cards

Junior Evan Rethmeier and sophomore Joe Brock got Newton off to a great start Thursday in the Cardinals’ home opener on the wrestling mat.

Unfortunately, a fast start was not enough as Newton suffered six pins and a forfeit at the hands of conference rival Norwalk and lost to the Warriors, 55-18.

The Cardinals are now 0-2 on the season, but head coach Bill Reed saw improvement from Tuesday’s opener.

“We fought harder tonight and were more aggressive,” Reed said. “We also reacted to shots better for the most part.”

The improvement was noticeable by the head coach but not on the scoreboard.

Rethmeier got the dual off in right direction with a 7-1 decision at 171. Then, Brock put the Cardinals up 9-5 following his win by fall at 215. But after that, Norwalk rolled off 33 straight points to take a commanding lead and never looked back in the easy win.

“We did the things we were supposed to do for the most part,” Reed said. “We just didn’t post with our arms. We just tried to wrap around the body.”

Rethmeier led 4-0 after one following a takedown and two-point near fall. He made it 7-0 in the third before giving up an escape in the final period.

“Evan was aggressive on his feet,” Reed said. “He did well and was improved from Tuesday.”

Brock is now 2-0 on the season after another successful match at 215. He led 2-0 early before pinning his opponent 1:29 into the match.

“Joe has one thing on his mind,” Reed said. “He wants to stick you every time he steps on the mat. He’s gonna be fun to watch the next three years.”

Another wrestler who improved to 2-0 on the season was sophomore Blake Tish, who got another win at 135. He ended Norwalk’s 33-point run with a 9-8 decision over Austin Diedrichs.

The match was tied at 2 after one and 4 after two. Tish led 9-4 early in the third after a quick takedown and back points and held on to claim the win.

“He was battling and scrappy out there, and he had a good night,” Reed said.