Standing Tall

Goddard has a frightening foursome back on the mats this winter, and Tyler Caldwell is standing tallest among them after defeating Chase Nelson in overtime Saturday night. Minutes after teammate Ryan Houlden literally put to sleep his opponent in the 152-pound final of the Derby tournament, Caldwell met Heights' Nelson in the 160-pound final. It was the final match of the night, and it fit the billing. The two deadlocked at 1-1 through three periods. In the first overtime period, Nelson seemed to have Caldwell in position for a winning takedown. Nelson had Caldwell around the waist and leveraged against his leg, but, incredibly, Caldwell somehow maintained his footing on the mat and control of his body on the edge of the circle until the two went out of bounds. Nelson remained on the attack in the first 30-second double overtime period, but Caldwell proved his superior fitness in the second 30-second period, starting it on top of Nelson. Nelson nearly got pinned as the period expired with Caldwell scoring four points to win 5-1. Nelson, who will finish out the season wrestling at 171 pounds, defeated Carroll's Kyle Detmer in the semifinal on Friday, scoring revenge for his loss to Detmer at the Carroll tournament before winter break. In other action, Ark City freshman Colby Waters announced himself as the next great thing to come through Bulldog wrestling. He beat Derby senior Roger Windham in the 103-pound final, holding off a Windham reversal attempt in the final seconds to win 4-3. Valley Center's Chase Nitcher dropped down the 125 pounds for the tournament. He completed an outstanding tactical match against defending state champ, sophomore Daniel DeShazer, in the final Saturday, winning 3-1, holding off DeShazer's usual late heroics. Nitcher is a 5A title contender at 130 pounds. Houlden, also a defending state champ, was equally impressive. He was preceded in the 145-pound final by teammate Mitchell Means, a former state champ. Means absolutely dominated Sal Tovar of Emporia 11-4. Undefeated Bo Beard, a three-time state champ just like Caldwell, did not wrestle a competitive match in the tournament. Caldwell and Goddard are standing tall.