The Hinton boys wrestling team won their third-straight district title on Saturday at Westwood. The Blackhawks scored 217 points as a team and are sending eight wrestlers to the state tournament this week.
Hinton co-head coach Jordan Langley is in his first year at Hinton with fellow co-head coach Matt Pugh. Coach Langley says he knew this team was capable of big things when they took over the job at the beginning of the season.
The Blackhawks finished with five champions in their weight classes who got things done in the minimum number of rounds. Three Blackhawks had to wrestle back for second place to get to the state tournament. Quentin Smith did it at 120 pounds, Brogan Lake did it at 157 pounds, and Jacob Bishop did it at 285 pounds. Coach Langley says all three guys were prepared well for the stress and intensity of the moment.
Jackson Kinnetz might have been the most dominant wrestler at the tournament. He picked up the title at 150 pounds needing three pins to get the job done. His championship pin came in just 19 seconds and was the 100th pin of his high school career. Coach Langley says he was proud to coach him in his final district tournament.
Quentin Smith also stood out for Hinton as he qualified for state for the second year in a row. Coach Langley says Smith had to earn his return trip and answered the call.
The Blackhawks now get ready for the state’s brightest lights. It is a place they are very familiar with over the last few seasons. Hinton also sent eight wrestlers to state last year, but only two ended up on the podium. Coach Langley says he wants as many guys on that podium once the week is done.
The boys state wrestling tournament begins in Des Moines on Wednesday, February 19. Stay up to date with the Blackhawks and all Plymouth County state qualifiers throughout the tournament on KLEM Radio.
