SCHS wrestlers lose opener to New London

Jayce Hinkfuss provided the lone bright spot for the Hawks as the Shawano Community High School wrestling team opened its season Thursday against New London in Shawano.

Shawano lost, 64-12.

Hinkfuss, a junior, scored the Hawks’ lone win, pinning Alex Chynoweth in 3 minutes, 35 seconds of their heavyweight match.

“We’re really happy with Jayce winning that one,” Shawano coach Adam Bieber said. “He’s been working hard. He did it tonight. He went out and took that shot and ended it with a pin.”

Hinkfuss and Chynoweth battled to a 0-0 draw in the first period. Chynoweth wore down in the second period, and Hinkfuss scored on an escape.

After a little bit of back and forth, Hinkfuss caught Chynoweth and put his back on the mat.

“I just saw that he was backing off a little bit,” Hinkfuss said. “That just gave me the opportunity to swoop in and take the shot.”

Hinkfuss got the pin with 25 seconds left in the period.

“It was pretty tough in the beginning, but I think he got a little tired toward the end,” Hinkfuss said. “I just took advantage of it.”

Hinkfuss, a second-year wrestler, is excited about the season and feeling more comfortable on the mat.

“I feel like I have a good chance of winning. A lot more than last year, at least,” Hinkfuss said.

Shawano’s other points came on a New London forfeit to Dalton Parson at 120 pounds.

New London swept the rest of the matches, getting five pins.

The closest match was between Shawano senior Mike Meisner and Andrew Clauss. Meisner led 7-6 late in the match, but Clauss got a reverse and then the pin with just 11 seconds left in the third period.

“Overall, obviously we’re disappointed with the outcome,” Bieber said. “There’s a few guys on our team that could have wrestled better. But it’s our first one. We’re going to work on it and try to get better for Saturday.”

The Hawks will participate in the Seymour Invitational on Saturday.