Kolt Knaack (top) dominates the mat in his 132 dual with 2A West Marshall's JD Downs. Knaack went on to win over Downs by major decision 14-0. Photo by Soren M. Peterson

North Tama wrestlers were on their home mats Tuesday, Dec. 21 in their final dual before winter break – hosting West Marshall and Dike-New Hartford – and as has been the case thus far this season, senior Aiden Zook and freshman Kolt Knaack did not disappoint.

The Redhawks ultimately lost to both 2A teams – to West Marshall 58-22 and to DNH 56-21 – but Zook (170) and Knaack (132) continued to bring it home for the Redhawks, each crafting wins in their match-ups by either fall or major decision.

“Last night was an opportunity to compete in front of our home crowd,” head coach Andrew Knaack said. “Kolt and Aiden showed up again and keep piling up the wins for this team. Both those guys are confident and ready to compete when it is their turn.”

The night began with the North Tama-West Marshall dual. In opening action, Case Monat at 106 lost by fall to WM’s No. 12 ranked Shane Hanford. Freshman Bryar Hall (113) followed Monat’s loss with a win over West Marshall by forfeit due to an open weight class.

Knaack (132) took to the mat about midway through the WM dual, winning by major decision (14-0) over JD Downs.

Kolt Knaack (top) dominates the mat in his 132 dual with 2A West Marshall's JD Downs. Knaack went on to win over Downs by major decision 14-0. Photo by Soren M. Peterson

Senior Logan Rausch at 160 also clocked a win for the Redhawks – winning by fall over WM’s Adam Bartine.

Zook’s 170 match with WM’s Luke Coulter was quick and to the point – Zook won by fall in 1:02, giving the Redhawks their fourth and final win against West Marshall that night.

In the Dike-New Hartford dual, Knaack again impressed on the mat – winning by fall over Antuan Deering in 2:42.

Senior Nathan Kucera at 138 won by technical fall 17-2 over DNH, while Monat won by forfeit due to an unsportsmanlike fault on the part of DNH.

Zook won by major decision 17-6 over DNH’s Cayden Buskohl.

North Tama head coach Andrew Knaack pictured on the sidelines during his team’s dual with West Marshall on Tuesday, Dec. 21 in the Redhawks Nest. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Despite the tough night for North Tama as a team, Coach Knaack appreciated the community support in the Redhawks Nest.

“It was a fun and loud environment to start the night,” Coach Knaack said, “but at the end of the day, both [West Marshall and Dike-New Hartford] are 2A schools and we competed well against them.”

Coach Knaack is hoping winter break will recharge his team heading into 2022.

“We are looking for Christmas break to get ready physically and mentally for the second half of the season. Our schedule is packed the first two weeks of the new year. Right now many of the guys on this team have wrestled 16 to 19 matches.”

On return to the mats following break, the Redhawks will be on the road, taking on Hartwick-Ladora-Victor (HLV) and Lynnville-Sully in a double dual Thursday, Jan. 6, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in Victor.

Senior Logan Rausch (top) works to craft a win for the Redhawks at home on Dec. 21 during his 160 weight class matchup with 2A West Marshall’s Adam Bartine. Rausch went on to win the match by fall. Photo by Soren M. Peterson

On Saturday, Jan. 8, the Redhawks head to North Mahaska High School in New Sharon for a wrestling tournament set to feature more than 10 teams. Weekend action begins at 10 a.m.

Aiden Zook pins his West Marshall opponent on the far side of the mat on his home turf during North Tama’s Dec. 21 double dual with WM and Dike-New Hartford. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Redhawks head coach Andrew Knaack (center, left) speaks with the ref during North Tama’s dual with West Marshall in the Redhawks’ gymnasium on Dec. 21. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Senior Aiden Zook signals to the crowd following his win by fall over 2A West Marshall's Luke Coulter during North Tama's home meet on Tuesday, Dec. 21 in the Redhawks Nest. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Redhawks wrestling cheerleaders. Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker