Posted on Thu, Feb. 09, 2006
Goddard, Valley get one more 'practice'
BY JEFFREY LUTZ
Wichita Eagle correspondent
Goddard and Valley Center have a chance to win the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II wrestling title tonight.
But the title is something both coaches could do without.
Valley Center coach Brian Shelton said duals, including tonight's final one against Goddard, are "practice" for the upcoming postseason, and Goddard coach Ryan Jilka is sitting five wrestlers so they'll be healthy for regionals and state.
"Everything we've wanted to do has revolved around winning (the Class 6A championship)," Jilka said. "You hate to put all your eggs in one basket, but we know with the team we have, if we're healthy, that's the only goal we should really be focused on."
Regional tournaments are next week and the state tournaments Feb. 24-25.
If any teams can afford to look ahead, it's these two. They're both undefeated in league duals and among the favorites for state titles.
When they met in a tournament at the start of the season, Goddard beat Valley Center, which is 5A, by more than 30 points, though the Hornets were battling injuries at the time.
Now it's the Lions who are beat up. Three of the five wrestlers out for tonight's dual are ranked in their weight class, though Jilka said they would wrestle if it were the postseason.
Valley Center will be at full strength for the first time.
"Bar none, they're the best team in the state," Valley Center coach Brian Shelton said. "It's David and Goliath, and we're the little guy, so we're going to go out and try to do our best."