Merten, Dozler Advance To State Semifinals

​A pair of Boone Central/Newman Grove wrestlers earned a spot in the Class C state wrestling tournament semifinals on Thursday at Omaha’s CHI Health Center Arena.

Jon Merten and Ethan Dozler each went a perfect 2-0 to seal a spot in the semifinals.

Ethan Dozler opened the tournament with a 4-1 decision over Malcom’s Adam Stewart. The 160 pounder followed it up with a second-period pin against Hershey’s Colten Ballentine.

“The is one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had,” Ethan Dozler stated. “I’m so thankful for my coaches and family for pushing me so far. Now I’m going to go get a higher medal.”

Merten cruised to the semis with a pair of wins at 220 pounds.

“They were good, but I’ve been working on my shots all week,” Merten commented. “I tried to get better at my setups. It looks like it paid off.”

After defeating Milford’s Jack Chapman in the opening round, 7-3, Will Grape fell to Caydon McCracken on Battle Creek in the 120 quarterfinals.

Gavin Dozler (106) and Dalton Rasmussen (285) lost their openers to drop into the consolation bracket.

The consolation round begins Friday at 12:30 p.m., followed by the semifinals at 5 p.m.