McFadden gives Bolts first-ever state qualifier

BROOKLYN — For the first time in program history, Baxter’s wrestling program will have a state qualifier.

Freshman Aiden McFadden scored a pin in his first match at 285 pounds and it was good enough to send him to Wells Fargo Arena next week.

Sophomore Cole Smith (120) finished third at his weight, while senior Micah Kearns (220) took fourth to end his career.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our entire team,” Baxter wrestling coach Joe Amadeo said. “Today was a huge accomplishment for all of our guys who have worked hard and improved all season.”

Class 1A No. 1 Don Bosco won the 1A District 2 tournament with 221.5 points. Alburnett (86), Columbus Catholic (70) and Belle Plaine (53) were 2-3-4 and host BGM (33.5), Hudson (33.5) and Iowa Valley (33.5) all tied for fifth.

The Bolts placed sixth in the 12-team field with 24 points.

McFadden (23-17) pinned North Tama’s Xander Bradley (23-6) in the third period to secure a spot in the 285 championship match. He lost in the finals by fall to sixth-ranked Mack Ortner (32-7) of Don Bosco but advanced as the runner-up.

“We’re all proud of Aiden for stepping up in a big moment,” Amadeo said. “He’s a really tough wrestler, and the future of Bolt wrestling is bright.”

Smith (28-17) opened his day with a 22-11 loss but rebounded with a win by pin to finish third. Kearns (22-16) was pinned twice to finish fourth.

McFadden starts his first state tournament against second-ranked and second-seeded Dane Johnson (34-2) of Pocahontas Area. His second match will be against either sixth-ranked and seventh-seeded Ortner or 10th-seeded Trace Goemaat (33-4) of North Mahaska.