McCunn bleeds Tiger strength, places 8th

Five Red Oak Tigers punched their tickets to compete in the state wrestling tournament, with two Tigers earning medals, a first in Red Oak wrestling history. All five won at least one match at the state tournament.
“It was a whirlwind of emotion,” head coach Tiegen Podliska said. “We had excitement; we had heartbreak; we had anger; we had frustration; and we had excitement.”
Red Oak finished in 19th place with 31 points.
Thomas Bentley finished the tournament in third place, going 4-1 with two falls and two decisions.
“Thomas Bentley has faced adversity all season, but he is the product of that adversity,” Podliska said.
Justin McCunn finished 2-3 with one fall and one decision, placing eighth overall.
“The discipline, hard work, the lifestyle culminated in a medal which is a great example for McCunn’s teammates and the younger guys,” Podliska said.
Johnathon Erp finished 1-2 with one fall; Carter Maynes 1-2 with one fall; and Colton Kinnison 1-2 with one decision.
“Overall, one of our wrestlers put it best,” Podliska said. “‘We are happy, but not content.’ We plan on taking home a trophy from this tournament next year, which means a top three finish. That quest started Sunday morning.”
The Red Oak wrestling team appreciates all the donations from the community including Red Oak Chrysler, Pizza Hut, Mellott Trenching, Mahoney family, Maynes family, Pudgy Pumpkin, Hollen family, and the random stranger at Leaning Tower of Pizza in Ankeny.”