By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MADISON – Spencer/Columbus senior Tye Ackman said he didn’t feel like he wrestled his best on Thursday at the WIAA State Individual Wrestling Tournament at the Kohl Center, but he still won.
Ackman beat Zac Pernat of Johnson Creek 8-5 to move on to Friday’s 160-pound Division 3 quarterfinals where he knows he will have to wrestle a lot better. Ackman (32-8) will meet defending state champion Buddy Lincks (38-3) of Waterloo for a chance to wrestle in Friday night’s semifinals.
“I definitely have to pick it up,” Ackman. “It would be awesome to make it to the semis because it’s my last year and it’s always been a goal of mine.”
Ackman led the entire way, but Pernat stayed within striking distance.
A reversal midway through the third period gave Ackman a 6-3 lead, and he later added a takedown to gain complete control in the final seconds.
“When I was on the bottom, I wasn’t moving fast. Nothing was working on the bottom,” Ackman said. “He did a good job of riding. I couldn’t do nothing and I was just trying to not let him turn me.”
Spencer/Columbus coach Adam Vaughan was relieved Ackman got through to the quarterfinals.
“I think he was nervous,” Vaughan said. “That first one is tough, first time at state, a lot of pressure as the only one from Spencer to make it.
“You live to see another day. He’s got two matches for sure (Friday).”
Follow Ackman’s progress on Friday at the state meet at MarshfieldAreaSports.com.
Paul Lecker can be reached by e-mail at paul@marshfieldareasports.com.
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