by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Wellington’s Jason Haydon’s glorious four-year wrestling career came to an end Friday afternoon in the 160 pound category. Junior Taylon Lamkin has lived to see another day at 195 pounds.

The two Crusaders were part of the Class 4A State Wrestling Tournament in Salina, which got off to a late start Friday because of the bad weather across Kansas.

Haydon lost his first match in the delayed Class 4A State Meet in Salina losing 9-3 to Spencer Bird of Smoky Valley- Lindsborg. The senior, who has spent much of the year with rib injuries, would end his career with an 8-6 overtime loss to Zack Roark of Columbus. Haydon ended his senior year at 20-9. 

Bird advanced to the second championship semifinals after beating  his second round opponent Harris of Atchison.

Lamkin, who is having a tenacious post-season run, was knocked off by Gavin Houser of Columbus in a quick 36-second pin match. However ,Lamkin came back to give Wellington its first state tournament win of the year with a 3-2 decision over Zack Carter of Basehor. The match was decided when Carter was called with locked hands to break a 2-2 tie.

Lamkin, now 23-18, will battle Bradley Campbell of Hugoton in the next consolation round.

Some strange stuff going on at state. Most notably Kolby Fennewald of Mulvane was decisioned by Andrew Taylor of Colby 4-3 in the second round. Fennewald was the top ranked wrestler in the state at 170 pounds with one loss.

Overall, Andale has 44.5 points and holds a slim lead over Colby with 44. Chanute has 42 points and is in third place. Wellington, as a result with Lamkin’s win, has 1 point and is tied for 45th.