The Roland-Story Norsemen wrestling team made the trip down to Saydel High School on Saturday, to compete in the Saydel Invitational. The Norsemen were joined by the host Eagles, Boone, Clarke (Osceola), Des Moines Lincoln, (1A) #8 Interstate 35, (3A) #7 Iowa City High, Iowa Falls-Alden, Lynnville-Sully, Marshalltown, Newton, PCM, Spencer, Waukee, (3A) #8 Waukee Northwest and West Marshall.
A day that had little drama entering received a huge boost in said department when Roland-Story’s two-time defending state champion made his season-debut at 120 pounds for the Norsemen. Blume is currently awaiting trial in Story County for a felony assault charge dating back to earlier in 2022. Blume’s only punishment from the Roland-Story School District was a Code of Conduct violation, due to the alleged assault happening off school ground. Blume’s suspension expired this week, paving the way for him to be able to compete in the tournament. With all the outside noise, Blume did not seem fazed as he cruised his way to the title at 120 pounds in the Saydel Invite, beating Lynnville-Sully’s Gentry Walston in a 3rd period tech fall (20-4).
Blume wouldn’t be the only one to claim a title, as at 160 lbs, Christian Eslick was the champion with his 18-7 major decision over Waukee’s Gavin Steger. The win gave the Norsemen two champions on the day.
At 195 pounds, Jaxon Kadolph would place 7th, winning his final match over Collins-Maxwell’s Marshall Day by a 5-0 decision. 220-pounder Thomas Tjaden placed 6th, losing in his final match to Des Moines Lincoln’s Lance Clark in a 2nd period fall. Finally, at 285 pounds, Aaron Peyton took home a 3rd place finish, pinning Des Moines Lincoln’s Jovanni Millard late in the 3rd period to take the bronze.