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Lance Russell finally earned a state wrestling medal and will compete in Friday night's semifinals.
It was nearly a perfect afternoon for the High Plains wrestling team to kickstart the NSAA state wrestling championships.
Of its five competitors, three pushed themselves through to the semifinals while four won at least one match.
Wyatt Urkoski put two more wins on the board in his unbeaten senior campaign, winning both via pinfall. Urkoski is set for Friday night's semifinal against Kolby Houchin of Bayard.
Lance Russell will finally earn a state medal after two wins Thursday punched a ticket into Friday's semifinals. Russell won his first match in 28 seconds before battling through a 6-4 decision in the quarters. The HPC senior will wrestle Landon Hansen of Plainview in Friday's semifinals.
Gage Friesen took care of business and will medal for a second time after a 3-0 decision and pinfall victories. The Storm junior will take on Dylan Brichacek of Howells-Dodge Friday night for a spot in the finals.
Hudson Urkoski won his opening round match, but was unsuccessful against Braxton Hammond of Southern Valley in a 9-1 loss. Urkoski will attempt to rally in Friday's consolations.
The Storm also had one girls competitor as Dakota Gress made her first appearance at the state championships, but lost to Lakeview's Lacy Lemburg in the first round.
Through the first day of competition, High Plains boys currently sit fourth in the team standings with 33 points. Aquinas leads Class D with 40 points.
For live updates from the sidelines follow us on Twitter @SportsANR and see next week's News-Register for full coverage.
