Fox seeks breakthrough for title
By Kristi Nixon
DES MOINES — Nick Fox is thinking the third time is the charm.
The Osage junior 160-pounder will be making his third state final appearance seeking his first state title.
In order to do so, he will have round three against Hampton-Dumont’s Carl Barkema, with whom he is 1-1 this season.
“I just have to stay solid,” Fox said, “and wrestle my match, I’ll be fine.”
During the course of the state dual tournament, Fox earned his 100th career pin and as a junior, more can be expected. He wouldn’t promise anything for the final.
“I just like to go out there and score bonus points for my team and I’ve always been a pinner,” Fox said. “I’m just trying for a win, though, I think. If I can pin him, that would be awesome.”
Fox is known for being stoic after wins, although he did give a bit of a delayed celebration after his semifinal pin over Allen Catour of Davenport Assumption, only his second loss of the season. When asked if he would unleash a little more emotion if he wins in the final, Fox was noncommittal.
“We’ll see,” he said. “I mean, maybe if I pin him right away. I’ll definitely be happy.”
On the other end of the spectrum, first time qualifier and finalist, junior 220-pounder Barrett Muller was a bundle of emotions after a sudden victory over Jaxon Cherry, a wrestler he’s seen two other times prior.
“Pure elation,” Muller said. “I’ve got family here…(the match was) same as the first two weeks, he took me down to start and I recovered.”
His finals opponent will be South Tama County’s Gavin Bridgewater (40-6).
“I faced him at the Independence tournament,” Muller said. “I beat him, but he’s gotten better. So have I.”
Heading into the finals tonight, the Green Devils are a mere 1.5 points away from the 2A team leader, Burlington Notre Dame, 100-98.5.
