The Cliff Keen Independence Invitational is a massive tournament. So, Lisbon finishing 14th with a few wrestlers on the podium makes for a pretty successful two days.

“We had a really good tournament,” Lisbon Coach Aaron Helmrich said. “I’m really happy with our team’s performance.”

Senior Tiernan Boots (157) had the best podium finish, placing third on Friday, Dec. 6. He lost to Boden White of Denver in the semifinals by technical fall, but bounced back with two wins, topping Kael Cook of Burlington Notre Dame 4-2, then Tucker Wheeler of PCM for third, 7-1.

Jack Gogel (106) was fourth. Helmrich also felt good about Jackson Knapp (138) winning five times and placing 11th, and Cael Stricker (113) winning four times. Gage Holub lost in third round to Christopher Meyer of Independence 10-3, and placed 11th.

“Jack wrestled very good,” Helmrich said. “If his quarterfinal had gone differently, he might have made the finals. Wish he could get that match back.”

Earlier in the week, the Lions got a pair of dual wins in Durant. They beat the Wildcats 60-13 and blanked the Lone Tree Lions, 84-0.

It was the first boys/girls shared dual for Lisbon, which is fielding its first girls wrestling team this winter.

“We wanted to get them in front of the boys’ crowd,” Helmrich said. “Hopefully get them more of a following.” Helmrich noted that Gage Holub had a tough loss to Kadyn Kraklio at 165 by major decision 18-9.

“That kid is a good wrestler,” he said. “Over the course of the year, we’ll get those points back.”