The Washington Demon wrestling team competed in front of their home fans for the first time this season last night. Washington welcomed in the Highland Huskies and the Louisa-Muscatine (L-M) Falcons to town for dual meets at Washington High School.

The Demons came away with two dual meet victories, defeating L-M 47-27 and Highland 59-21. Despite the victories, head wrestling coach Brent Van Weelden says he didn’t like the team’s intensity during the L&M duel.

“Who was going to win the dual was not in question.” Van Weelden said, “Both teams had some many open spots that mathematically we couldn’t lose. Sometimes its hard for wrestlers to get up for that, but we have to learn to get up and wrestle our best every time.”

Washington scored 11 forfeits over the two duals. Demon wrestlers Andrew Waite and Kyle Anderson were part of the most notable matches of the evening. The two wrestled Highland brothers Drew and Bryce West, who medalled at state last year, in the 113 pound and 120 pound bouts respectively. In the 113 pound dual, Drew West defeated Waite by a technical fall in the third round 24-7. In 120 pound dual, Bryce West won by major decision over Anderson 22-10.

Van Weelden was pleased with Waite and Anderson’s efforts last night, “They wrestled for as long as they could.” Van Weelden said, “Those kids are two of the best (wrestlers) in the nation. They placed in the national tournament.”

The West brothers accounted for nine of Highlands 21 dual points. Just six Highland wrestlers were eligible to compete in last night’s dual, but head wrestling coach Clint Jones says he isn’t discouraged by the small numbers early in the season.

“The wrestlers can block those things out and come to practice with a good attitude.” Jones said, “If you can do that you can do really good things this season.”

Washington’s wrestlers are competeing tonight in a tournament in Cascade. Washington is set to compete against Maquoketa, Maquoketa Valley, and Bellevue.