Of the four Adel-Desoto-Minburn Tiger wrestlers who are competing in this weekend’s district tournament, no one is more grateful for the opportunity then senior Leo Tauke.“This is the first time I made it out of sectionals in my high school career.” Tauke said, “I’m just happy to be here honestly.”

Tauke overcame multiple bouts of adversity to keep his youth wrestling career alive for a few more days. The soon to be Marine Corp enlistee spent the first half of the winter rehabbing a knee injury he suffered on the football field. Tauke grappled in 10 regular season matches before competing in last Saturday’s sectional tournament at 195 pounds. According to ADM head wrestling coach Chris Hatchitt, Tauke was the fourth seed in the 195-pound bracket, weighing nearly 15 pounds less than his opponents.

After starting the day with a decision victory (10-4) against Creston-OM’s Dale Boyer, he lost by first-period pinfall to Woodward-Granger’s Cody Fisher (1:30). Tauke responded with a pinfall victory of his own in the third-place match over Clarke’s Jacob Smith (1:57). Fisher’s third-period pinfall over Greene County’s Bryce Hoyle in the championship match gave Tauke a chance to wrestle his way into districts. Tauke fell behind 4-0 to Hoyle after the first period. He used a reversal in the second and third period to tie the match and force overtime. Tauke takes us through the rest of his match. “I took a bad shot at the start and backed out of it,” Tauke said, “He took one, and I sprawled on him; he bellyed down, and I muscled around him. I don’t think it sunk in until later that night; it didn’t register in my mind as I walked off the mat. It was something else.”

Joining Tauke at districts from ADM include Andrew Flora (113), Nolan Harsh (152), and Kaden Sutton (220). The foursome will compete in the Class 2A District 4 tournament at Harlan High School Saturday. First grapples are set for noon.