Laible To The Semis; Buss, Slaymaker Fall In Openers

West Holt senior Cole Laible had a solid showing Thursday at the opening day of the Class D state wrestling tournament at Omaha’s CHI Health Center Arena.

Laible went a perfect 2-0 at 138 pounds to seal a spot in the semifinals.

The senior Husky opened with an 8-3 decision over Thayer Central’s Dominic Stewart.

In the quarterfinals, Laible found himself in a 2-1 hole late in the match against North Central’s Levi Lewis. With under 30 seconds remaining, Laible scored a crucial takedown and rode out Lewis to seal a spot in the semis.

Ben Slaymaker (160) and Jade Buss (285) each lost be decision in their first-round matches.

Slaymaker and Buss resume wrestling Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the consolation rounds, while Laible wrestles in the semis at 5 p.m.