The Caldwell County Tiger wrestling team won its first five matches while placing second Saturday in the inaugural Spartan Slam at South Warren High School in Bowling Green.
The Tigers defeated Pulaski County 56-0, South Warren 52-30, Owensboro Catholic 48-30, East Jessamine 59-12 and Apollo 42-37 before dropping a tight decision to Meade County in the championship.
Caldwell fell in its final dual match of the day 34-28.
The Tigers won three matches by pin against Pulaski — Justin Klidzejs at 144 pounds, Jonathan Cocchi at 157 and Dawson Harris at 285. Elijha Kirby at 138 and Jonas Martin at 190 both won by technical fall. Donovan Rogers claimed a major decision at 150. Caldwell won four matches by forfeit.
Against South Warren, Ethan Klidzejs (113), Kirby (132) , Justin Klidzejs (138), Rogers (144), Jacob Forsythe (175) and Harris (215) all recorded pins. Cocchi (157) and Bradley Asher (165) won by technical fall.
Winning by pin against Owensboro Catholic were Trey Herron (106), Justin Klidzejs (138), Rogers (144) and Asher (165). The Tigers won four matches by forfeit.
In the match against East Jessamine, Kirby (132) and Justin Klidzejs (138) won by pin. Asher won by technical fall at 175. East Jessamine forfeited seven weight classes.
Earning pins in the win over Apollo were Kirby (132), Justin Klidzejs (138), Rogers (144), Cocchi (157), Asher (165) and Harris (215). Caldwell won the match despite forfeiting four weight classes.
Against Meade, Asher at 165 and Martin at 190 both won by pin. Ethan Klidzejs at 113 and Rogers at 144 each won by technical fall. Caldwell forfeited two weight classes while Meade forfeited one.
Next up for the Tiger matmen is a trip to Whitesville on Thursday to face both Trinity and Warren Central in dual action.
This Saturday, Caldwell is scheduled to compete in the King of the Mill tournament at Ohio County.
