Gargano, Mickelson keep their seasons alive in consolation round at state

Humboldt High senior wrestlers Austen Gargano (126 pounds) and Adam Mickelson (182) rebounded from opening round losses by winning their consolation wrestleback matches on the opening day of the Class 2A State Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.Gargano lost a 13-1 major decision to No. 2 ranked Brice Everson of Camancha (42-4 junior) in the first round but came back to beat Austiin Gutknecht of Clarinda, 7-2. Gargano, 35-16, will wrestle in the Friday morning consolation round session. Mickelson lost a 2-1 decision to Julio Sanchez of Grinnell in the first round at 182 pounds. Mickelson came back strong, however, and defeated LaPorte City Union senior Tanner Shirk, 6-4 to keep his career alive. Mickelson, 44-9, will also wrestle in the Friday morning consolation round. A victory Friday morning would assure a top eight medal for both if they win Friday morning.Click the link above to subscribe today to the Independent for full digital and print access to the Independent.