Nielsen mat era opens with Dragons edging Wildcats

November 26, 2025 by Ken Lay

A new chapter opened for the Clinton High School wrestling program last week, and the Dragons made sure it started with some drama.

Clinton hosted Oak Ridge on Tuesday, Nov. 18, marking the debut of new Coach Carl Nielsen and the Wildcats’ first dual meet in recent memory.

The night ended in a 33-33 deadlock, but Clinton prevailed on a tie-breaker thanks to earning more pins.

Nielsen said the opener revealed areas where his young squad must sharpen its approach.

“I’m not really concerned with wins and losses,” Nielsen said. “But there were small details a lot of people didn’t see that we need to work on.

“We had a match where we were up eight points with 15 seconds left,” he said. “We could’ve secured a major decision, but we gave up a late takedown. We still won the match, but not by enough. If we get that major, we win outright and never go to a tie-breaker.”

Nielsen said the responsibility falls on him to help his team recognize those situations.

“I have to teach these guys about things like this,” he said.

Clinton fell behind 9-0 after surrendering a forfeit at 106 pounds and dropping a decision at 113. The 120-pound bout ended in a double forfeit.

The Dragons finally broke through when Connor Lemmon earned an 18-13 decision over Sebastian Acevedo. Aaron Solberg followed with a pin against DeWayne Marsh, cutting the deficit to 15-9.

At 165 pounds, Jacob Brown picked up a forfeit win before Adam Gonzalez scored a fall at 175 over Gabe Naudin.

Clinton sealed the tie-breaker advantage when Jonah Hoskins (215) and Bryson Breeden added pins to close out the night.





Tony Cox | The Courier News

Clinton’s Connor Lemmon works to take down Oak Ridge’s Sebastian Acevedo during their 126-pound match Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Don Lockard Gymnasium. Lemmon claimed an 18-13 decision for the Dragons.



Tony Cox | The Courier News

Clinton’s Hayden Durliat gains control over Nicholas Englehardt during the Dragons’ Tuesday night match against Oak Ridge.



Jackson Ayers

Clinton’s Boston Ollis wrestles Oak Ridge’s Easton Greenlee.



Jackson Ayers

Clinton’s Adam Gonzales celebrates after a match.



Jackson Ayers

Clinton’s Aaron Solberg wrestles Oak Ridge’s Dewayne Marsh.



Jackson Ayers

Clinton’s Marshon Matthews wrestles Oak Ridge’s Nathan Robinson in the 150-pound weight class.



Jackson Ayers

Clinton’s Keenan Hoskins works for control against Oak Ridge’s Robert Rankin during their match Tuesday night at Don W. Lockard Gymnasium.