Everybody likes a bonus or two around the holidays. Or eight.
The Jefferson City Jays picked up bonus points in each of their eight victories Tuesday night in rolling to a 56-18 wrestling dual victory against the Fox Warriors at Fleming Fieldhouse.
"That's something we stress, picking up those bonus points," Jays coach Phil Cagle said. "As young as we are, you never know when that experience factor might kick in and we'll need those points."
The Jays won five of those matches by fall, with none of those matches making it to the third period. Picking up those victories were Logan Moriarity at 145 pounds (:37), Devin Miller at 160 (1:26), Jalen Martin at 170 (2:53), Tekoah Sage at 182 (2:45) and Logan Coil at 285 (1:24).
Coil's victory showed improvement to Cagle.
"He was in the same situation over the weekend, but this time he threw his hips and was able to turn him," Cagle said. "That's progress."
Two of the Jays' more impressive victories came at 120 and 126.
At 120, Corbin Howard was in control from the opening whistle in winning by technical fall against Tyler Adams. Howard led 6-2 after one period, 11-2 after two before winning in 5:04. Both of Adams' points came by let-up escapes.
"Corbin is pretty motivated right now," Cagle said.
At 126, Christian Mayberry allowed only one let-up escape in winning by technical fall in 5:44 against Nick Brown.
Mayberry, a freshman, led 8-0 after two periods before dominating the third.
"His body position is getting better and better," Cagle said.
Jacob Brune picked up the Jays' other win in a contested match, posting a 14-0 victory against Jason Zeman at 132.
Jefferson City won twice by forfeit - Dennis Barnes at 106 and Alec Bise at 138.
It was a strong night up and down the lineup for the Jays.
"We were under control," Cagle said. "They did their jobs and they were fundamentally sound."
Cagle said one of his concerns heading into Tuesday night's action was how mentally ready his team would be coming off its impressive victory in the Missouri Duals over the weekend.
"We were so excited about winning the tournament," he said. "That's one thing you worry about, keeping that momentum going and we did that very well."
The Jays will return to action Dec. 27-29 at the Woodford County (Ky.) Invitational in Versailles, Ky.
Wrestling during the holiday break is important to Cagle.
"I personally like it because you want to keep them focused," Cagle said. "Plus the families seem to enjoy it as well."
In Tuesday night's junior varsity dual, Jefferson City posted a 66-15 victory against Fox.