Posting victories against Stewartville were Brett Kubiatowicz, 113; Ross Lenort, 132; Okland, 152; and Wyatt Fitterer, 285.
Hill, Cordell Peterson, Wicks, Erickson and Fitterer won against Rochester JM.
“We have many athletes who have not had much experience at this level, and so this was a great opportunity to show them how intense wrestling can be at the varsity level,” said Larson. “It is my job now to get them to prepare themselves to be competitive. A day like this, although frustrating, is a great teaching point. In any situation, your setbacks teach you far more than your successes.”
A positive for the day, according to Larson, is that Peterson had the opportunity to face a formidable foe on each team, including defending state champion Noah Bauer of Pine Island.
“Although Cordell went 1-2 on the day, he wrestled well and was competitive in every match,” said Larson. “Overall, our team reacted to this day in a way of becoming young gentlemen facing adversity, and I feel are going to look at this day as a way to find their faults and look to improve. As a coach, that is all that I am expecting from them, getting better in every situation, and giving their best at all times.”
The Panthers open their home season tonight against Blooming Prairie. On Saturday, they travel to the St. James Classic.
