MAT MADNESS — Teammates react to a victory by Tyler Jacobson, right, during the Panthers’ dual-meet victory at Lake Mills, Iowa Saturday, Jan. 16. (Star Eagle photo by Nikki Erickson)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG wrestling team didn’t have to go too far for some interstate competition.
The Panthers traveled south to Lake Mills, Iowa on Saturday for a dual-meet invitational and came home with third place with a record of 2-2.
According to NRHEG coach Shawn Larson, it was a good weekend.
“We had another strong performance,” he said. “It was fun to go to this tournament in Iowa because we are unfamiliar with the competition, and can just get out and have fun without worrying about who our opponents are and where we should place certain people into the lineup.”
The highlight for the Panthers was provided by Cordell Peterson, who pinned four opponents while winning his 100th career match in the second dual. Also winning four times were Cole Staloch, Wyatt Fitterer and Zeke Erickson. Bryce Okland was 3-1.
The Panthers opened with a 46-34 triumph over eventual champion Lake Mills. Winning for NRHEG: Peterson, 126 pounds; Tyler Jacobson, 132; Trai Wicks, 138; Staloch, 145; Bryce Okland, 152; Karter Sletten, 182; Erickson, 220; and Fitterer, 285. A pin by Jacobson was the difference, causing an erupting among the Panther cheering section.
NRHEG lost 42-33 to North Butler. Posting wins were Brett Kubiatowicz, 113; Peterson, 126; Jacobson, 132; Staloch, 145; Trey Hoppe, 195; Erickson, 220; and Fitterer, 285.
Next was a 34-32 loss to the Southeast Polk junior varsity. Winners: Peterson, 126; Staloch, 145; Bryce Okland, 152; Sletten, 170; Hoppe, 182; Erickson, 220; and Fitterer, 285.
NRHEG bounced back to defeat Garner-Hayfield-Ventura 48-29 behind victories by Mason Okland, 106; Peterson, 126; Wicks, 138; Staloch, 145; Bryce Okland, 152; Erickson, 220; and Fitterer, 285.
“This was a good opportunity to teach our wrestlers to compete like this even if we do know who our opponents are,” said Larson. “If we can wrestle with this intensity the remainder of the year, we can be competitive in any match. We had a very good day from Cordell. Cole, Wyatt, and Zeke also did well, each going 4-0 on the day. Bryce continued to wrestle well.”
The next action for the Panthers is Thursday, Jan. 21 with a 5 p.m. triangular at Hayfield.