The NRHEG wrestling team hosted Medford in its final Gopher Conference meet and lost 42-34 Friday, Feb. 5.
The Panthers finished with a conference record of 2-3.
Head coach Shawn Larson took personal responsibility for the loss.
“Tonight was an extremely tough situation for our guys,” said Larson. “When people talk about the coach making bad decisions that lead to a loss, usually it is not the case. Tonight I made some poor decisions, which may have been what cost us the dual. In an attempt to get matches for most of our wrestlers, I put people in weight classes where they did not belong.”Larson also gave the Tigers credit.
“That is not to take anything away from Medford, who came with a mission and accomplished it,” said Larson. “They wrestled very well and would likely have won if we made the right choices. It is just difficult for me, because I feel as if I didn't give them as much of a chance. It is a learning experience, which I hope I do not repeat. Congratulations to coach Whitman for a great match and a much deserved win.”