The NRHEG wrestling team hosted a quadrangular Friday, Jan. 4 with Windom/Mountain Lake Area, Adrian Area and Madelia-Truman/Martin Luther.
The Panthers won one of three dual meets, while wrestling well in one other, according to coach Shawn Larson.
The Panthers win was 18-6 over MT/ML in a forfeit-filled meet. Victories for the Panthers were by George Roesler at 138 pounds, Thor Routh at 152 and Ralph Roesler at 170. All were by fall.
Larson was pleased with the Panthers’ performance in dropping a 41-21 decision to W/MLA.
“We felt good about it,” said the coach. “They are a returning state tournament team with several quality wrestlers, and we were able to hang in some very tough matches. We went on the mat with the intent to not give up and fight through every situation, and overall we held our own.”
Picking up wins for the Panthers were Nikolas Petsinger, 113; Roesler 160; Makota Misgen, 220; and Quinten Arndt, 285. Roesler, Misgen and Arndt won by fall. Annabelle Petsinger lost an 8-6 overtime decision at 106, Clay Stenzel fell 6-3 at 120, Andrew Reich was pinned at 132, Jace Cantu lost 17-1 at 138, Routh fell 11-3 at 145, Agro Gushwa was outpointed 19-1 at 152, Tyler Jacobson lost 7-2, and Conner Okland was pinned at 195.
The Panthers fell 38-30 to Adrian Area.
Wins were by Stenzel, 120; Gushwa, 152; Roesler, 160; Jacobson, 170; Okland, 195; and Arndt, 285.
“We were not as strong against Adrian,” said Larson. “The matchups did not favor our team and we gave up a few too many bonus points. Coming out of this match we need to focus on situational awareness as some of the bonus points that Adrian earned could have been avoided. Often times in a close dual there are many things that could have changed the outcome. The same is very true of this dual. We could spend our time talking about what could have been done in this dual to win, but that is not something that will make us any better. So we will move forward and prepare for the next opportunity to compete, and focus on the processes that can make us better.”
The Panthers face WEM/JWP and LCWM at Waterville Thursday. On Saturday, they travel to the Stewartville Invitational.