Pictured is Makota Misgen, who defeated Waseca’s Jenaro Delgado for the 50th win in his career. Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak
The NRHEG Wrestling team lossed to Waseca Thursday, January 6, before splitting two matches in a triangular with Albert Lea and Rochester Century on Friday.
Waseca 46, NRHEG 33
All season the grapplers have been struggling to field a full lineup and Thursday, they almost did it. If they had, things might have turned out differently.
“We almost had a full lineup for the first time this season, though we are still dealing with illness and injury,” NRHEG head coach Shawn Larson said. The fact that we are starting to put a team together is exciting, but we still have work to do.”
Nikolas Petsinger at 132 lbs, and George Roesler at 170 lbs both had dominant performances, earning a fall in each of their matches.
“There is not much that we can say tonight. Waseca was just better than we were,” NRHEG head coach Shawn Larson said. “Going into the match we thought we had a chance to win at several weights, and possibly the dual, but it was just not meant to be tonight.”
NRHEG 66, Rochester
Century 12
The Panthers notched their second victory and first of 2022 Friday night against Rochester Century.
“Our effort was tremendously better on Friday night in comparison with Thursday night,” coach Larson said. “In our duel with Rochester Century we looked very good. Our conditioning was better than it has been all season, and we won several matches in the third period because of that. We have been working hard and it was nice to be on the winning end for that dual.”
Recording falls for the Panthers in the match were: Annabelle Petsinger 120, Deven Parpart 126, Nikolas Petsinger 132, Harbor Cromwell 152, Clay Stenzel 160, George Roesler 170, Ralph Roesler 195, and Makota Misgen 285.
Albert Lea 60, NRHEG 15
The other match of day Friday came against Albert Lea Area, and although lopsided, coach Larson said the Panthers gave it everything they had.
“I feel like we gave everything we were able to give,” coach Larson explained. “I am very proud of our effort and composure in that tough situation.”
The Panthers had good performances from Roesler at 195 lbs and Ben Hagen at 220. Hagen earned a fall in his victory and both Roesler and Misgen remained unbeaten on the night, continuing to wrestle well as they have all season.
The Panthers next action comes Thursday, January 13 in Medford for a dual meet.