By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
The NRHEG wrestling team’s woes continued in its final home meet of the year, a 59-13 loss to Medford. It was the final home meet for seniors Makota Misgen and Aden Berg.
Misgen’s season continues to impress as his journey back to the state tournament continues.
Berg, in his final home meet, stole the show, earning a fall.
In total, the Panthers tallied four
good wins on the evening, by freshman Jacob Karl at 106 pounds, senior Misgen at 285, eighth-grader Ryan Schlaak at 152; and Berg at 220.
“Going into this match we knew that Medford is a very good team, and they proved it tonight,” NRHEG coach Shawn Larson said. “I thought that we competed well in a tough situation. It is my hope that we are willing to bring the fight in our upcoming matches, like I felt we did tonight for the most part.”
Honored for Senior Night were Misgen, Berg and cheerleaders Grace Wilkenson and Ava Wayne.
The Panthers wrestled in Stewartville's Darrell Jaeger Invitational on Saturday, with six individual placewinners and an eighth-place team finish.
Misgen led the way with a secondplace showing at 285. Ryan Schlaak was third at 152, sophomore Jace Ihrke fifth at 220. Placing sixth were sophomore Aidan Schlaak, 145; sophomore Harbor Cromwell, 160; and sophomore Cole Hutchens, 195. "The Darrell Jaeger Invitational has been a good tournament for us in the past," said Coach Larson. "This year it was a good tournament for learning. We came away with six placewinners in this tournament, but even better than that we came away with lessons we can use to get better. Everyone on our team has something they can bring to the practice room on Monday to work on for next time."
According to Larson, one of the most anticipated matches of the day might have been at 285, where two highly-ranked wrestlers met in the finals. Misgen lost to Carter Geerts of Byron in the finals 1-0.
"This was a fun match to watch as both wrestlers were close to scoring several times," said Larson. "Unfortunately, Makota was unable to get away in the third period. I think Makota wrestled well, I am glad we had the opportunity for such a great match, and we are looking forward to our next challenge for Makota. Ryan Schlaak had another great day. Being an 8th-grader and wrestling 152 is not an easy task, and Ryan is doing it well lately. Ryan had one fall, and two come-from-behind wins on the day. It is so much fun to watch Ryan wrestle lately. Ryan is wrestling without fear, and he is creating ways to score. If he continues to do what he is doing, his future in wrestling is going to be very bright."
The Panthers travel to Medford Thursday, Jan. 19 to face Westfield and Waseca. Wrestling starts at 5 p.m. The Panthers compete in the Hayfield Invitational Saturday starting at 9 a.m.