By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
The NRHEG High School wrestling team was a little more than shorthanded for last Saturday's Dave Erickson Hall of Fame Invitational in Hayfield.
The Panthers had only nine individuals compete, and they came home with eight placewinners and an eighth-place team finish.
"We did an adequate job for only nine team members competing," said NRHEG coach Shaun Larson. 'That would be similar to playing football with seven players, basketball with only three. We are making improvements as individuals, which makes us better as a team. We will not be giving up anytime soon, that I will assure you."
The Panthers were led in Hayfield by a familiar face, senior Makota Misgen, who finished as the runner-up at 285 pounds.
Finishing fourth for NRHEG were Jacob Karl, 106; Reese Routh, 152; and Harbor Cromwell, 160. Aidan Schlaak took fifth at 138, Ryan Schlaak fifth at 145. Taking sixth were Parker Bunn, 126; and Cole Hutchens, 195.
The previous night, the Panthers journeyed to Wells, where they lost
54-18 to Maple River/USC and 5724 to LCWM.
Winners against Maple River/USC: Karl, 106; Deven Parpart, 132; Ryan Schlaak, 145; and Misgen, 285. Parpart won by fall.
Victorious against LCWM: Ryan Schlaak, 145; Routh, 152; Cromwell, 160; and Misgen, 285; Gaining pins were Routh, Schlaak and Misgen.
"We had a decent night for the most part," said Larson. "We had several wrestlers that were 1-1 on the night. Ryan Schlaak at 145, and Makota Misgen at 285 were both unbeaten on the night."
Misgen also earned his 100th career win with a fall over Dietrich Rosin of LCWM.
The Panthers wrestle at Triton Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.