By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
It has not been an easy season for the NRHEG High School wrestling team.
But it got a little better last week.
The Panthers picked up a big Gopher Conference victory, defeating Triton 43-26 at Dodge Center Thursday, Jan. 26.
"I am very happy for our team tonight," said Panthers coach Shaun Larson. "They have been working hard lately and it is nice for them to have earned a win."
Jacob Karl got the Panthers off to a positive start, scoring a 13-0 major decision in the 103-pound match.
NRHEG forfeited at 113 and 120, but the Cobras surrendered a forfeit to Annabelle Petsinger at 126.
After Parker Bunn fell by fall at 132, the Panthers' Aidan Schlaak and Ryan Schlaak recorded pins at 138 and 145, respectively, to put NRHEG up 28-12.
But it was far from finished.
The Panthers' Reese Routh was pinned at
152, Harbor Cromwell dropped a 9-3 decision at 160 and Wyatt Larson lost by fall at 171 to cut the team lead to 28-27. Both schools forfeited at 182.
The Panthers then won out to seal the victory.
Cole Hutchens carved out a 7-1 decision at 195, Adan Berg won by fall at 220 and Makota Misgen pinned his man at 285.
"We had big falls from our two seniors, Aden Berg and Makota Misgen," said Larson. "I am proud of these seniors for keeping their composure and closing it out for us. We had two more falls from the Schlaak brothers, Aidan and Ryan. These two have been making improvements and I am glad that they could both get wins together tonight. I am very happy for Jacob Karl and Cole Hutchens who went out and wrestled great for six minutes, and got wins that were well-deserved."
The Panthers' next competition will be Friday, Feb. 3, when they go to Mankato East for a triangular with Mankato East and Waseca. Wrestling will start at 5 p.m.