Miner wrestler places first

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) Miner wrestling team went to Saratoga on Thursday and head coach Robert Riddle was pleased with how they did, although Tom Wagner, a senior wrestling in the 144 weight class was absent.

“Tom needed to pass on this weekend and rest so he will be better once the break is over,” Riddle said. “The wrestlers looked strong and all the kids got matches and wrestled tough,” He said it was a good start for the weekend.

On Friday the team had dual with Clear Creek which they won.

On Saturday at the West Grand Tournament in Kremmling. “The team that went, wrestled very well,” Riddle said. “Anthony Solaas ended up taking 4th in the 106 weight class. He is finally wrestling at what his true weight is. For the past couple years he has been wrestling guys who would have five to 10 pounds on him. He is finally only giving up two or three pounds and the skills he learned over the years is paying off.”

At the West Grand there were eight teams from Colorado and two from Wyoming. Both Wyoming teams were from Carbon County. Saratoga was the other Wyoming team. HEM sent five wrestlers.

In the very competitive 144 weight class, Samuel Ramirez, a freshman placed first. Riddle was happy that the young wrestler did so well. “He ended up beating the number one and number two seeds in that tournament,” Riddle said. “He did very well. I think as long as he stays healthy, he is going to have some good years to come.” Riddle said he has been coaching Ramirez since the wrestler was in 6th grade.“ He has stepped up coming into high school,” Riddle said.

MacKaylee Widdlison had a tough night at Saratoga and in West Grand she re-injured her shoulder in her first match and had to pull out of the tournament.

Jared Nelsen won matches on Thursday night and Friday night said Riddle. “Unfortunately at West Grand, he met some tough competition and he just missed out on a placing round,” Riddle said. “He ended up wrestling at a higher weight class because he drank fluids to pass the hydration test and because he didn’t have a lot of body fat, the water added a few pounds. He is a natural 138.”

Now that the holidays are coming and there is a break from matches, Riddle said he is going to have the wrestlers work on strength and address the issues that were presented over the past weekend. “These kids are working hard and I find myself getting impressed every day,” Riddle concluded.