Panthers grapple to 6th at Dogger Invite

Saratoga Panther wrestling team went to Lingle for the Dogger Invite and came in 6th out of 13 teams that attended.

Coach Zach Schmidt was proud of the progress his team made since the week before, but said there was still room for improvement.

“We were good on our feet, aggressive on top and good about getting in position,” Schmidt said. “But we gave up four wins and until we can stop that from happening, we aren’t where we want to be.”

Jaxon King kept his winning streak alive placing 1st in the 120 pound class. He scored 28 team points.

Schmidt had praise for King and many of his other wrestlers who scored their first varsity medal at the meet.

Andrew Everett placed 4th at 126 pounds, Torrin Hedley placed 4th at 182 pounds and Preston Dew placed 5th at 220 pounds.

“Kagen (Gilbert) really wrestled well,” Schmidt said. “He has been down with an injured back before and in the beginning of the season we worried if could get past it. He proved he could by beating some really tough kids.”

Gilbert placed 2nd at 145 pounds and scored 20 team points.

Justin Shotwell came in 5th at 106 pounds.

“We have some kids dropping down some weights for the next match,” Schmidt said. “Tristan Gray will be going to 160 from 170, which is the weight we had wanted him at the start of the season.”

Schmidt noted King and Gilbert’s excellent patience in wrestling matches.

“I need to get all my wrestlers to be patient like those two,” Schmidt said. “That comes from experience. We’ll get there.”

The next meet was held Jan. 23 in Saratoga and then the team will head to the Ron Thon Memorial meet Jan. 26 and 27 in Riverton.