Miners try to dig in at Saratoga

Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) wrestlers went up against a Saratoga team that was waiting for them.

Saratoga hosted HEM and North Park from Walden, Colo. on Jan. 23.

"The Panthers did a great job preparing for Jon (Nelson)," Lyle Richardson, head coach for the Miners wrestling team, said. "Jon always works hard."

Nelson wrestles at 170 pounds.

Richardson said the results from matches at Saratoga were bittersweet, because even though there were losses, he was happy with what he was seeing from his wrestlers.

He continued to see good things from Adrian King, who had never wrestled until this year.

"Again I was pleased with Adrian persevering when it got tough," Richardson said. "He took a pretty good cross face, which happens."

King wrestles at 126 pounds.

Richardson likes aggressive wrestling and appreciates it when it is one of his wrestlers or the opponents.

"Robbie (Marta) did okay, but I am hoping for more aggression from him as the season progresses," Richards said.

Marta wrestles at 126 pounds.

"I was proud of Nick (McDaniel) for stepping up and going four matches after being sick Monday," Richardson said. "My team is all about heart."

McDaniel wrestles at 152 pounds.

Richardson said it can be tough for his wrestlers to come in and lose against teams like Saratoga, but he admires they try.

"I have to say a big 'thank you' to my wrestlers who keep trying during good and bad times," Richardson concluded.

The Miners next matches are on Feb. 3 in Yoder for the Southeast Duels.