The four wrestlers from Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School that went to State did not have the success they were hoping for. Coach Lyle Richardson acknowledged, given how far the squad had come from the beginning of the season, the Regionals did not end on a high note.
Richardson takes the blame for the season falling short of what he thought would happen in Regionals.
"A lot of it was my fault because of practice issues and then there was the weather which gave us a challenging storm and, again, the flu," Richardson said. "I am happy Robbie (Marta) and Adrian (King) finished the season with experiencing a chance to go to State."
Marta will be graduating but King will return to HEM.
Richardson believes that King will have benefited from his experience this year to face next year with confidence.
"Adrian progressed each week, but still lacked some from confidence and experience," Richardson said. "Confidence comes from good experiences and Adrian didn't have that many even though he showed improvement all year."
Marta had the flu all week and Richardson knows that was a factor for Matra not going further in Regionals.
"Nick (McDaniel) had the flu all week too," Richardson said. "Then Nick had a tough first round draw in getting Ammon Teichert who finished second at 145."
Richardson said McDaniel wrestled well in his second match, but just came up short.
For Jon Nelsen, Richardson said the inconsistency of the week with practice hindered the wrestler.
"He didn't wrestle like his usual self," Richardson said. "He finished 0-2 at State in two heartbreaking matches for him. I feel bad for him because he is a great young man with an awesome work ethic."
"This is great group of kids," Richardson said. "They never once questioned my philosophy."
Richardson said he had to remind himself that wins and losses don't determine what kind of young men they are.
"HEM was blessed to have them as athletes this year representing their school," Richardson said. "They were a coach's dream."
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