Impressed at Dogger

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School wresting team went to Lingle for the Dogger Invite tournament on Jan. 19.

Head wrestling coach Lyle Richardson said all eight grapplers attended the tourney. “I was proud of their efforts,” Richardson said.

David Cruz placed 6th in the 195 pound weight class.

“David still continues to impress me with his efforts as he gets better each week,” Richardson said. “He really competed hard.”

The coach also had positive words about Josh Curtis.

“Josh wrestled tough going 1-2 losing two close matches,” Richardson said. “I’m happy with how he is maturing for a new wrestler.”

His female wrestler, Charlee Solaas, faced opponents in the 132 weight class that placed in the top six.

“Charlee drew a tough Natrona County JV kid her first match,” Richardson said. “She then lost to a Bayard, Neb. wrestler. Both opponents placing in the top 6 shows Charlee was wrestling tough kids.”

Seth Blakeman wrestled up in weight to 113.

“Seth went 0-2 and, with him wrestling up, the weight difference showed as he wrestled two bigger kids,” Richardson said. “He did a good job.”

Dade Thackston went 0-2 in the 152 weight class.

Richardson said Joseph Borah wrestled his first match in two weeks.

“He competed well at 182 but was still 0-2,” Richardson said.

Nathan Roberts pleased his coach with his attitude.

“Nathan went 0-2 at 132 and I was happier with his efforts, but we still need to wrestle with more determination,” Richardson said.

Richardson also saw good things from Adrian King.

“Adrian wrestled the best he ever has and showed a lot of heart,” Richardson said. “He went three periods, losing to a Cheyenne Central wrestler and to Josh in the wrestle back rounds.”

There was a tournament scheduled at HEM on Tuesday, but it has been canceled. “This gives the team a little time to get ready for the next meet.

“We will take this week to prepare and drill some more and work on some of the fundamentals that are still troublesome,” Richardson said.

The next scheduled meet is Ron Thon Memorial Tournament Jan 25-26 in Riverton.