Miners take ninth

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) Miners went to the Dogger Invite on Friday and Saturday in Lingle and did well, according to Head Coach Robert Riddle.

“The team fared well, placing 9th out of 14,” Riddle said. “We had five placers.”

The team sent eight wrestlers.

At 106 pounds Howard Bame came in 5th place.

“Howard continues to grow not only strength wise but ability as well. He is very aggressive on the mat and goes after the pins,” Riddle said. “He is gaining the ability to stay out of trouble and not have to fight from behind.”

Bame scored seven team points.

There were two wrestlers vying for the 126 pound class. Charlee Solaas, who continues to hang in there as the only female wrestler on the team, and Tom Wagner.

“Charlee represented herself well on the mat,” Riddle said. “Defense and strength are areas Charlee needs to focus on.” 

Wagner came in 2nd and scored 24 team points.

“Tom has made great gains after having an injury filled beginning of the season,” Riddle said. “He has come along very well. He is gaining confidence in his skills and is becoming more aggressive in his pinning.”

Andrew Scott and Josh Curtis wrestled at 152 pounds.

“Andrew battled in his matches” Riddle said. “Andrew is still working through some injury issues but he always gives 100 percent on the mat.”

Curtis scored three team points in the 152 weight class.

“Josh Curtis had a good showing at Lingle. Josh won his first match 15 to 5,” Riddle said. “He was in both of his next two matches up till the end. More mat time and understanding of where he is in the match will benefit Josh as he heads into regionals.”

At 182 pounds, Ayden Welk placed 5th and brought the team seven points.

“Ayden and Declan are fairly new to the team, only starting in competition after the start of the new year,” Riddle said. “Ayden only has a few matches to his credit but looked very good in Lingle. Strength and mat time will help Ayden.”

In the 220 weight class, HEM took 4th and 5th place.

David Cruz came in 4th, bringing the team 14 points.

“David continues to build his confidence, his skills are growing every day,” Riddle said. “Conditioning is still something all the team needs to focus on.” 

Declan Austin came in 5th and has made his coach happy with his progress.

“Declan is a first time wrestler, seeing his first competition in Lingle,” Riddle said. “He did very well and was very aggressive. He still needs more mat time to develop his skills and be better able to defend himself.”

Riddle said the team is improving as the season continues.

“Overall the team is looking good. They continue to improve every week,” Riddle said. “The team needs to continue to work on conditioning and building their strength.”

Riddle does acknowledge the wrestling team’s youth.

“The team is young and they still have a lot to learn,” Riddle said. “New things will be introduced and worked on over the next few weeks heading into regionals and state as well as refining and perfecting minor things to improve their wrestling.”

Riddle is not the only person happy with how the team is doing.

“Overall the coaching staff is very pleased with the progress and improvements the team is making,” Riddle said.

The Miners will be in Saratoga on January 28. The meet will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Saratoga High School.