Two seniors lead raw wrestling squad into new season

Lionzo Escobedo is one of just two seniors on Saratoga’s wrestling squad, and the only returning state placer, so head coach Jared Mason is going to lean heavily on him for leadership.

“Lionzo steps in and fills that role as a natural leader, there isn’t a kid that works harder than him,” Mason said. “He’s willing to help show the younger kids ... he’s not just a senior saying I’m going to thump on you.”

Escobedo and the Panthers will have their work cut out for them after losing standouts Corson Kerbs, Anthony Samson and Tom Stockwell to graduation last year.

Despite injuries down the stretch, Saratoga finished fifth in the 2A East regionals and top 10 at state. Sophomore Kyle Bartlett ran into eventual champion James Teichert, of Cokeville, right off the bat, then took a win off Kyler Flock before getting hurt in his third match at state.

Bartlett enters this year ranked fifth at 113, although he will likely be wrestling a couple divisions higher at 126.

Sophomore Hunter Mason pinned Cody Spencer, of Burns, for his sole win at state and now he will face stiff competition in practice from freshman Thatcher Spiering.

“You’re only as good as your partners in practice,” coach Mason said.

Mason hopes that means good things for junior Jacob Wells, wrestling in the heavyweight division, and senior Levi Weatherd, wrestling at 195 pounds.

Wells weighs 240, but has to wrestle guys as big as 285 pounds. After a promising showing at state his freshman year, he suffered a little bit of a slump sophomore year and lost to rival Justin Irene, of HEM.

Wells underwent knee surgery near the end of football season, but said he is back in form. Coach Mason said his work ethic will make the difference this year.

“He’s got to learn how to compete with guys while giving up fifty or sixty pounds. He’s a big strong kid, but ... (Wells’) has got to use his quickness more,” Mason said. “He wants to be a successful wrestler, he’s always first dressed and ready to run. He has the right mindset, hopefully he can put it all together this year.”

Mason also expects big things from his other senior, Weatherd, who was injured before the state tournament last year.

“Levi is a quiet kid, and he’s never placed ... but he’s trying to find where he’s at and he’s looking good at practice,” Mason said. “Expect a good season, especially with he and Jacob Wells pushing each other.”

For the first time in a long while, most of the wrestlers practiced over Thanksgiving break, and Mason said he has a lot of athletes who are good on their feet, which means they can be more aggressive.

“These guys have been mixing it up really good,” Mason said. “I’m excited to see where we’re at and get a feel of what we need to change and work on.”