Coach pleased with 3-day results

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School wrestlers were busy from Thursday to Saturday.

On Thursday, HEM hosted the Quad tournament that had North Park High School from Walden, Colorado, Rawlins JV and Laramie JV compete. Saratoga was scheduled to have wrestlers at the Quad, but road conditions from bad weather made the trip impossible.

The Miner wrestlers were in Kremmling, Colorado, for the West Grand Invitational on Friday and Saturday.

Lyle Richardson, head coach for the HEM wrestling team was happy with what he saw over the three days.

"All in all, I was pleased with the guys' efforts," Richardson said. "They started out aggressively in their matches in all three days."

Robbie Marta at 126 got a hard fought win that Richardson said was great for him to see.

Adrian King at 126, who is wrestling this year for the first time, got more experience on the mat.

"He finished the weekend without a win, but wore a smile at the end," Richardson said, "What a great young man."

Nathan Roberts at 132 had his first win at the West Grand invite and Richardson said confidence in his abilities.

"Nate does things well when he believes in himself," Richardson said.

Nick McDaniel (152 lbs.) wrestled tough said Richardson even with injury.

"I was proud of him for his efforts and how hard he was trying," Richardson said. "I had to pull him out to prevent further injury."

At the West Grand Invitational McDaniel placed 6th and scored 3 team points.

Jon Nelson (170 lbs.) did well at all the competitions going 7-1. Nelson had 7 pins in three days. At the West Grand invite, Nelson placed 3rd and scored 16 team points.

"Jon got tested by a very good wrestler from Hayden Colorado," Richardson said. "Jon got a taste of what he needs to wrestle like to be a state placer. He lost that semifinal match, but wrestled back and won his last two matches by pins."

Richardson said Nelson will improve as he faces opponents that are stiff competition. He said Nelson's determination and drive to win will help the wrestler's quest for state.

"Jon is a workhorse," Richardson said.

Richardson is hopeful the HEM Miners wrestling squad will gain confidence from the past matches to realize their potential for this season.

The Miners next matches will be Jan 5-6 in Douglas.