Quality time at Shane Shatto

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) wrestlers went to the Shane Shatto Tournament on Jan. 4-5 in Douglas.

Head wrestling coach Lyle Richardson entered his team in the JV division.

“The JV tournament in Douglas is a good tournament to get some quality mat time for our relatively green and young team,” Richardson said. “We took seven to the meet.”

He said Seth Blakeman needs more confidence because he works hard but lacks experience. Blakeman went 0-2.

Richardson was pleased with how his only female wrestler performed.

“Charlee Solaas continues to gain knowledge in practice but lost to a Laramie kid and Nathan Roberts, her own teammate,” Richardson said. “I am very proud of her attitude.”

He also had good words for Roberts.

“Nathan Roberts went 1-2 and he needs to gain to believe in himself,” Richardson said. “He has all the skills he needs.”

Richardson went further on his other grapplers that attended.

“Josh Curtis at 145 went 1-2 and continues to be a leader and bright spot in the room,” Richardson said. “Dade Thackston at 152 went 0-2 but that will change. He is explosively quick and athletic and will have a breakthrough.”

Wrestler Joseph Borah coming in at 182 pounds went 1-2 at the tournament.

“He is a strong kid who I’m looking to this season to have some immediate success,” Richardson said.

David Cruz went 1-2 and Richardson is happy with his progress.

“He is a fun kid to coach,” Richardson said. “David is enthusiastic and very coachable. He just needs more time.”

Richardson said he was happy with the team, but more work is needed.

“We achieved what I thought we might—that was to get some wins, “ Richardson said. “The kids were excited but we have more work to do.”

The next scheduled meet is the Wind River Tournament on Jan 11-12.