Miners 'digging' State

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School wrestlers may not have had the best showing compared to other teams that were in Casper, but head coach Lyle Richardson was happy about all the effort his grapplers put forth.

“The State Tournament was a great learning experience for our team,” Richardson said. “Its tough to take inexperience into the tournament and then draw the tough first round matches that we did.”

Seth Blakeman wrestled in the 106 weight class. He went 0-2, but Richardson said Blakeman has improved over the season from the inexperienced wrestler he was prior.

Nathan Roberts (132 weight) also went 0-2. It is his last year, but he was happy to be at State.

Adrian King went 0-2 but competed really hard in his second match said Richardson.

“Its fun to see Adrian mature,” Richardson said. “He saw his last tournament at 138 as he is growing quickly.”

In the 142 weight class is Josh Roberts. He went 0-2.

“Josh was 0-2 but he battled tough his second match,” Richardson said. “Josh is a great young man and has a bright future because he is a competitor.”

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

“Dade has matured a lot and is a great young athlete,” Richardson said. “He has come a long way in the sport and is excited to wrestle next year.”

Joseph Borah competed in the 182 weight class. He was 0-2.

“Joe has a bright future ahead,” Richardson said. “He has a good outlook, works hard and has the frame to an athletic big kid.”

The largest wrestler on the team is David Cruz at 195.

“David is such a great young man with an attitude of a champion,” Richardson said. “He had the misfortune to be matched with now three time state champion Hayden Walker of Kemmerer who finished this season 49-0.”

Richardson would like to have had some wins from the team but he accepts the experience they got is going to make them better next year.

“Its tough to not win a match at the tournament, but I also see what the future looks like with this awesome group of kids,” Richardson said. “They have such a great mindset to become better.”