HEM grapplers do well

“We had a really good weekend at Lingle,” Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) Wrestling Coach Robert Riddle said. “The tournament didn’t have as many wrestlers as we have seen in the past, but we wrestled really well. The kids were really aggressive in their matches.”

Four wrestlers went to the Dogger Invite on January 22. The team had been scheduled for a HEM Quad, on January 18, but teams pulled out and it was canceled. Riddle was happy to get to go to Lingle and even happier with some of the results.

“Thomas (Wagner) ended up placing 1st in the 145 division,” Riddle said. “He handled his opponents well. He pinned every kid that he wrestled.”

Wagner is a junior. 

Riddle moved freshman Jared Nelson up into the 138 weight class from 132.

“He looked very good as he fought some early matches,” Riddle said. “He lost some matches in points but he won some too. He ended up placing 4th.”

Riddle acknowledges Nelson did well in a class that is usually fielding juniors and seniors.

“Usually 138 is tough because that is where the experienced wrestlers weigh in although we didn’t see as many from all over the state, like we usually do,” Riddle said. “I was hoping to see more of what opponents are out there, but I can’t be unhappy how we fared with teams we did meet.”

At 106, Anthony Solaas came in 5th.

“Anthony faced some taller and leaner kids in the very beginning of his matches, and it took him a little time to figure out how to wrestle those kids,” Riddle said. “We went to the tournament last week and he was able to wrestle kids more his size, but the kids were almost twice his height and it took him a few rounds to remember how to wrestle these taller kids. His 3rd match he looked really good. He ended well.”

Riddle said his one female wrestler MacKaylee Widdison had tough opponents.

“She fought hard and tough,” Riddle said. “But she did end up struggling in this tournament compared to last week.”

Riddle was glad the weather didn’t mess up the chance for his team to compete.

“Glad we got to go and the way the kids wrestled, I haven’t got any complaints,” Riddle said. “The kids are really doing well.”

The week coming up, the Miners are taking a break. The next tournament will be the Rawlins Invite on February 5 in Rawlins.