Bobcat wresting team struggles in Douglas

Bobcat wrestlers journeyed to Douglas for the Shane Shatto Invitational Friday and Saturday. It became clear this young team has a ways to go to compete successfully in tournaments where seven of the top ten teams were from 4A schools. Even usually powerful Douglas could finish no better than sixth.

Bright spots in earning Thermopolis’ 25 points were the Becher boys with Cullen leading the way to a fifth place medal with three victories while brother Ethan scored a pin and a technical fall just missing the consolation placing round.

Also adding to the Bobcat total were Koy Myers with a pin and Milton Peden with a major decision.

This was kind of a reality check for head coach C.J. Scholl. “We have to bring these young wrestlers up to speed. They are not familiar or ready for the speed of the sport at this level. They are not yet anticipating their opponents movements, nor are we planning for our response to their moves. We had a super practice Monday, and this team is working hard to get better...and they will get better,” said Scholl.

In the JV brackets, Chase White scored three pins, Jon Hagen scored two pins, Jeffery VanAntwerp brought three victories, Tyson Tobar and Jon Harvey two, with Kyle Harvey and Jeremy Gibble scoring one each.

The Bobcats step down a notch this weekend at the Don Runner Invitational in Pavillion where most of the competing teams will be 2A schools and regional competition the Bobcats will be seeing later on in the season.