Bobcat wrestlers perform well at Powell invitational

by Cindy Glasson

The Bobcat wrestling team took to the mats for the first time this season at the Powell Invitational last weekend, starting out with some great placings.

“They wrestled very, very well,” said head coach CJ Scholl. “We could tell they were ready to get out there and wrestle someone other than each other. It was fantastic.”

The JV team had a great weekend with four placing.

Josh Lackey placed second in the 106 lb. bracket, Blake Williams brought home a first place win at 113 lbs., Jefferey Van Antwerp, at 138 lbs., took third and Michael Harvey placed fourth in the 182 lb. bracket.

Three Bobcat varsity wrestlers placed as well.

Austin Ireland brought home a third place at 106 lbs., Koy Meyers took fifth in the 152 lb. bracket and Cullen Becher came out fourth at 160 lbs.

“We have lots to work on,” coach Scholl said. “We break down the season into thirds. This first third is everything before January.

“During this third, we focus on mentality. What key moves do we want them to know? How to attack and defend. Keeping their composure.

“In the second third, January through the Ron Thon in Riverton, we concentrate on everything they’re doing and work with each of them specifically. We do a lot of one on one with them, perfecting their moves and letting them experiment with some things.

“The last third of the season included regionals and state. This is where we kind of let go of the reins and let them focus on what they want.

“We stand back and let them decide where they want to go. It’s their season, so it’s up to them.

“Right now we see things we need to work on and we’re focusing on what we want out of them.”

Seven freshmen are on this year’s roster, including Josh Lackey, Blake Williams, Hunter Mounts, Aidan Ozmon, Eric Bleak, Riley Shaffer and Tyler Kay.

Sophomores include Austin Ireland, Jonathan Hagen, Chase White, Jeffery Van Antwerp, Jonathan Harvey and Tyson Tobar.

On the junior list is Koy Myers, Tanner Boss, Cullen Becher, Milton Peden and Andrew Yarbrough.

The lone senior on this year’s team is Michael Harvey.