Wrestlers at home Friday

Once a year nearly all the high school wrestling programs in Wyoming send their teams to Riverton for the state’s premier all-comers event – the Ron Thon. Last weekend, 13 Bobcats competed in the tournament along with wrestlers from 47 other teams.

Two facts became abundantly clear. A big program does not require a big school as witnessed by 3A’s Star Valley winning the tourney by 30 points, and 2A’s Moorcroft placing 3rd. The Thermopolis wrestling program is on the way up as witnessed by the 8th place finish in the JV side of the tourney.

In varsity action, Cullen Becher scored all of the Bobcats points with a 3-2 record. Both losses being 1 point disappointments, one of which was Glenrock’s Isak Ellisson who Becher will see probably twice more before the state tournament. When asked if he could be successful against the Herder, a nod of the head was all the answer necessary.

Mike Harvey and Jon Hagen both competed in the varsity side of the event, but were unsuccessful in earning points for the Bobcats.

On the JV side of the action, three Bobcats led the way to places. John Harvey (145 lb.) recorded four pins to win the 145 lb. championship, Austin Ireland (106 lb.) was forced to win six matches to record a 3rd place outcome and Riley Shaffer (220 lb.) finished with a 4-3 record for a 6th place finish.

Others competing on the JV side were Josh Lackey (106 lb.) 0-2, Blake Williams (113 lb.) 2-2 with two pins, Hunter Mounts (113 lb.) 1-2, Chase White (132 lb.) 1-2 with one pin, Kyle Card (138 lb.) 1-2 with one pin, Jeffery VanAntwerp (138 lb.) 2-2, Tyler Kay (160 lb.) 0-2, Tyson Tobar (182 lb.) 2-2, and Andrew Yarbrough (220 lb.) 2-2.

This week will challenge the young Bobcats with a trip to Lovell on Thursday, and Senior Night at home on Friday against tough Glenrock. Action will start at 6 p.m.