TMS wrestlers earn third at conference

Last Saturday, the Thermopolis Middle School Bobcats hosted the Big Horn Basin Middle School Conference Wrestling Tournament at the high school gym.

Of the 10 Conference teams and 215 wrestlers, seven "A" division TMS wrestlers battled their way through the all-day tournament and earned a 3rd place team victory. With the fewest number of wrestlers in the "A" division, Thermopolis filled only 7 of 18 weight classes and still managed to send 6 grapplers into the finals.

There were four Bobcat champions that were crowned including: Dyllan Myers (91 lbs.), Lilly Quintanilla (105 lbs.), Cannon Boren (120 lbs.) and Mack Buckner (155 lbs.).

The 2 runners-up included: Garret White (70 lbs.) and Wiley Jones (138 lbs.).

In the "B" division, Trevin Shaffer (98 lbs.) placed 3rd, while Tannen Birdsley (110 lbs.) and Brendan Mann (120 lbs.) both placed 4th in the tournament.

In addition, another champion was crowned when Jesalyn Blair took first in the 132 lbs. girls' division. 

Coach Toby Emery said, "It feels great to place 3rd again this season. We may be small in numbers, but we are mighty when it comes down to competition. The team proved that. The entire team came out focused and on the attack. Things just seemed to click, and they used the momentum to snowball through each round. Fortunately, they were able to do it at home in front of their family, friends and a plethora of Bobcat fans. I can't express how proud I am of the team, especially the 8th graders. They have not only put in the time and hard work but have helped their teammates become better along the way. This is truly a special group of athletes that I will miss immensely."

Coach Emery added, "The Thermopolis Wrestling Program is growing and getting better every year. It is a top-down approach, which scaffolds down to a solid foundation built by numerous people working together to attain a common goal. Thank you to the Thermopolis wrestling coaches for your time, expertise and commitment. Thank you to the parents for your trust and support. Finally, thank you to the wrestlers for your hard work and dedication. Thank you all again for another exciting wrestling season."