Wrestlers earn top placings at Shane Shatto tournament

Last weekend the Bobcat wrestlers traveled to the Shane Shatto Memorial tournament in Douglas. The boys team ended the weekend tied for 10th out of 29 teams.

“This is one of the toughest tournaments of the year and we competed well. Coming off of Christmas break the wrestlers that competed looked good and competed against some high caliber wrestlers,” said coach Travis McDermott.

 Will Ward had a good weekend going 4-2 and ending up in 4th place. He started off Friday winning his first match against Jones of Lander. Losing his quarterfinal match against the eventual runner-up Gonzalez of Cheyenne Central, Ward bounced back and pinned his next two opponents to get him into the consolation semi’s.

Ward then faced Wyatt Sylvester of Lingle-Fort Laramie. This was a rematch from last years 5th place state match which Ward lost. Ward controlled the match and won 7-2 in one of his best matches ever. Ward ended up losing in the 3rd place match to Thunder Basin’s Bautista in a close 5-3 match.

“Will improved and learned from every match and is on the verge of becoming an elite wrestler. With his work ethic and determination he is going to continue to make noise,” said coach McDermott.

 Senior Roedy Farrell suffered his first loss of the season. “We knew this was a tough tournament in this weight with three guys in the class with a combined six state titles”

Farrell worked his way to the semifinals where he faced Dane Steel of Sheridan. Farrell took control of the match early putting Steel to his back and almost getting an early pin. “Roedy just couldn’t maintain the pace needed through the match to contain Steel and eventually lost a 17-12 decision,” said coach McDermott.

Farrell bounced back and won his next two matches by early pins to earn 3rd place. “Roedy now knows the work that he has to do to be ready to face both Steel and Ewing in the next couple of weeks. Roedy is also four matches away from hitting the century mark for career wins,” said coach McDermott.

 Dalton Price, Mason Reese and Brody Sorensen all got wins on the weekend but came up short on placing.  

For the JV, Haeden Blair had a great weekend making the championship match and bringing home a 2nd place. “Haeden has proven that he is a competitive wrestler over every tournament this year. Haeden is now challenged with proving himself on the varsity side,” said coach McDermott.

Sam Skelton also had a good weekend coming out with a 3rd place finish. “Sam also is right there to make a difference on the varsity side,” added coach McDermott.

JV wrestlers Lance Axtell, Daniel Blair, and Colter Price also competed.

Lady Cats

 The Lady Cats competed in the first Girls Shane Shatto Memorial Tournament. The ladies had a great weekend ending up 12th as a team out of 26.

“While we are still trying to beat fear more than opponents, our technical development is showing and improving,” said coach McDermott.

 Kaitlin Barral started her career in a best of three series with Sheridan’s Jada Bohm. “Kaitlin got some good experience and learned what it is like to compete. Kaitlin brought home a second place medal” said coach McDermott.

Alix Sorensen brought home a 4th place finish. “Alix has a lot of untapped talent that will begin to come through if she can start focusing on her skills in matches,” said coach McDermott.

Kailey Allen also brought home a 4th place. “Kailey showed her experience through the tournament becoming more aggressive and showing her skills,” said coach McDermott.

Tera Kraushaar won her first match in a tough 6-1 match. “She ended up 6th but showed great improvement in her aggressiveness and skill level,” said coach McDermott.

The Bobcats will be in Pavillion on Friday for duals and then again on Saturday for the Don Runner Memorial tournament.