STATE CHAMP! Quintanilla brings home first Lady Cats

The Hot Springs County High School Lady Cats wrestling team sent five wrestlers to the All Class State Championships, which were held in Casper this past weekend. Considering there are just six members comprising the Lady Cats team, that was a quite impressive feat. Even more impressive, however, were the three state placers, and a first ever state champion, that came out of the event.

Scoring in just four weight categories, the Lady Cats team finished the state championships tied at 9th place, out of 42 teams competing. One could say "Well Done," but that doesn't begin to acknowledge the great accomplishments of the Lady Cats wrestlers this season.

Lilly Quintanilla completed her remarkable freshman season with a state championship, remaining undefeated for the season, with a 35 and 0 record. The outstanding wrestler dominated the field in the tournament pinning all of her opponents, including a pin over Smith of Star Valley in the state championship round.

Coach Travis McDermott was understandably proud, stating, "Lilly ends her freshman season as the first ever female state champion for the Bobcats, winning every tournament this season and picking up three Outstanding Wrestler Trophies. Lilly will be back on the mat this week, starting her freestyle season at Junior State in Lander. She also plans on attending the national championships in Iowa and Virginia Beach."

At the event, Senior, Kaitlin Barral, became the Lady Cats first ever two-time State Placer - with a 3rd Place finish for the second year in a row. "Kaitlin ends her career making a lot of Bobcat history, being the school's first ever female State Placer, as well as winning tournaments throughout the season."

Sophomore, Alix Sorensen, finished in 5th Place – topping off her season with a win. "Alix completed her Sophomore season with an impressive 30 and 6 record. She had an impressive season, winning many tournaments, and being competitive in all of them. Alix really became a top competitor in the state this year, and will be a force in her last two seasons."

Also competing at the event were Senior, Kailey Allen, and Freshman, Ava Dafoe, both of whom came up just short of placing. "Kailey has wrestled for us even before there was a girls division, and has always been a competitor for the team. Ava has a lot of potential, she will continue to improve, and will become a state contender very soon."

It was a great season for the Lady Cats - whose efforts generated bragging rights for years to come.