Bobcat wrestlers headed to Big Piney for regionals

The Hot Springs County High School wrestling teams were on the road last week to compete in four duals, one at Worland, followed by three at Buffalo. The matches would provide significant experience in preparing for the regional tournaments, which take place this weekend.

First up for the Cats and Lady Cats were the Warriors of Worland on Thursday night. The Lady Cats got things off to a great start, with freshman Izzie Hetzel taking revenge for some early season losses against Quintana of the Lady Warriors. Coach Travis McDermott said, “Izzie came out fast, and got early takedowns, and then some back points. Eventually, gaining a pin in the second period. Izzie showed she is a force, coming into the post season.” Outstanding sophomore Lilly Quintanilla had the only other girls match, and to no surprise, won by a quick pin over her opponent.

The Bobcats then went to work, taking an early control of the dual with a come from behind win by senior Will Ward. Sam Skelton, Mack Buckner, and Haeden Blair all had wins by a pin to put the Bobcats in the lead in team points.

Dyllan Myers then added to the scoring, taking a fall against number two ranked Garcia. Tannen Birdsley had a fall in the third period to assure the Bobcats the team win. Coach McDermott said, “That was a big win for Tannen, and well deserved.”

Cannon Boren and Ethan Yarrington each came away with wins by falls, to make the final scoring Bobcats 50, and Warriors 22. “It was a good night for the Cats, showing a lot of grit and determination.”

On Friday, the team traveled to Buffalo for a series of three duals. Against Burns, the team took the win by a score of 60-23. In the second dual of the day, the Bobcats were forced to give up too many weights to Tongue River, and despite a four and four record, the final score was Tongue River 39, and Thermopolis 36.

In round three, against Wright, the Bobcats took their third win of the weekend, putting up 66 points to Wrights’ 12 points. Coach McDermott was very pleased with the teams’ weekend performance, and stated, “I think our kids are right where they need to be for regionals this week. Body and mind seem to be sound, and hopefully we hit our peak in the next two weeks.”

The Bobcats individual records for the three Friday duals were: Dyllan Myers, 2-0; Rylan Stauffer, 0-1; Tannen Birdsley, 1-2; Cannon Boren, 2-0; Lance Axtell, 2-1; Ethan Yarrington, 1-1; Will Ward, 2-0; Brody Sorensen, 2-0; Mack Buckner, 2-0; Haeden Blair, 2-0; Kacey Mackay, 0-1; Silas Dickey, 0-2; and Ryan Axtell, 2-0.

In Buffalo, the Lady Cats, were totally dominant with Izzie Hetzel, Lilly Quintanilla, and Alix Sorensen each finishing 2 and 0, and Ava Dafoe having a 2 and 1 record for the day. “The girls are looking really good, and they will be ready for their regionals.”

With the regular season now at an end, the Bobcats will compete at regionals in Big Piney on Friday and Saturday this week. Each wrestler will have to finish in the top eight in order to punch their ticket to the state tournament.

For the Lady Cats, their regional tournament will be held in Evanston on Friday and Saturday. As the girls are one class, they will have to battle through some bigger brackets in order to make the top eight and move on to the State Championships.

The Bobcats and Lady Cats have had a great regular season, and are now primed to go into the post-season, with the wind at their backs.