STATE CHAMPS!

Bobcats earn four state championships

The Hot Springs County High School Bobcat wrestlers were in Casper last weekend to compete in the state wrestling championships. In a spectacular outing, the Cats placed third in the 2A team standings, and crowned four individual State Champions.

The Cats scored 184 team points, the most ever earned during Coach Travis McDermott's tenure with the team. Demonstrating a dogged determination, the team racked up 24 pins, and placed eight wrestlers, pushing five wrestlers into the State Championship matches.

Commenting on the achievement, Coach McDermott said, "For only the second time in school history, we had four State Champions. I was so impressed with how they never got rattled, and how they came from behind in several matches. Along with a great team effort, we had two wrestlers hit the 100 wins milestone, which makes three on the season, and which is another incredible feat for any team."

Sophomore Dyllan Myers started things off for the Cats, taking his first state title and placing second at 113 lbs. for the second time in his career.

"Dyllan had a great season, going 37-8. He had to come from behind in his semi-final match against returning State Champion Brown of Big Piney, as well as in the championship match, against Jimenez of Kemmerer. We have been so impressed with how Dyllan has improved his wrestling, and his ability to handle tough matches, this season. He is a gritty wrestler that goes till the very end of every match."

Sophomore Cannon Boren, topped off what had already been a terrific season, earning his first State Championship to go with his runner-up finish in his freshman year. "This year, at 132 lbs., Cannon racked up an impressive 45-4 record for the season. He is now a two-time All-State wrestler, along with a two-time Regional Champion. Cannon had to battle in his Championship Match against Schneider of Upton. Boren got a takedown in the third period to take a one point lead, but two quick stall calls with time short tied it up, sending it into sudden victory overtime. In overtime, Cannon defended a shot from Schneider,and spun behind, for the winning takedown. Cannon showed seasoned poise to not panic in overtime, and take advantage of an ill-advised shot by Schneider."

Senior Will Ward finished a great high school career, gaining his first State Championship, to go with his two prior runner-up finishes, and a state placing finish in his freshman year. At 150 lbs., Ward finished the season with 26-1 record, and a career record of 123-40.

Coach McDermott said, "Will was a three-time Regional Champion, a three-time All State wrestler, and a four-time state placer. Will dominated this tournament, pinning in all four matches and wrestling under nine minutes over the three day event. Gray, of Moorcroft could not handle Will's athleticism, and ended up getting pinned in 3 minutes and 30 seconds in the championship match."

"There is no wrestler in the state as deserving as Will Ward to win a State Championship. He has been an incredible leader and is the hardest worker that we have had in our program."

Senior Brody Sorensen rounded out the day's events, with another thrilling State Championship win. Sorenson finished his high school career with his 100th win, in a sudden victory in the semi-finals over Walker of Cokeville. He ended the season with a 38-6 record, and a career record of 101-40.

"Brody is a four-time state placer, with two State Championships, a three-time All-State distinction, and a fourth place finisher as a freshman. Brody hung on to a  tight 4 to 3 decision over Anderson of Kemmerer, to claim his second title. Brody has been a great competitor and a leader on our team. He is a great wrestler who has worked hard every practice throughout his career."

Brody Sorensen and sister Alix Sorensen were both being crowned State Champions in Casper. It is thought to be the only time that had ever happened at the State Championships.

Senior Sam Skelton suffered a tough ending to his high school career with a loss in the championship round.

"Sam has also had a great career, reaching the 100 win milestone with a gritty win in the semi-finals match over Garoutte of Moorcroft. Sam ends his season with a 33-13 record, and a 100-50 career record. Sam is a two-time All-State wrestler and a three-time state placer. Sam had a back and forth State Championship match with Kelley of Kemmerer, which came down to a short time turn by Kelley to get the victory."

"Sam is a fun wrestler to watch, and has been innovative his entire career. Another hard working guy that wrestles every match as hard as he can. He gave everything in that last match and definitely should be proud of what he has accomplished this season, and in his career."

Sophomore Mack Buckner, finished third at 190 lbs.; junior Haeden Blair finished in fifth Place finish at 215 lbs.; and senior Lance Axtell, brought home a sixth place finish at 138 lbs.

Also competing in the event were seniors Logan Dafoe and Ethan Yarrington; sophomores, Ryan Axtell and Tannen Birdsley; and freshmen, Rylan Stauffer, Kacey Mackay, and Silas Dickey.

Looking back on a successful campaign Coach McDermott is grateful for all those who have contributed to the success. "A big thanks to all the coaches, that put a lot of time into the wrestling program, assistant coaches, Chris Ryan and Bill Faller, volunteer assistant coaches Sean Boren and Babie Robinson and strength coach Boone Bowker. Thank you to Mack's Market and 7 Lazy S for helping with food throughout the season. Thanks also to Stephanie Boren, who does a lot to organize food for our kids, and to all the parents that donate food and supplies throughout the season."

With the State Championship tournament behind them, the Bobcats will commence preparations on Monday to get ready for some upcoming Freestyle and Greco events. Many of the athletes will be back in action this weekend, at the Junior State tournament in Riverton, which is a qualifier for the Fargo National Championships, which will be held in July. Several wrestlers will also be competing in Virginia Beach, at the end of March, in the National High School Championships.

Two Lady Cats crowned state champions

At the Regional tournament last month, the Hot Springs County High School Lady Cats qualified three wrestlers to compete in the 2A State Championship tournament. The Championships were held in Casper last weekend, and the Lady Cats did not disappoint.

With a team comprised of just three wrestlers, the Lady Cats dominated their matches, and racked up an impressive 68.5 points, good enough for a sixth place finish in the team standings. All three Lady Cats were able to place in the event - with two wrestlers being crowned State Champions.

Outstanding sophomore Lilly Quintanilla continued to roll through her matches – securing a second State Championship, together with a second All-State designation in as many years. With the wins at state, Lilly completed her second undefeated season, with a record of 37-0.

After the tournament Coach Travis McDermott said, "Lilly had to work for this one in the Championship, after pinning all of her previous matches. In the finals, Hendricks of Torrington got out to an early lead, but Lilly came back, and got her offense going to finish the match with a 10-6 decision. Lilly kept her head and continued getting takedowns when she needed them."

Junior Alix Sorensen captured her first State Championship and was named All-State, also for the first time. With her wins, Alix finished the season with an impressive 33-5 record.

Coach McDermott said, "Alix pinned her first two opponents, then had to grind out a 3-1 win over Anderson from Sheridan in the semis. In the finals, it was a close match, before Eddy of Rock Springs was disqualified in the second period. Alix had a great season, and has worked hard to become a great wrestler."

Freshman Izzie Hetzel had an outstanding tournament, taking her first round match, against the number one seed from the East. She was unable, however, to get past returning State Champion, Bornhoft of Wind River in the quarter-finals.

Izzie then clawed her way into placing in the event, overcoming Smith of Central, and Loveland of Campbell County, with pins in each of those matches. In the consolation semi-finals, Izzie again had to face a returning State Champion, Mortensen of Pinedale. Although she had some good shots, and made the first takedown, Izzie came up just short.

In her fifth place match, Izzie dropped the match against yet another tough competitor, Merritt of Star Valley, and finished the tournament in sixth place. Coach McDermott said, "Izzie had a great freshman season, ending with a 28-17 record."

Looking back on the season, Coach McDermott said, "This is an impressive group of ladies, who are tenacious on the mat. They are all fun to watch, and have done a lot of fun wrestling. The ladies had an impressive season, with a lot of tournament titles to their credit. They are a great group who steadily improve every week. Everyone will be back next season, and we will be adding a few freshman to the team to hopefully give more firepower in team races."

Most of the Lady Cats will complete in Riverton this weekend, at the Junior State Freestyle and Greco tournament. Alix Sorensen and Lilly Quintanilla will, additionally, be competing in Virginia Beach, at the end of the month.