Wrestling
Girls wrap up; boys to regionals
Staff writer
Marion
Marion boys ended their regular season with a dual Thursday against Central Burden.
“It was a good night for the Warriors, and it was incredibly fun to be in a dual atmosphere,” coach Tyler McMichael said. “Our wrestlers never got to experience a one-on-one dual before.”
Brian Nguyen and Kellen Waner both picked up important victories for regional seeding.
Nguyen leads the team with a 19-5 season record.
Wyatt Soyez lost by three in his match. Sam Rziha, Julian Resser, and Hitch Soyez all had exhibition matches.
Vyolett Dawson was the lone Marion girl to make a trip to Columbus for the girls regional. She was unable to qualify for state.
“This was a great learning experience for Vyolett, and she went out and fought until the very end,” McMichael said. “We are proud of her efforts this season and look forward to her new level of drive after seeing what it will take to be a state qualifier.”
The Warrior boys will compete Saturday in regionals at Eureka.
Hillsboro
Hillsboro boys ended their regular season Thursday at a Central Kansas League Tournament, and Hillsboro girls competed Saturday at regionals in McPherson.
Sophomore Aaron Hein placed second in his weight class Thursday, losing by decision to Dustin Loughrie from Haven.
Coach Scott O’Hare termed it “another solid tournament in what I would have considered the hardest and deepest bracket.”
“A combination of lack of experience, strength, and toughness showed a bit for the rest of our line-up,” O’Hare said. “However, I am very happy with the technical progress some of these less experienced guys are showing.”
Hillsboro took Aimee Kelly (10-21), Rachel Shafer (15-3), and Claire Morey (2-25) to regionals Saturday and finished 26th out of 31 teams.
“Unfortunately, none of our girls were able to make it to the podium to earn a trip to the girls state tournament,” O’Hare said.
“All three of our girls that competed Saturday are in their first or second year participating in the sport of wrestling.
“Girls wrestling has exploded so fast statewide..... I am hopeful that these three young ladies, along with our coaching staff and wrestling families, can continue to recruit to get more girls to open their eyes to this opportunity and encourage them to come give it a try.”
The boys will compete Saturday in a 3-2-1A regional at Southeast of Saline