Special to the Herald Times
RANGELY | The Panther wrestlers traveled to Parachute last Saturday to compete in the Great 8 team dual tournament, wrestling Grand Valley for their first dual.
“The team looked sluggish most of the day. I know we are fighting injuries and the ill bug, but we need to wrestle up to our potential,” said head coach Jeff LeBleu. Winning matches in the first dual were Kobey Chism, Jaime Sanchez, Kasen LeBleu and Jaxon Torsell.
The next dual was against the Hayden Tigers. The same four wrestlers won their matches. The third dual of the day was against the No. 2 ranked Meeker Cowboys. “We are no match for the Cowboys with the only team points due to a forfeit to Colin Zadra,” said coach LeBleu. The fourth dual was against Glenwood Springs. Winning for the Panthers were Colton Stevens, Sanchez, Zadra, Isaiah Moody, Kolby Olsen and Jaxon Torsell.
“The last dual put us up against Grand Valley again, and we only were able to win three matches this time,” coach LeBleu said. Sanchez, LeBleu and Torsell won their matches. Aydan Christian did not compete due to an injury. Landon Carlson was injured in the first dual.
“We have a lot to figure out between now and regionals. We need to wrestle a lot better and with a lot more confidence than we are right now,” LeBleu said.
The panthers will host the Olathe Pirates Friday at 7 p.m. This will be parent appreciation night beginning at 6:30 p.m. It is also our last home dual of the season. On Saturday the Panthers travel to Meeker for another team dual tournament.
