By RYAN RICHTER

Staff writer

Hillsboro freshman wrestler Jordan Bachman probably will have brighter days ahead of him.

Qualifying for the minefield that represents the Class 3-2-1A state tournament at Hays was a great place for Bachman to get his feet wet to build toward next year.

The Trojans’ lone representative at Hays got it Friday, going 0-2 in his first state trip.

Hillsboro was one of 10 teams tied for 64th in the 73-team field.

“We’re very proud and glad he earned this opportunity to compete at state as a freshman,” Trojan coach Scott O’Hare said. “Although it didn’t go quite as we had hoped, I believe this was a great experience for him.

“He now has a better sense of the atmosphere, the competition, and what will be necessary to compete at that level. I fully expect he’ll return and be better prepared when that opportunity comes again.”

Bachman got a tough draw to start with in the form of Oberlin’s second-ranked and eventual third-place finisher Kel Grafel.

The senior Grafel’s experience was evident, picking up a technical fall in 4:43 and sending Bachman to the consolation bracket for a meeting with St. Mary’s Charles King.

Bachman’s outstanding season came to an end at 29-10 with King prevailing by a 15-7 major decision.

“I’m confident that he has the technique and physical abilities to compete at a level necessary to get on the podium at Hays,” said O’Hare. “Those abilities will only continue to progress as he matures and gains additional experience. I believe he’ll have a solid career for our wrestling program.”