Staff writer
Hillsboro sent four wrestlers to the state wrestling tournament last weekend in Hays. They were John Carey, 126 lbs; Cody Delk, 152 lbs; Preston Nelson, 160 lbs; and Levi Mendoza, 182 lbs.
While none placed, coach Scott O’Hare said he is proud of their efforts at state.
“I think it is fairly obvious that these four young men did not perform at the level they had hoped to going into Hays,” he said. “They really need to go out strong and aggressive early on to set the tone.”
Carey was the only Hillsboro wrestler to win a match at state, against Jim Weller of Southeast of Saline. His state run was over after losing his next match to Riley Juenemann of Phillipsburg.
“All four came out a little tentative and seemed to allow the nerves, the atmosphere, and the situation to get to them,” O’Hare said.
O’Hare said despite the disappointing ending at state he is proud of his team for advancing as far as they did this season, especially with so many new members.
“Delk and Nelson, along with Matt Reeh, our only other senior, will be greatly missed,” he said. “I have appreciated all their time, commitment, leadership, and hard work. At the same time, I am excited for the future of our program with a great core group returning next season to be led by Cary, Jesse Meier, and Mendoza.”