Trojan wrestlers place third
Staff writer
In a gallant comeback from last week’s double dual, the Hillsboro High School wrestling team improved to place third with 97 points Dec. 14 at the Hesston Invitational tournament.
“I was pleased with the third place team finish and proud of how the guys competed on Saturday,” coach Scott O’Hare said. “I felt everyone improved from their performances in our opening duals. They showed some nice improvements in areas of technique, using many things that we have worked on over the last week. That’s not to say we wrestled mistake-free by any stretch.”
O’Hare said the team has a lot of improvement to do over the season.
“As coaches, we are excited at the progress and work ethic these guys have shown,” O’Hare said. “They have improved tremendously in the area of mental toughness and grit. I saw many of them respond very well to adversity that they faced. They simply competed hard.”
Jon Carey, 126 lbs., won by decision against Wichita West Izayah Kletecka to place third to score the team 13.50 points.
Cody Delk, 152 lbs., placed third by decision against Wichita West David Kelly to earn the team 17 points.
Preston Nelson, 160 lbs., was the only first place scorer after defeating Stafford wrestler Marcus Foos by fall.
Jesse Meier, 170 lbs., placed fourth after losing during the third place match against West Elk’s Paxton Noll.
Levi Mendoza, 182 lbs., placed second after falling by decision to Marion’s Zac Lewman.
“Our goal remains that we want them to continue to improve every day,” O’Hare said. “We also have to make sure that they are not complacent. All of them have so much more to accomplish, this was just a nice early season performance that we want to continue to build on.”