Hillsboro wrestlers compete at state
Staff writer
The three wrestlers, Daniel Yoder, Ricky Johnson, and Eric Cress gave what they had at the KHSAA 3-2-1A state wrestling tournament held Friday and Saturday at Fort Hays State University in Hays. But the trio came up short of their goal — bringing home a state medal.
Yoder (145) and Cress (125) won their first matches but came away from the state tournament with 1-2 records and did not place.
Johnson (112) was 0-2 for the day and did not place.
"It was a little disappointing for Danny," head coach Scott O'Hare said. "He can wrestle with anyone in the state but had some trouble in those close matches, and his efforts couldn't pay off at state."
O'Hare praised his lone senior state qualifier saying he was very pleased with Yoder's dedication and commitment through the four years Yoder has wrestled and been a state qualifier.
Yoder won his first match against Kevin Schuster of WaKenney, 4-2. He lost the second match, 7-1, to Brady LaMar of Silver Lake and the third match, 10-4, to Jim Talley of Burlington.
O'Hare also praised his two sophomore wrestlers Johnson and Cress for making it to state.
"We talked about not being satisfied with just making it there but to do what's necessary to be successful at state," he said. "But they should be proud they made it to state."
O'Hare said the experience at state will help them down the road, if they get back there again.
Cress lost his first match, 6-6, to Curtis Black of Norton. In his second match, he pinned Shawn George of Sabetha at 3:56 in the third period, but lost, 16-0, to Tyler Baker of Hoxi.
Johnson was pinned in both matches. In his first match by Brett Swoyer of Rock Creek in 3:32 of the second and by Brandon Toothaker of Cimarron in 2:15 of the second period.
Looking toward next season, O'Hare said that the team is "sitting as good as we have been in the area of building."
O'Hare was referring to the younger wrestlers who had to wrestle varsity and the high numbers of those going out for wrestling in the middle school.
"Those freshmen and sophomores who were on varsity gained experience, and that experience will pay off as they get older," O'Hare said.
O'Hare praised his team for the effort, hard work and commitment they did individually and as a team.
He also said he appreciated the support of the parents and the fans.
"We'll get there," O'Hare said. "We're set up to keep Hillsboro wrestling, and we're moving in the right direction."
