Hillsboro wrestlers pin down third
By DEBBIE MILLER
Contributing Writer
Sophomore Nicholas Mueller and junior Jacob Yoder brought home wins Saturday in the 130 and 171- pound weight classes, respectively, to help the Hillsboro wrestling team pin down third place in the Hesston Invitational.
Hillsboro's 132 points was topped only by Smoky Valley, whose 144 points earned second, and Garden Plain, which won the 16-team tourney with 163.5 points.
"To bring home a third place plaque is very rewarding and helps build confidence for such a young squad," said coach Scott O'Hare. "It shows them that hard work pays off."
In other results, Trojan senior Sean Leihy finished second in the 145-pound weight class, Junior Grady Stultz finished fourth at 152, and Sophomores Robby McClelland, Toby Jones, and Tyler Lofton finished fourth at 112, 140 and 215 pounds, respectively.
"This was a nice performance from the boys in such an early season tournament," O'Hare said. "They competed hard and are showing signs of improvement on technique. We still have a lot to work on, but the effort and intensity is there."
The third place finish came in spite of one wrestler competing up a weight class, and varsity wrestler Tyler Jones' absence. Jones is 3-0 for the season.
"As these guys continue to improve, it will be a very fun and exciting group to coach and watch," O'Hare said.
