Norstrom takes fifth at state meet
Hillsboro wrestlers 7th in CKL
Staff writer
Competing at the girls’ state wrestling meet is nothing new for Canton-Galva-Hillsboro wrestler Taryn Norstrom.
The junior has finished in the top five two straight years, taking third as a sophomore a year ago.
The third time was not the charm Saturday at McPherson, but Norstrom ran her record to three straight top-five finishes with a fifth-place medal, going 2-2.
“I’m very proud of Taryn and her efforts again this season,” Trojan coach Scott O’Hare said. “She was very disappointed that she did not improve on her third-place finish from a year ago, but each year, the bar continues to raise.
“Taryn is one tough girl, I am excited I have the opportunity to coach her one more season and am hopeful that we can get some other girls to join her.”
The remainder of the team found the going tough Friday, competing at the Central Kansas League meets at Larned.
O’Hare thought the Trojans stood a good chance at a top-five finish in the conference prior to Friday.
It didn’t happen with Hillsboro taking seventh out of nine with 58 points.
“My first reaction based on team results alone is a bit of a disappointment,” O’Hare said. “I really felt like we had an opportunity for at least a top-five finish as a team in a very solid CKL Tournament. To slide as low as seventh was a little discouraging.
“On the other hand, it was good to see this level of competition right now so that everyone can see where they stand, and what they need to do next week in preparation for regionals.”
Raymond Johnston and Jordan Bachman had the most success of the day, both going 4-1 and finishing second.
Paul Glanzer, Garrett Helmer, Kyle Horton, Andre Patton, Lane Flaming, and Connor Morey all notched fourth-place finishes with all but Glanzer going 2-3.
Tristan Rathbone took fifth at 3-2 and Charlie Major, Austin Rempel, and Jared Janzen each finished sixth.
“What it really comes down to is these guys have to simply find a way to win these tough matches,” O’Hare said. “We continue to see weekly improvements from everyone, however, we are at a time in the season where there will be very few second chances.
“If they want to advance, they have to find a way to get it done. We have four practices this week to improve on a few technical areas, but I think the key will be their attitude, effort, and mental toughness from here on out.”
Tickets to the state’s Class 3-2-1A champion will be up for grabs Friday and Saturday with the Trojans competing at the Fredonia regional.
Friday’s action begins at 2 p.m. with Saturday’s starting at 11 a.m.