By Allen Hamrick
The Panther wrestling team was in Lewis County this past weekend to participate in the Region II wrestling tournament. Here is where all the work the wrestlers have done throughout the year pays dividends, where it would be determined who would compete at the state level from Region II. In each region, only the top four wrestlers in each weight bracket will advance to the big dance in Huntington. Seventeen of the top high schools competed in the event, and the wrestling was brutal.
The Panther wrestlers were monsters on the mat, and for the first time in a while placed in the top three teams. It was Braxton in first place with Roane County in second and Clay taking 3rd place with 155 points. The wrestlers who represent Clay do an outstanding job each year, and no matter what tournament you go to, they are the ones to beat even when they are outnumbered. This year Clay will be sending six wrestlers to the state finals, three of which wrestled their way into the history books becoming Region II Champions.
Zane Minger took top honors in the 125lb class, Noah Casto in the 215lb class and Ethan “Spike” Morris in the 285lb class. Each one of these wrestlers has the chance to become state champions. James Sears placed 2nd in the event and Caden Delwarte and Christian Bryant both placed 4th.
For some of these wrestlers, it will be their final hoorah as they go on to greater things. If you get the opportunity, come out and support these boys. They work hard to be the best in their class and the state tournament may just prove that they are. Congratulations to the wrestlers who made it to the state competition. The state competition will be held in Huntington March 2-4; bring home the gold!