By Allen Hamrick

Ryan Stewart gets the pin in his first match. Allen Hamrick photo

The 2017 Bob Stover Classic is in the history books for wrestling fans.

Eight wrestling teams from around the state came and tried to take the home team down, and it would take some great wrestling by the Panthers to hold their ground. The Panthers knew they had to win by pins because of the shortage of wrestlers – it was the only way.

When the smoke cleared the Panther team placed fourth. Braxton was on top followed by Roane, Ritchie and Clay. There was some light at the end of the tunnel for the Panthers – Ryan Stewart and Jacob Miklos both were at the top of the food chain in their weight classes, becoming the only Bob Stover Classic Champions from Clay in 2017.

Jacob Miklos gets his pin with the cowboy. Joey Varrella photo

Wrestling can be said to be neither pain nor pleasure but serious business that is to be entered into with courage and a spirit of self sacrifice.

The Panthers gave what they had and did pretty well.
Coming up will be the LKC Championship which will also be held at CCHS this Saturday. Be there early; there will be a lot of wrestlers and a lot of people. The LKC tournament has not been held at CCHS for a long time and promises some good wrestling. It will be regional level competition after that and then the state competition. So, if you get the chance, come out and support the team in their bid for a couple of individual state championships.

Thanks to coaching great Bob Stover and his First Lady of Wrestling Rosella Stover for gracing the arena with their presence. Also, a big pat on the back goes out to those who supplied the hospitality banquet for the event.