Photo/Cindy Hladky

The NCHS wrestling team honored its two seniors on Jan. 28 as Glenrock visited Tiger Gym for a dual. Both Travis Gaukel (119) and Harley Cushman (160) won their final home matches in front of their parents and local fans. While Gaukel won with a 19-3 technical fall, Cushman pinned his opponent in a mere 42 seconds.

After an open weight forfeit at 125 pounds, Ian Zerbe (130) had the first of six pins on the night for Tiger wrestlers. Colton Miller (140), Colby Thurston (145), John Boussu (171) and Jesse Bunner (112) all also pinned their opponents in the first or second period.

Five Tigers - Jathan Nelson (103), Lance Hladky (152), Ace Thurston (189), Jake Spivey (215) and Jacob Wasserburger (285) each received a bye in their weight class. Zach Manasco (130) suffered Lusk’s lone defeat, a close third period pin by Glenrock’s Rider Nelson.

The match was over once NCHS took the lead after five weight classes en route to the 71-12 win.

Last Friday and Saturday, Lusk went to the Belle Fourche Invitational. The Tigers finished tied for sixth in team points with Newell, S.D. with 87. Sturgis won the tournament with 321 points, followed by Bismarck Century (241.5), Dickinson (142.5), Harding County (138.5) and Hulett (113).

Hladky won the 152 pound bracket with an 11-5 decision over Sturgis’ Kyle Kopplin while Ace Thurston lost his 189 pound championship to Sturgis’ Clint Wilson.

The latest Wyowrestling.com team rankings have NCHS ranked sixth in 2A, behind Greybull, Cokeville, Lovell, Wright and Hulett. Ranked Tiger wrestlers include: Gaukel - Fifth (112), Colton Miller - Third (140), Lance Hladky - First (152), Cushman - Sixth (160) and Ace Thurston - Fourth (189).

The regular season is beginning to wind down as Saturday the Tigers are in Yoder for the Southeast Dual tournament. The following weekend in Hanna is the Carbon County Invitational and final postseason tune up.



For the complete article see the 02-03-2010 issue.

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