History was made Saturday when Ashley Arellano became the first female wrestler in TMB/ WWG wrestling history to not only step foot on a mat to compete, but also win when the Panthers took part in a tournament in St. James.
As a team, Bella Martinez, Jayda Snyder and Sophia DelAngel all won their respective bracket with perfect 3-0 days. Also placing were Evelyn Rentschler (second place with a 2-1 record); Jocelyn Walters (2nd, 2-1); Kynlie Bornitz (2nd, 1-1); Arellano (3rd, 1-2); Braya Schreier (3rd, 1-1); Raelynn Schreier (3rd, 1-1); Kaylie Johnson (4th, 0-3).
“They all got some good experience at this event, learning the ropes of how this all works,” TMB/WWG coach Karl Campbell said.
Arellano’s match was officiated by Cami Snobl, a 1991 graduate of Tracy Area High School and ardent supporter of girls’ wrestling.
The Panther boys won two tough duals, beating Alexandria 38-30 and downing Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City by a 33-30 score.
Logan Petersen (121 pounds), Taylor Squires (127), David Schuh (145) and Nevin Marten (172) each won both of their matches.
Oakley Bornitz won his lone match, and Tyler Arnold (160), Lawton (189) and Nolan Verlinde (152) and Jack Willhite (285) all were 1-1.
“We were able to win seven of the 13 matches against Alex and did so with bonus in all of them,” Campbell said. “Adam Hippe wrestled a very good match, as well, for five-plus minutes before taking an ill-advised shot late in the match and getting pinned. Alexandria is coached by one of our alumni standouts, Aldon Struchen, and they have a very competitive team. “Great dual with ACGC as well,” added Campbell. “Two matches that stood out: Nolan Verlinde had one of their top kids and trailed the entire match but got a reversal to a pin late in the second period to help spark this win. We finally got the Nevin we have been waiting for in this match as well. Nevin looked very good on his feet scoring multiple takedowns and gaining a decision in his match.”
The Panthers’ Dec. 9 triangular in Canby was postponed because of the weather. TMB/WWG will host a quadrangular tonight (Dec. 11) and is at St. James on Dec. 16 before the Redwood Riot on Dec. 19-20.
The junior high wrestlers will be in Brookings, SD, for a tournament this Saturday, and the Panther girls have a tournament in Luverne on Dec. 19.
DELANGEL
SNYDER
MARTINEZ
SQUIRES
SCHUH
