Bobcat wrestlers honored at end of season banquet

The state tourney brought the end of Coach C.J. Scholl's fourth season at HSCHS.

"We made some real progress this year. The team went from one state placer last year (Cullen Becher), to four this year, and our points total nearly doubled. For the smallest 3A school in the state, that's not bad." He continued, "There will be a hole where the four seniors were; their leadership and work ethic will be missed, but there are some good young wrestlers coming along to replace them."

Tuesday at the end of season banquet, he reiterated those feelings and gave special awards to Takedown Master, Pin-ister, Houdini, and Bobcat Pride winners.

Winning the award of Takedown Master was junior Austin Ireland with 57 takedowns in 47 matches. Along with finishing sixth in state, he also ended more than half his victories with pins. Two years ago Ireland won one match; perhaps next year he can be the No. 1 seed at the state tourney.

The Pin-ister (pin champion) for the Bobcats this season was senior Koy Myers, who ended the season with 28 victories, and 26 of them were by way of pin. That was how Myers led the way in generating team points for the season.

The Houdini Award (for those of the newer generation) is recognition of the ability to escape from the control of the opponent. Leading the team this year in that category was freshman Logan Cole with 80 escapes in his 51 matches. His fifth place medal at state marks him as someone to watch in coming years.

The prestigious award of Bobcat Pride was given to senior Austin Weaver for his dedication to his teammates and comeback from a potential season ending health issue. Austin was instrumental in leading team activities in the practice room with those of similar weight.

Varsity letter winners along with the four listed above were Blake Williams, Chase White, Hunter Mounts, Jeffery VanAntwerp, Cullen Becher (fifth at state), Jon Harvey, Riley Shaffer, Hyrum Rich (sixth at state), and Andrew Yarbrough.

Along with his varsity letter, Becher joined a very limited number of Bobcats who completed their careers as four-time state placers. Also due recognition is Yarbrough who as a senior responded to a need for a heavier competitor to fill a weight for the Bobcats. Though a first year wrestler, Yarbrough competed for the team and the coach, and he came through with some needed pins.

"Thanks for the support for your kids and the program," concluded Coach Scholl. "We're already looking forward to next season."