Wrestlers celebrate

Bobcat wrestlers, their families and fans gathered at the middle school Tuesday, March 12, to celebrate what was one of the most successful campaigns ever. The celebration began with a video of some of the highlights that were examples of the efforts made by team members throughout the season from beginning (Powell Invitational) to end (state tournament).

Head coach Travis McDermott rendered his thanks to the families and friends who had been so supportive throughout the season and travelled around the area to attend The Bobcats' events. "I think we had more fans in Kemmerer (for West Regional) than anybody except Kemmerer," he noted. He extended his appreciation to volunteers Chris Ryan and Rex Clothier for their assistance throughout the year.

He added, "I think this started with Blake (Williams) when he started a comeback when behind 11-3, and by the end of the match the entire team lined the edge of the mat in support of his effort!" Williams had closed the score to 11-9 with barely 15 seconds to go in the match, but was unable to score a tilt in the remaining few seconds.

McDermott went on to list defeating Douglas for the first time ever (34 -33 with Jeff VanAntwerp getting the winning points in the last 10 seconds of the last match), winning the Greybull Invitational and the West Regional, and having three all-state wrestlers as highlights for the season.

Five awards were announced: "Team Wrestler Award" went to Hunter Mounts for his willingness to wrestle at whatever weight he was needed; Wyatt McDermott and Jon Harvey shared the "Hardest Worker in the Room" award; Remington Ferree was the "Most Improved": "Top Team Point Winner" went to Logan Cole; and Jeff VanAntwerp was recognized as the "Team Model".

Team statistics for the year included; Wins – Logan Cole 39, Wyatt McDermott 31, Riley Shaffer 27; Takedowns – VanAntwerp 63, Austin Ireland 45, McDermott and Shaffer 44; Reversals – Shaffer led the team by more than 10 in this category, 26; Escapes – likewise VanAntwerp ran away with nearly 15 more escapes than anyone else on the team, 38; Near Fall points – Ireland 75, McDermott 70, Cole 68; and, Pins – Cole 21, McDermott 19, Ireland 17. Cole led the Bobcats in team points with 236 ahead of Ireland at 174.5 and McDermott at163.

Team highlights include going 8-4 at duals, and being first in smaller teams at Powell, in the top eight in the golden circle at Worland, second at the Don Runner Invite, first at Greybull and regionals, and fourth at state.

Plans for the summer, including camps and USA Wrestling events, were presented, each class of wrestlers starting with the freshmen was recognized, and the 2018-19 wrestling season officially ended with handshakes and hugs within what had become a true wrestling family.