Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
The Kimball wrestling club from front left are: Trevor Ryschon, Logan Stahla, Toby McManigal, Izaak Glanz, Jordan Cluff and Zavyer White. Back row from left are Jaden Morh, Zachery Wagner, Garrett Pedersen and Stephen Bateman.
Kimball wrestling coach Wade Brashear returns for a fifth year on the Longhorn mats with several key returning athletes, all of whom lettered in the sport, though the team was affected by several transfers.
"Kimball has several returning wrestlers, but we have been affected by many transfers. However, I intend to have a tough, well conditioned team, as always," Brashear said.
Senior Eric Escajeda, a four-year starter, returns for his final year with the Longhorn club after finishing last season with a 10-16 record, wrestling at 285.
Fellow senior Logan Stahla, wrestling at 145, was afflicted with an injury throughout last season but returns this year ready to hit the mats.
Garrett Pedersen, 120, returns after competing in the state tournament last season. The junior charted one win while at state and finished his sophomore season with a 16-16 record.
In his freshman year of wrestling Jordan Cluff, 106, was named Western Trails All Conference and ended the season with a 7-10 record.
Junior Trevor Ryschon, wrestling at 120, and Toby McManigal, 160, round out the returning letter earners for the Longhorn club.
These returning matmen are joined by Jaden Mohr, a junior who will be competing at 132 pounds, Izaak Glanz, a sophomore weighing in at 170, sophomore Zayver White, 106, and Stephen Bateman, 195.
Brashear said he has a tough schedule this year, with Mitchell and Bridgeport expected to provide some stiff competition.
"They have several returning, quality starters, with solid tradition. As it pertains to the district, Valentine, several time district winner and team state placers, will again be very formidable and deep," Brashear said. "
Head to head we should be able to compete with any individual wrestler, but competing for dual wins will be difficult against teams with full line-ups. Our senior leadership this year will include Logan Stahla, who was affected by a knee injury during the season last year, and four-year starter Eric Escajeda. Junior, Garrett Pedersen is also a returning state qualifier."