By Kaity Sample and Levi Lester Posted December 20, 2016
Lowry, known for its dominance in the 1-A Division, has started the season with returning wrestlers from last year and newcomers fresh off the boat. Many of these wrestlers are improving every day.
Both the JV and varsity teams traveled to Pershing County for the Lovelock Mustang Invitational on December 17, where they were able to come home with a team title and four first-place finishers. With a team total of 174.5, the Bucks were followed by Fernley in second with 137 points and Churchill County with 134 points.
Seth Hornbarger, Quint Bell, Nathen Blanco, and Isaiah Blanco all walked away with first-place finishes. Ryan Johnson placed second. Bryan Day was able to bring in a third-place finish. Taylor Corak and Connor Starkey both placed 4th in the tournament.
Varsity wrestler Ryan Johnson had many good things to say about the team.
“I love the sport, and the team overall did a great job of placing 1st,” said Johnson.
Seth Hornbarger was impressed with the team’s performance.
“Varsity has always been amazing with how we get on the mat and really take down the other teams,” said Hornbarger. “Personally, I loved coming to Lovelock to enjoy wrestling and hang out with my friends.”
Freshman Taylor Corak is focusing on getting better each day.
“JV is definitely trying to really push themselves to improve, and for myself, I’m always trying to do better every day and have fun,” said Corak.
1. Lowry Blue 174.5
2. Fernley 137.0
3. Churchill County 134.0
14. Lowry Gold 30.0
The annual Cody Louk tournament was held at the Winnemucca Events Center on December 9 and 10. The Bucks finished third overall with a team total of 182, following Reno at 215 and Spanish Springs at 321, respectively. Although the tournament didn’t go as expected for the Buckaroos, the future is still promising.
“The tournament didn’t go as expected, but we still took 3rd,” said junior Matthew Souza. “I think with a lot of hard work and dedication, our team could still take state.”
A few key individuals were not able to wrestle this past weekend due to injury, including Cade Billingsley, Nathen Blanco, and Joe Peterson, but they will return to the mats as soon as possible. Many individuals placed as well. Isaiah Blanco, Bryan Day, Seth Hornbarger, and Bryan Ramos were all able to snatch third place in the tournament. Matthew Souza, Taylor Corak, and Zackary Peters took fifth place. Ryan Johnson and Trent McKellips wrapped up with sixth-place finishes.
Most of them understand that there is still a long journey ahead and a lot of hard work needs to be done.
“Individually, there are lots of things we need to work on,” added Souza. “We definitely need to get into better shape. For me personally, I need to work on staying on the mat. We have a long road ahead, and I am excited to see what it brings.”
The wrestlers continue their journey as they will travel to Battle Mountain on December 22 for a dual match. On December 29 the travel to Reno for the Tournament of Champions at the Reno Events Center.
1. Spanish Springs 321.0
2. Reno 215.0
3. Lowry Blue 182.0
21. Lowry Gold 18.0
3rd Place – Isaiah Blanco
5th Place – Taylor Corak
5th Place – Matthew Souza
3rd Place – Bryan Day
5th Place – Zackary Peters
6th Place – Ryan Johnson
3rd Place – Seth Hornbarger
6th Place – Ryan Johnson
6th Place – Trent McKellips
3rd Place – Bryan Ramos
