By Allison Green
Coach Brant Corak and John Brooks have led their athletes from start to finish. Without their coaching, the team would never have known its limits and accomplishments they could achieve. After a long season, the Lowry Bucks end their season with pride.
“As far as the state wrestling tournament goes, I’m really proud of how our team wrestled,” said Brooks. “They have been battling all season long, so I feel like they were prepared.”
“We ended up placing 4th,” said Brooks. “We simply did not have enough wrestlers scoring points, when compared to Elko and the other schools that finished ahead of us.”
One of the wrestlers, Maddox Hislop, has shown his dedication to the sport every day when practice comes around. Every one of the athletes has to come and give it their all every day in order to improve themselves.
“The season of 2024 went well, I feel like this team really bonded well and the bond that we had made us push each other harder,” said Hislop. “We won the ones that we should have, we also won some that we shouldn’t have.”
During seasons, there are always going to be ups and downs, therefore the bond that this team had with one another is remarkable. Having someone who always encourages you to do your very best is one of the best forms of motivation.
“The coaching staff of this team is good,” said Hislop. “ They push us past our limits every day. We would not be the wrestling team that we are today if it wasn’t for them.”
Senior Marcas Ricci has wrestled his last match for the Buckaroos and has been part of the wrestling program since the age of four. He was forced into it by his dad and stuck with it because of a commitment to his grandpa and coach Brooks.
“Wrestling is fun because of the bus rides, the coaches, the tournaments… because it’s something I’ve done and it’s a part of me,” said Ricci.
Not only did the season show new and previous athletes different perspectives on the sport, but it also brought them closer as a group. Freshman Elijah Lange was able to experience this firsthand with the cheer of his peers and coaches.
“I learned a lot throughout the way and have become closer to people that I wouldn’t think I would be close to,” said Lange. “My favorite memory was probably the senior night duals because to have an intense duel with a rival school and it came down to the final two matches and be the person to seal the deal on the duel and to see my friends that are seniors enjoy the last senior night of their lives.”
To be a part of an event so exhilarating will be something that all of them cherish in the long run.
“A close second was probably all the bus rides enjoying each other’s company and creating memories that we won’t forget,” said Lange.
Lowry finished in 4th the state with 75 points behind Elko, Moapa Valley and Fernley. Individual results were Pete Bengochea 2nd place (106); Kruz Gomez (113) 2nd place; Jhett Harbe 1st place (175); and Luke Fentress 2nd place (190).
