Wrestlers prepare for a tough week

Following a rough Saturday at Riverton’s Ron Thon tournament, the Green River Wolves are preparing for three duals this week.

Head wrestling coach Josh Wisniewski said the Wolves had a great showing last Friday at the Ron Thon, but the momentum the Wolves built Friday didn’t transfer to the team during its matches the following day.

“That second day was a lot tougher,” Wisniewski said.

Wisniewski said wrestlers dropped close matches and the team as a whole struggled to build up the momentum and success they had the previous day. At the end, five varsity wrestlers placed at the tournament. Tommy Dalton took first in the 132 division. Spencer Wright took fifth at 106. Kale Knezovich took fifth at 120 and Connor Todd also placed fifth at 138. Axel Mackinnon took sixth at 113 pounds.

Wisniewski said three junior varsity wrestlers also placed at the tournament. Those who placed were Nick Weipert, James Herwaldt and Kaden Eastman.

The Ron Thon is the Wolves’ first taste of what competition they’ll face at Regionals and State and Wisniewski said they will have to work hard and win the close matches they had at the Ron Thon when they come up later in the season. The Wolves will be on the road to take on Star Valley Friday, followed by a short trip to Rock Springs to battle Natrona County and Kelly Walsh in Rock Springs Saturday. The Wolves have fared well in past duals winning against Rawlins and Burns-Pine Bluffs at a series of duals in Rawlins the week prior to the Ron Thon tournament.

Wisniewski said all three teams typically have great wresters and are very competitive with the Wolves.

“We’ve got some good duals this weekend,” he said.