Bronco wrestlers compete at Mat Classic XXX

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos wrestlers Tristan Regan and Aarron Phelps wrapped up their season at the Mat Classic XXX on Feb. 16 at the Tacoma Dome.

Tristan Regan went 0-2 in the 113-pound weight bracket.

Regan wrestled Oroville’s Cody Field in the first round and began the match with a quick takedown before Field escaped and scored a takedown of his own, followed by two near falls.

Regan began the second period with a reversal before Field escaped and scored another takedown.

In the third period, Regan scored a reversal before he lost top position to Field. He scored one last reversal before he once again lost his position to Field, who won the match 15-8.

After a bye in the consolation round, Regan wrestled Northwest Christian’s Sammy Manina, who pinned him in the first period of the match.

Head Coach Jason Hilzer said he thought Regan showed improvement since the first time he wrestled Field and Manina, who both pinned him in 30 seconds earlier in the season.

Phelps was also 0-2 at state but in the 220-pound division.

He wrestled his first match against Kalamas’ Sutton Moon, who pinned him in the first period.

Hilzer said Phelps wrestled a tough match against a more experienced opponent.

Like his Bronco teammate, Phelps received a bye consolation round where he faced Mabton’s Daniel Ramirez.

Phelps was ahead 3-0 in the second when Ramirez scored a takedown and a near fall to take the lead.

He scored on an escape and a takedown to take back the lead, only for Ramirez to score on a reversal and a near fall.

Ramirez finished the match with the win after he pinned Phelps in the third period.

Hilzer said there was some mishaps in the scoring table and thought Phelps could have won the match.

Jesse Ryan qualified as an alternate at 132 pounds for the Mat Classic, but he did not compete.

Overall, Hilzer said he thought the Broncos mat squad wrestled well with several athletes earning wins throughout the season.

One of the challenges for the Broncos next season is going to be numbers Hilzer added. He said he hoping more kids turnout for the team next year.

The Broncos will lose Phelps, Regan, Ryan, Hailey Roderick and Andy Ortiz to graduation.

Hilzer said some of the younger wrestlers competed well during the year. He expects four athletes to return to the mat next year, including Sam Michels who finished fourth at Sub-Regionals and competed in the Regional Tournament.

Douglas Morris and Thomas Rosen, who both placed fifth at Sub-Regionals are also expected to return next year, as is Sean Murphy. Hilzer said all four athletes gained a lot of experience this year and should be better wrestlers by next season.

Because there was no wrestling program at the middle school this year, Hilzer is unsure if any eighth graders will come out for the team next season.

During the offseason, Hilzer said the team will have one two-day mini-camp, which will be run by LRS Superintendent Matt Ellis.

The athletes will then travel to the Tri-Cities to participate in a camp where they have will wrestle live matches and gain a lot of mat time.