Neither Great Bend nor Manhattan entered the 2022-23 wrestling season in their respective team rankings. But several ranked individuals took to the mats Thursday in Manhattan for a season-opening dual. The Panthers dominated the competition from 150 pounds and beyond to win the dual 44-34.
The Indians outscored Great Bend 28-9 in the lightweights. Sixth-ranked Jace Schartz began to turn the momentum with a 16-0 tech fall at 150 pounds. Fourth-ranked Cooper Liles followed with a pin at 157 pounds, and Michael Montoya pinned his opponent at 165 pounds.
Fourth-ranked Matthew Johnson continued the run with 56-second pin at 175 pounds. Trenton Kern and No. 6 Keyven Schroeder picked up wins by fall at 190 and 215 pounds, respectively, to secure the Panther team win.
With Manhattan’s ranked wrestler out of the mix at 126 pounds, Hayden Kelly took advantage with an 8-5 decision for three points. Triston Tomlinson, Aaron Ramirez, and Ambrose Kramer suffered losses by fall as Panther lightweights. Maddex Harmon dropped his match at 144 pounds, and Brody Schnoebelen was pinned at 285 pounds.
Lady Panthers pick up 46-27 win
Suffering some big losses to graduation, the Lady
Panthers still opened their season with a win Thursday. Six Great Bend
wrestlers won by fall for the lopsided score.
Junior Daizy Gomez, ranked No. 2, entered the season as the lone ranked Lady Panther. She needed just 89 seconds to open her season with a pin at 125 pounds. Kaylea McMullen pinned her 120-pound opponent in 41 seconds, and Katie Kuhlman needed 98 seconds for the win at 130 pounds.
The Lady Panthers collected all 18 points in the heavier weights. Lea Nokes got by her 170-pound opponent in just 57 seconds, and Natalee Daniels also picked up a win by fall at 190 pounds. Betsy Ramirez Hernandez won by forfeit at 235 pounds.
Just two matches went the distance in the dual. Hannah Crathorne won a 13-1 major decision at 115 pounds, and Sariah Cox lost a 6-0 decision at 135 pounds. Josie Blevins lasted 87 seconds at 140 pounds, and Paige Sanders and Karley Stukey suffered losses by fall.
The varsity boys return to action Friday at Valley Center. The Lady Panthers will see some big competition in McPherson on Saturday.