The Great Bend Panther wrestlers celebrated their new Class 5A ranking with a big win in Liberal Thursday night. The team moved to No. 9 in the latest team rankings and handed the Redskins a decisive 64-14 defeat. Action was a little closer on the girls' side with Great Bend edging out a 42-37 win.
The boys piled up 10 wins by fall on the evening. Michael Montoya opened things with a 64-second win at 165 pounds. Keyven Schroeder (215), Brody Schnoebelen (285), fifth-ranked Triston Tomlinson (106), Ambrose Kramer (113), Zaiden Burkes (120), Luis Gonzalez (126), Hayden Kelly (132), sixth-ranked Skyler McMullen (138), and third-ranked Cooper Liles (150) all followed suit. Most of those pins came in the first period with Kramer recording the fastest win in just 28 seconds.
Matthew Johnson defeated his opponent 12-0 at 175 pounds for the other Panther win. Trenton Kern was pinned by top-ranked Tystian Juarez (6A) at 175 pounds, fifth-ranked Jace Schartz lost a 7-2 decision at 144 pounds, and Trevin Maciel was pinned at 157 pounds.
Lady Panthers hang on for win
After falling behind 18-0 in their dual, the next five Lady Panthers picked up full points. Two more late wins by fall secured the team win.
Liberal picked up its first 12 points in open matches at 100 and 105 pounds. Karley Stukey was pinned at 110 pounds to cap the Redskin run. Hannah Crathorne won when her opponent was disqualified at 115 pounds. Kaylea McMullen (120), third-ranked Daizy Gomez (125), Sierra Ferguson (130), and Katie Kuhlman (135) each pinned their opponents. With the outcome of the dual still in the balance, Melissa Martinez picked up open points at 155 pounds, and Lea Nokes sealed the win with an 87-second pin at 170 pounds.
Jaydon Davis lost a 14-5 major decision at 140 pounds. Natalee Daniels lost 4-2 at 190 pounds, and Yarlene Granados was pinned at 235 pounds.
Both squads return to action Saturday in Phillipsburg.