By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
NRHEG wrestling coach Shawn Larson offered thanks and praise for the 2023-24 Panther squad at the annual winter banquet.
“Before I get into our season and our team, I want to congratulate and thank a lot of people here,” Larson began.
Larson thanked the other winter sports competitors, assistant coaches Nate Jensen and Dillion Kubiatowicz, videographer Daniel Petsinger, staff members Karla Christopherson, Teri Kormann, and Sue Kulseth, as well as Activities Director Dan Stork; NRHEG cheerleaders; the Wrestling Booster Club; and all others who help make NRHEG wrestling successful. Larson also thanked Erik Olson for “his willingness to do any job or work with any athlete” as well as Krey Cory and Lance Perkins for their work in the elementary program. Student helpers Winter Pederson, Aspyn Stenzel, Ciara Stenzel, and Zoe Wilson were also thanked.
“And last but not least by any means, I want to thank all of the parents and families who are involved with these kids,” Larson concluded. “Because you have to give up holidays… And kids will recall their weight when it's Christmas time, or Thanksgiving and things like that. You know, pretty much every Saturday from November to March, you're doing something. I really appreciate all the time and effort, and I mostly appreciate that you let me have time with your athletes. Thank you.”
Season recap
The Panthers finished their regular season with a poor team record due to injuries and had a bad matchup against Medford in the team section meet, losing in the first round.
“Our wrestlers had continued growth over the season and had some good things happen,” Larson said.
Most of those good things were significant individual accomplishments, including nine placewinners at the section tournament, one section champion, George Roesler, and two runners up, Annabelle Petsinger and Ryan Schlaak.
Last year’s state champion Petsinger ultimately suffered an injury at the state tournament and forfeited two matches. Larson stated she battled injuries all year long and showed tremendous character. Next year she will be wrestling at the college level for Iowa Central Community College.
Ryan Schllak had a fantastic run at the section tournament, but had two rough draws and lost both of his state tournament matches.
Roesler won two matches by fall in the state tournament, but lost in the “blood round” just barely missing out on a medal.
“The three wrestlers who competed at the state tournament should know they made the Panther Nation proud,” Larson concluded. “We are proud of you for representing NRHEG well.”
Awards
Most Valuable Wrestler - Roesler
Most Improved Wrestler - Khaiden Madson
Most Team Points - Roesler
Most Takedowns - Harbor Cromwell (53)
Most Falls - Roesler
Most Wins - Roesler
Captains - Reese Routh, Roesler, Petsinger
Sportsmanship Award - Routh
All-Gopher Conference - Roesler
Iron Man award (For not missing a single practice or competition) - Wyatt Larson, Deven Parpart, Cromwell, Aidan Schlaak, Ryan Schlaak and coach Nate Jensen.