HHS?wrestlers 3-6 at state

Levi Mendoza wrestles eventual state champion, Gavin Lively of Norton at 195 pounds during the first round of the state tournament. Mendoza lost by fall but went 2-2 overall, finishing one match short of a state medal. He earned his 100th career win during the tournament.Hillsboro?s three state qualifiers combined for a 3-6 record at the Class 3-2-1A wrestling tournament this weekend in Hays.

Travis King, Franklin Jost and Levi Mendoza each faced a high seed in their opening round on Friday.

King, with a 32-16 record, faced two-time defending state champion Tristan Porsch (35-2) of Hoxie and was pinned in the first round.

The Trojan junior bounced back in the consolation bracket, defeating Zach Davis (24-16) of Phillipsburg by fall. But King?s tournament ended Saturday morning when he was pin?ned by Dylan Newton (27-16) of Cimarron.

In his opening match, Jost (24-23) squared off against Josh Seabolt (35-6) of Cimarron, the eventual fifth-place finisher at 182 pounds. Jost lost by fall to Seabolt, then was eliminated in his next match when he lost by fall to Nick Davenport (21-7) of Ell-Saline.

Mendoza (35-11) went 2-2 for the weekend at 195 pounds. In his first match, the senior lost by fall to the eventual state champion, Gavin Lively (34-0) of Norton Community.

But Mendoza bounced back to defeat Kelcey Kroetsch (32-12) of Lyons by major decision, then defeated Ethan Haase (24-16) of Ellsworth by an 8-1 decision. It was Mendoza?s 100th career win as a Trojan.

Mendoza?s run ended one match short of earning a state medal when he lost a 3-0 decision to Cooper Griffith (35-5) of Scott Community.

?We knew we had some tough first-round draws coming into the tournament,? coach Scott O?Hare said. ?Although disappointed that we didn?t pick up any wins in that first round, overall, I was proud of how they came out and competed.?

Reflecting on the season, O?Hare added, ?I am proud of the commitment, hard work and dedication of these three young men.?

As for his two seniors, the Trojan coach said, ?Franklin and Levi have both been solid members of our wrestling program over the years. I wish them the best of luck and just hope they have taken something from being a member of our wrestling family that will help them with whatever life throws at them.?

O?Hare said he is looking forward to King?s return next season.

?I am excited for the experience and leadership that Travis will provide for us next year in his senior campaign.?

Written By
More from Don Ratzlaff
Lightning ends hope for wins vs. Pratt
The Hillsboro softball team was in position to win on the road...
Read More