Hillsboro?s young and relatively inexperienced wrestling team opened competition Thurs?day with a pair of losses in a double dual at Minneapolis. The Trojans lost to Halstead, 34-21, and to the home team, 57-12.
?As expected, these opening duals gave us an early indication of where we stand, as both Halstead and Minneapolis have traditionally had some talented and experienced wrestlers,? coach Scott O?Hare said.
?We looked good at times and did some good things. However, we also made our share of mistakes and took it on the chin a few times.
?I felt like overall we battled tough and wrestled hard.?
The lone Trojans to record wins in each dual were freshman Jon Carey, battling in the 120-pound weight class, and junior Tanner Jones, competing at 170.
Against Halstead, Jesse Meier and Tyrell Thiessen won by forfeit, but the Trojans gave up significant forfeit points in each dual with six open weight classes.
?After looking back over the film, some of our mistakes were simply due to inexperience and unfamiliarity with some positions, while many problems were due to fundamental mistakes as far as remaining in a good solid stance throughout the match, staying in good position with our head, hands and hips, and constantly moving in a way that keeps the opponent off-balance,? O?Hare said.
?We will continue to drill some of these fundamentals as we work on new and more advanced techniques.?
Despite the bumpy start, O?Hare said he sees good things ahead for this team.
?I really believe this group will use Thursday?s matches as a learning experience and work hard to improve on the mistakes,? he said. ?It will just take productive practice time and hard work. They will develop into a fine group of wrestlers for Hillsboro High School.
Coming?The Trojans will compete in their first tournament of the season Saturday when they travel to Hesston. Matches begin at 9 a.m.
