Lovell wrestlers place several at Shoshoni

The Lovell High School wrestlers had a full slate of matches over the last week. They wrestled Thursday at the Rocky Mountain/Greybull/Lovell triangular in Cowley, then traveled to the Shoshoni tournament Friday and Saturday.

Lovell wrestled two duals at Thursday’s triangular, where head coach Ty Hecker said the team did not wrestle to its full potential.

“We came out a little flat and gave up pins that should have been wins,” Hecker said. Despite the team results, Hecker highlighted freshman Christian Garcia for stepping up in the lineup. Garcia moved up a weight to fill a varsity spot and faced the top-ranked Class 2A wrestler in the state.

“Christian showed a lot of toughness and was fearless,” Hecker said, adding that Garcia’s effort reflected his willingness to do whatever it takes for the team. Individual match results from Thursday’s triangular were not recorded.

The Bulldogs rebounded Friday and Saturday at the Clash at the Crossroads tournament, where several wrestlers placed.

On the boys side, Mason Christenson won the 138-pound title, going 4–0.

“Mason was a man on a mission. He pinned his way through the tournament and didn’t give up a single point,” Hecker said. “He pinned the number one-ranked kid in 2A. Mason is a team leader and leads with his attack style on the mat.”

Zayden Stahl claimed first place at 150 pounds, going 3–0.

“Zayden also pinned his way through the bracket,” Hecker said. “He has great instincts and always seems to end up in the right position, even in some wild scrambles. Zayden is looking the best I’ve seen him, and it shows on the mat.”

Hudsen Mickelson placed second at 132 pounds with a 3–1 record, and Taevyn Gruell earned third place at 285 pounds after winning three of four matches.

Hecker also wanted to highlight Travis Asay. Though Asay did not place, Hecker said he continues to improve as he works back from an offseason injury.

“Travis is coming into his own and looking good each week,” Hecker said. “He’s still trying to get his full strength back, but he’s a team captain, one of the hardest workers in the room, and I see good things coming in his future.” Asay competed at 150 pounds and finished 1–2.

On Friday, the girls competed in pool play to determine seeding. Harley Tillett won the 105-pound pool with a 2–0 record, Vada Schmidt also won at 120 pounds with a 3–0 record and Kaylynn Mickelson finished second at 115 pounds after winning two of three matches.

On Saturday’s tournament, several Lovell girls earned podium finishes. Freshman Vada Schmidt claimed the 120-pound championship, finishing 2–0 after avenging a loss from Thursday. “Vada wrestled smart, stayed in good position, and put girls away when she got her chances,” Hecker said, adding that Schmidt is beginning to understand the mindset needed to win at the high school level. Harley Tillett placed third at 105 pounds with a 3–1 record, and Kaylynn Mickelson also earned third place at 115 pounds, winning three of four matches. Emalie Gonzalez placed fourth at 105 pounds.

Lovell will have another busy schedule this week. The Bulldogs will travel to Worland on Thursday for a dual match, which begins at 5 p.m. They will then compete at the Lander Invite on Friday and Saturday, with wrestling beginning at noon Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The following Tuesday, Lovell will host Columbus for a dual in Lovell, beginning at 5 p.m.