Twelve Lovell grapplers qualify for State

The Lovell Bulldog wrestling teams competed at their regional tournaments this past weekend. The boys wrestled at the 3A West Regional in Cody Friday, and the girls competed at the 4A West Regional in Powell Friday and Saturday.

Lovell had a strong showing, qualifying 10 boys and two girls to compete in the Wyoming State Wrestling Championships this upcoming week.

Lovell’s boys delivered several strong performances. Hudsen Mickelson (126) earned a third-place finish, winning four out of his five matches. Mason Christenson (138) also finished third, winning three out of his four matches. Oscar Garcia (138) placed seventh overall, winning one out of his three matches.

Isaac Blau (150) finished fifth in his weight class, winning one out of three matches. Porter Blau (157) also secured fifth place, winning one out of his three matches. Taevyn Gruell (285) finished seventh overall, earning one win out of his three matches.

Zayden Stahl (150) advanced to the finals and finished second, winning three out of his four matches. Owen Hill (165) also reached the championship match, earning a second-place finish with two wins out of three matches. Monte Blank (190) finished as runner up, as well, winning three out of his four matches.

“Zayden, Owen and Monte all made it into the finals and wrestled tough matches against the number one wrestler in the state,” coach Ty Hecker said. “I was proud of how they performed.”

Zavier Heater (113) placed seventh overall, winning one of his three matches.

“Zavier picked up a win that avenged a loss earlier this year,” Hecker noted.

Hecker commented on the team’s overall performance, saying, “The boys wrestled very well; we left some on the table but also picked up some big wins and upsets.”

Girls results

For the girls, Vada Schmidt (120) placed eighth overall, winning three of her five matches.

“It is very tough to qualify for State, especially as a freshman, which is what Vada Schmidt did,” Hecker said. “She is an outstanding freshman.”

Harley Tillett (105) competed at Regionals, and Coach Hecker said, “Harley Tillett has made a huge jump from last year and has become a very tough wrestler.”

Lovell’s state qualifiers are Heater (113), Mickelson(126), Christenson (138), Garcia (138), Stahl (150), Isaac Blau (150), Porter Blau (157), Hill (165), Blank (190) and Gruell (285). On the girls side, Tillett (105) and Schmidt (120) will also represent Lovell.

Lovell had several wrestlers earn strong seeds in their brackets at State. Christenson (138), Stahl (150) and Hill (165) are each seeded fourth, while Blank (190) and Gruell (285) earned fifth-place seeds heading into the tournament.

This week, Lovell is preparing for the state tournament with a focus on both physical and mental readiness. Hecker said the short turnaround will require discipline and leadership.

“It is a very short week, so we will focus on managing weight, staying healthy and fortifying our minds,” he said. “It will be a big stage for our young wrestlers, so we will lean on our upperclassmen and our team captain Mason to show how to perform under the big lights.” Hecker added that both Christenson and Stahl have strong opportunities ahead, noting, “Zayden and Mason have a very good chance to make a final statement and look to win the title.”

The Bulldogs are turning their focus to Casper, where they will compete Thursday through Saturday for state medals and championship titles against some of the best wrestlers in the state.