Jefferson High wrestling team closed out its regular season with three trips four days as they geared up for this weekend’s Western B/C Divisional tournament in Shelby.
The Panthers started their road trip with a dual meet in Anaconda on Jan. 23. Several starters were out with sickness, so younger wrestlers got their moment in the spotlight. Dylan and Cooper Mikesell, Mike Richard and Dylan Stevens won their matches, but the senior-heavy Copperheads flexed their muscles and came away with the 47-21 victory in the “Snake Pit.”
On Jan. 25 Jefferson traveled up the road to Townsend for a mixer with Broadwater, Arlee and Manhattan. Winners were Spencer Abbott at 103 pounds, Dylan Mikesell at 120, Leighton LaFromboise at 126, Blake Nordlinder at 138, Cooper Mikesell at 145, Mike Richard at 152, Andrew Rodriguez at 170, Armstrong, Dylan Stevens and Brayden Tarr, all at 205, and Kolbe Michaud at 285. Cooper Mikesell, Armstrong and Stevens got additional matches, which all of them won.
The Lady Panthers, represented by Maysa LaFromboise at 114 and Megan Anderson at 132, were in Cascade that day for a girl’s mixer. Both wrestled hard, with LaFromboise earning two wins.
In their regular season finale the following day, Jefferson traveled to Fairfield for a last dual. The Panthers got on a roll early, and their momentum carried them to a lopsided 51-23 victory — as well as six wins out of seven exhibition matches. Panther winners on the evening were Abbott, Maysa LaFromboise, Dylan Mikesell, Nik Richard at 120, Leighton LaFromboise, Drake Butala at 145, Cooper Mikesell, Mike Richard, Rodriguez, Cole Christoferson at 182, Armstrong, Stevens, Tarr and Michaud.
Coach Humphrey’s comments: January is a very tough month, both physically and mentally, but the Panthers took it in stride and are excited for the post-season. We have been competing with a wrestler or two out of the lineup all winter, but have overcome these obstacles and still managed to accomplish great things.
Maysa LaFromboise was selected by her coaches as Panther wrestler of the week. Maysa went 6-2 on the week, with every win by pin. She also was able to beat opponents she had lost to earlier in the season.
Dylan Mikesell had the quick pin of the week, dispatching his Fairfield opponent in 22 seconds.
The Panthers travel to Shelby for the divisional tournament this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2 and 3. Wrestlers must place in the top eight in their weight class to earn the all-conference designation and qualify for the state tournament in Billings on Feb. 9 and 10.
