The Jefferson High School Panther wrestling team opened up their season at the Badger Invitational Tournament in Cascade on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3. The Panthers had eighteen wrestlers participate in the tournament, which had 20 teams entered.
The Panthers had a rocky start in the first round when Dominic Hurlbert at 113 pounds, Dylan Mikesell and Leighton LaFromboise at 120 pounds, Nik Richard at 126 pounds, Cooper Mikesell at 132 pounds and Jeyce Sullivan at 138 pounds all were defeated. Mike Richard advanced with a bye, but the Panthers got back on track when Colman Thornton at 138 pounds picked up a win by pin. Following suit were Jace Oxarart at 152 pounds, John Armstrong at 160 pounds, Hunter Steele at 170 pounds, Brady Armstrong at 182 pounds and Kolbe Michaud and Jeyden Sullivan at 205 pounds. Luke Jackson at 205 pounds advanced as well.
In the next quarterfinal round Thornton, Oxarart, both Armstrongs and Jeyden Sullivan all advanced by pin. In a consolation match LaFromboise was eliminated while Hurlbert, Nik Richard and both Mikesells advanced by pin. Mike Richard, Jeyce Sullivan and Dylan Stevens (at 285 pounds) were eliminated. The next round of consolation matches found Hurlbert, both Mikesells, Steele, Jackson and Michaud all advancing by pin.
