The Cardinals boys wrestling team ended its season at the regional tournament Saturday.
Despite multiple wrestlers making it to late-round matches, none qualified for state.
Senior Nate Reazin finished his day in the third consolation round, one win short of qualifying for state. He said the team overcame a couple of hurdles, including an early start time, and he was still proud of their effort.
“I could tell we could do better, but we still gave a lot of effort on the mat,” Reazin said
Reazin will go to the University of Kansas next year to pursue becoming a Marine Corps officer. He said this season was marked by a lot of personal growth, for him and his teammates.
“It was exciting to see everyone progress throughout the years,” he said.
Fellow senior Thomas Romero finished his day in the second consolation round. Head coach Miles Cleveland said both seniors will be missed for their leadership and left big shoes to fill for the underclassmen.
Junior Braeden VanDonge said he hopes the team can improve next season and move forward with an attitude focused on leadership and good wrestling.
VanDonge said he hopes that next year the team can work to send some wrestlers to state.
“I just hope that more kids, you know, come out and want to work hard,” he said.
Cleveland said the team is young, and he’s looking forward to seeing underclassmen take steps forward.
“Today is a tough one to swallow, but the pieces are there,” he said. “The future’s bright. It’s gonna take some time and some patience to bring everybody along, but I am definitely hopeful for the future.”
The state tournament will feature two Cardinals girls wrestlers. Senior Harper Andrew and junior Ryan Bretthauer will begin wrestling at noon Thursday at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. Gates open at 7:45 a.m.
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at eudoratimes@gmail.com
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