Panthers wrestlers finish season strong

The Maricopa Wells wrestling team thought they had a tough road ahead when all but two members from last year’s team moved on to high school.

But at the end of season tournament in San Manuel on Jan. 23, 10 of the 12 team members placed in the top four.

Coach Steve Hull said he adjusted this year by going back to the fundamentals of wrestling to develop the young team. The Panthers worked hard to improve practicing four days a week and competing in a meet the remaining day of the school week. Hull attributed a loss of 10 wrestlers at the beginning of the season to the intense workouts.

Over the course of the season the team improved and the final meet showed just how far they had come. In its first tournament, Wells’ only had three wrestlers finish in the top three compared to the 10 at the last.

Hull said wresters who did well included Kyle Kingery, Dallas Spear and Lorenzo Melvin who led the Panthers throughout the season.

One hurdle team members and their coach hope to clear before the next year is improving their practice equipment, specifically the mats. Hull said Maricopa High School generously donated the mats they have, but their condition is poor. It would cost an estimated $9,000 to buy a new set, which the team does not have. Hull said he hopes a fundraiser in February (more details to come) will help them to be able to afford such a purchase.

Submitted photo