Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Kimball wrestlers are poised to be contenders this year. Front row from left Connor Cluff, Toby McManigal, Jordan Cluff and Jaden Mohr. Back row, from left, coach Wade Brashear, Ethan Ratzlaff, Garrett Pedersen, Trevor Ryschon and Stephen Bateman. Not pictured, assistant coach Bob Culek.
Kimball's wrestling club could feature a few top contenders this season with six returning starters and two tough newcomers under the skilled guidance of returning head coach Wade Brashear.
Brashear, in for his sixth year coaching the Longhorns, returns five starters, all of whom are letter winners as well.
"Kimball has several returning wrestlers, but we have been affected by many transfers," Brashear said. "However, I intend to have a tough, well-conditioned team, as always."
Seniors Garrett Pedersen, 120, and Jaden Mohr, 132, will be great leaders on the mats for the local grapplers. They are joined by juniors Jordan Cluff, wrestling at 113 pounds and Trevor Ryschon, 126, as well as, sophomore Stephen Bateman, 195. Brashear plans to prepare each of these leaders to be contenders for state.
"Our senior leadership this year will include Garrett Pedersen and Jaden Mohr, junior Trevor Ryschon should have a solid year, and look to be a state qualifier.
New to the team are freshmen Connor Cluff, wrestling at 120 pounds and Ethan Ratzlaff, 145.
The Horns have a tough conference with front-runners coming from Bridgeport, Gordon-Rushville, Mitchell, Morrill, Hemingford and Bayard.
"Locally, Mitchell and Bridgeport will be very stiff competition," Brashear said. "They each have several returning, quality starters, with solid tradition."
District-wide competition will likely be led by Valentine, according to Brashear, but will include strong competition from Kearney Catholic, Chase County, Broken Bow and Hershey, just to name a few.
"As it pertains to the district, Valentine, several time district winner and state champions will again be very formidable and deep."
The season outlook includes many chances for the Horns to grow but a lack of numbers presents some of the biggest challenges for the team. Still, Brashear and his team plan to enter each match with a competitive spirit and hope to bring home the hardware.
"Head-to-head we should be able to compete with any individual wrestler, but competing for dual wins will be difficult against teams with full line-ups," Brashear said.
