Your future, our focus
NWC Follows With Strong Showing in Cowboy Open in Laramie Saturday
By DAVID DICKEY
Powell Tribune Sports Editor
The Northwest College wrestling team, competing in its first dual match of the 2007-08 season, suffered a 24-21 loss to Western Wyoming Community College last Thursday in Rock Springs.
The loss was particularly disappointing for NWC head coach Jim Zeigler, who entered the contest with a 28-1 record against the Mustangs during his 15 years at the helm. Prior to Thursday's loss, the last time NWC dropped a dual match with the Mustangs was during 1999.
Zeigler credited Western Wyoming's coaching staff for its ability to shake up its lineup to provide the best matchups Thursday. Coincidentally, the Mustangs are coached by former NWC wrestler and two-time NJCAA All-American Blake Gunter.
Zeigler also noted that adversity took its toll on the Trappers during the loss.
"Going into it, I thought the worst-case scenario would see us drop two of the 10 bouts," Zeigler said. "But you have to give Western's coaches credit. They did what they needed to do in order to get the best matchups. They juggled their lineup and moved some guys around in order to get an advantage, and it paid off for them."
Prior to Thursday's match, Zeigler and his Trappers were hit with the news that freshman and five-time state champion Tyler Osborn had quit the team. The Alabama native's decision forced fellow freshman Luis Carranza into the unenviable position of wrestling former All-American Lyle Evans in the 141 weight class on short notice. Carranza, who normally wrestles at 133, had to move up a weight class and lost. His setback was one of five for the Trappers during the 10 bouts. Back-to-back losses via pins at 197 and the heavyweight divisions, teamed with several losses by major decisions, also proved costly.
On the flip side, the Trappers did get five solid wins during the dual. Those posting victories for NWC were Jeremy Ensley (125-pound weight division), Kyle Banko (133), Anthony Varnell (149), Keenen Funk (165) and Josh Clark (184).
"Overall, the desire to win was there for Western, and it wasn't there for us," Zeigler said. "They were better prepared, and they outworked us. I take full responsibility for that. Because so many of the guys on the team are freshmen, I've spent more time working with them on other areas outside of wrestling than I've had to in recent years. We're trying to get these young guys adjusted to managing their time, the new freedom they have that comes from being away from home and the academic demands they're faced with now. We're also trying to get them adjusted to the social and civic expectations that come with being a part of the team."
Zeigler said having to spend so much time in those areas has slowed the Trappers' progress on the mats, but he also said now is the time for his young team to show they have learned and made strides in those areas.
"We've got 19 kids now who have committed to working the way I want them to work," Zeigler said. "Because of that, people will see improvement in this team from this point."
Following the loss to Western Wyoming, NWC traveled to the University of Wyoming for the annual Cowboy Open. During the event, Zeigler said his team did make a number of positive strides.
Two Trappers placed during the tournament on a day that saw NWC notch a 30-30 record during bouts against wrestlers from NCAA Division I and II colleges and universities along with a list of wrestlers from NAIA schools. The Trappers also saw competition from two other junior colleges at the tournament.
Trapper freshman Brian Cates had a memorable Saturday, thanks to his 4-1 record and third place effort in the heavyweight division of the amatuer portion of the event. He lost his first bout and won four straight en route to NWC's top finish of the event.
"That was a big step in the right direction for Brian," Zeigler said. "He did very well, and I'm so proud of him."
Zeigler also credited assistant coach George Laughlin for much of Cates' improvement.
"George has worked a lot with Brian, and you could tell it paid off for him on the mat,"Zeigler said. "Brian showed a lot more confidence, and it was very noticeable."
NWC's other placer was sophomore Corey Green, who went 3-2 and finished fourth in the amatuer division of the 184-pound weight class.
Trapper standout Jeremy Ensley, the only NWC wrestler to compete in the elite division of the tournament, finished with a 3-2 mark and just missed earning the distinction of being a placer in the event. Among Ensley's wins was a 7-5 overtime victory against Montana State University Northern's Cory Borges. Just one week earlier, Borges defeated Ensley in the title bout of the 125-pound weight class at the NWC Open.
Ensley also defeated the University of Oregon's Beau Malia by fall and UW's Cody Grant. Malia is a four-time high school state champion from Billings Skyview, and Grant is a four-time Wyoming state champion.
"Jeremy had a good tournament," Zeigler said. "He went up against some really good wrestlers, and he did a nice job."
Also at 125, NWC freshman Michael Vigil enjoyed a strong tournament. Wrestling unattached, he posted a 3-2 mark and was one win away from placing.
Banko, a freshman wrestling at 133, finished with a 3-2 mark as well. At 149, Varnell was 2-2. The 149- pound weight class for the Trappers was highlighted by the performances of Jordan Ewen. The freshman from Huntley, Mont., posted a 3-2 mark. Funk was 3-2 at 165, and freshman Mason Peebles was 2-2 at 165.
Up next: The Trappers will be in action again Thusday when they face Montana State University Northern at 7:30 p.m. at Hank Cabre Gymnasium in Powell. After that, they will be on the road for the University of Northern Colorado Open in Greeley, Colo.