The East Atchison junior high wrestling team includes, from left to right: front row – Kaylee Allen, Lincoln Hogue, Xabrina Klinger, Ayden Stoner, and Radlee Meier; and back row – Lela Wright, Jaycee Stoner, Winston Hogue, Bryar Wennihan, and Madi Meier. Gabriella Hogue is not pictured.

The East Atchison junior high wrestlers had a great season learning the dos and don’ts of grappling.

The boys’ team was a young one, with all four wrestlers being sixth graders. The team finished with an overall record of 16-19. Ayden Stoner, who only weighs 63 pounds, had a rough season giving up 11 to 20 pounds to everyone he wrestled. He finished with a tough 0-6 record, but gave it his all. Radlee Meier, who did have some previous wrestling experience, finished 7-5. Winston Hogue, another grappler who has had some previous experience on the mat, finished 3-6. Bryar Wennihan had an outstanding season as a first time wrestler, ending with a 10-2 record. All of these boys wrestled older competitors, most of whom had previous experience, so they should be commended for a job well done.

The girls’ team was a bit older, all being 7th and 8th graders, but only two had previous wrestling experience. The team finished with a 24-18 record. Kaylee Allen finished 0-2, being the lightest wrestler at all of the meets and seeing limited competition. Xabrina Klinger was a first time wrestler and finished with a 6-4 record. Gabbie Hogue was one of two experienced wrestlers and finished with a 6-4 record. Madi Meier also had previous experience on the mat and finished with a 4-5 record. Jaycee Stoner and Lela Wright were also first time wrestlers and finished 5-1 and 3-2 respectfully. The girls’ inexperience didn’t let that stop them from learning all they could and ending the season with a winning record and should also be commended for a job well done.