Vandal Wrestling Team Competes at Pahranagat Invitational

Eureka High doesn’t have a large wrestling team this year with only three members: Garrett Todd (132), Andy Rowe (138) and Tegan MacBride (195). Coach Jeremy Auch said this is “a new beginning for them. A lot of new wrestlers, kind of a new experience for everybody. The last couple of years we have only had about 3-4 kids and we’re just starting to get back into it.”

There was a time, from 1994-1999, when the Vandals had a very strong team and won six straight NIAA state titles. Battle Mountain (2001-2008) and Moapa Valley (1975-1982) are tied for the most number of consecutive 2A state titles with eight each.

The Vandals participated in the Pahranagat Valley Invitational in Alamo last Friday. Unfortunately each wrestler lost their first round match, dropping into the consolation round. However, MacBride later took fourth place at 195 losing to Jon Stewart of Pahranagat Valley in the third-place match.

Boulder City had nine first-place finishers and rolled to the team title at the tournament.

The Eagles finished with 260½ points, well ahead of second-place Moapa Valley (122). Western placed third with 103 points.

Justin Bonar (106 pounds), Garrett Leavitt (113), D.J. Reese (126), Jimmy Brown (132), Jimmy Dunagan (152), Brian Foster (170), James Ewell (182), Ryan Vanario (195) and Mike Kaposta (285) won their weight classes for Boulder City.

Kenon Cowley (106), Zane Dennington (120), Octavian Trumbo (145), Dillon Viera (160) and Devin Fox (285) each placed second for the Eagles.

Moapa Valley’s Trevor Van Vliet was first at 160, and Western’s Diego Ortega won at 120. Lincoln County’s Derek Mathews placed first at 138.

Coming up this weekend for the Vandals is the Spring Creek Kiwanis Friday and Saturday.

In weeks following, the Vandals will be at the Fernley Invitational Jan. 20-21 and the Northern 2A League Duals Jan. 27-28. The league championships will be Feb. 4 at Pershing County High in Lovelock.

The NIAA state meet for all classifications is Feb. 10-11 at Spanish Springs High in Sparks.