Pershing County High School overflowed with wrestlers, parents and coaches last Saturday. The Lovelock Invitational tournament spilled over to both gyms and lasted all day.
Seven wrestlers represented PCHS. They included Xavier Weatherman at 123 pounds, Angelo Gibson (135), Tavis Lawrence (135), Jeffrey Elerick (138), Wyatt Hughes (157), Jake Henderson (161) and Logan Hunt (215).
“We were happy with how our kids performed as they continue to improve each week,” said coach Mike Brooks.
Weatherman placed first at 123 pounds. He entered a B bracket and went 4-0 for the day, earning four straight pins against wrestlers from Fallon, Carson, Eureka and Reno.
Gibson placed third for the 135s. He entered a B bracket and went 4-1 for the day.
“Angelo avenged his lone loss (to Patrick Dye of Galena) to win third place, which was awesome,” Brooks said. “He has improved so much in a short time.”
“Jeff Elerick and Wyatt Hughes were thrown into the varsity brackets for the first time this season and wrestled well before eventually being eliminated. Jake Henderson also had a good day for his first tournament. We were impressed with his wrestling,” Brooks said.
Teams came from near and far. Winnemucca and Fallon sent athletes. So did faraway Los Gatos and Quincy, Calif.
Over two dozen schools and more than 260 athletes competed.
The Lovelock community pulled together to make it a pleasurable day for everyone.
“It was the largest tournament we have ever hosted by about 60 wrestlers and that made for a longer day,” Brooks said. “Thanks to all the volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them. A special thanks goes to the Hughes, Brooks, Knight and Elerick families, Steve Evenson (announcer), the cheerleaders, and Devin and Daralyn Moura.”
On Friday, the Mustangs travel to the Cougar Bash at Spanish Springs High School in Sparks.
