Four Pershing County wrestlers competed in the NIAA Northern 2A Regional Tournament at PCHS on Saturday.
Devin Moura (132), Wyatt Hughes (145), Justin Carruth (126) and Lucian Gonzalez (170) all hoped to qualify for the state tournament at the Meadows School in Las Vegas on Saturday.
“The top four placers at regional qualify for state; same for the South to form an eight-man bracket,” explained coach Mike Brooks.
Moura and Hughes both went 8-0 in their league. They also both won first-place zone championships in their weight ranges. They’ll represent PCHS in Vegas.
According to Brooks, Carruth and Gonzalez “both competed hard and wrestled what I thought was their best of the season. It just wasn’t in the cards for them to qualify. I’m proud of Lucian and Justin for the effort they showed this year.”
Carruth is a freshman and Gonzalez is a sophomore. Hopefully they’ll both return next winter for another season of the mentally and physically demanding sport. They’ve gained valuable experience.
Hughes, also a freshman, began his day by pinning Thomas French of Wells in just over two minutes.
The win jettisoned Hughes to the first-place match which he won against Andy Wall of Battle Mountain by pin in 98 seconds.
Brooks says Hughes learned the sport quickly for a novice wrestler. For example, Hughes placed third in the Cougar Bash earlier in the season, beating opponents who beat him previously.
Moura, a senior, is no stranger to the state competition. He competed as a freshman and sophomore, bringing home a runner-up medal each time.
Due to the pandemic, he lost the chance to compete as a junior.
On Saturday, Moura won his semifinal match by fall against Austin Leeb of Coral Academy.
He claimed the 132 title by beating James Spealman of Battle Mountain by decision a 5-2 decision.
The 11-man Battle Mountain Longhorns placed first with 188 team points.
Yerington came in second with 12 wrestlers. Wells, Eureka and Pershing came in third, fourth and fifth respectively. Coral Academy and Excel Christian landed sixth and seventh.
For now, Moura and Hughes can be found in the PCHS weight room. They’re both determined to bring home a first-place trophy this weekend. Their teammates, coaches, families and school are rooting for them.
