MIKE BROOKS • Provided to Great Basin Sun
Freshman wrestler Magdalena Ramirez displays her first-place medal from the Douglas Tiger JV tournament.
The PCHS wrestling team has long been a force to be reckoned with. However, this season they add numbers to their arsenal.
Eighteen wrestlers have signed up for the physically and mentally demanding sport.
“We are excited,” said coach Mike Brooks. He’s been coaching wrestlers since 2012 and became head coach in 2015. This year’s team is the largest since at least 2018, he says.
Israel Knight (144) placed first in his weight class in the opening meet of the year.
Seven freshmen begin their high school wrestling careers.
They are Brynndon Anderson, Cade Liebsack, Israel Knight, Howard Mitchell, Magdalena Ramirez, Jake Trowbridge and Zander Bishop.
Sophomores Samael Diarte, Jeffrey Elerick, Logan Hunt and Ashton Jimenez will also compete. Elerick placed first at State last year. Hunt also wrestled at the State meet.
The juniors include Preston Anderson, Kimberly Trowbridge, Wyatt Hughes, Angelo Gibson, Braxson Bird and Justin Carruth. Hughes finished third at State last year. Gibson also competed in the tournament.
Xavier Weatherman is the team’s only senior.
On Saturday, Dec.2, the team traveled to Gardnerville for the Douglas Tiger JV tournament.
MIKE BROOKS • Provided to Great Basin Sun
Angelo Gibson (150) earned his first-place medal.
“We were happy with how the kids competed this weekend. It was the first-ever tournament for many of them. Others had a short prep time with the football season ending a short time ago,” said Brooks.
“I am proud of them for how they composed themselves and competed. They did not give up even when they were unsure of what was happening.”
Ramirez won first place in the girl’s bracket. Knight (144) placed first in his weight range. Gibson topped the 150s. Jake Trowbridge (220) finished first in his weight range.
MIKE BROOKS • Provided to Great Basin Sun
Jake Trowbridge (220) placed first.
“Logan Hunt also had an outstanding day. All of the beginners found success and were coachable. They will improve quickly,” said Brooks.
This Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, the team competes at the Cody Louk Invitational in Winnemucca.
McQueen High School in Reno will also host a JV tournament. Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 16.
That’s when PCHS hosts the Pershing County tournament. For many of the wrestlers it will be the first time competing in their home gymnasium.