PCHS wrestlers ace Cougar Bash

Pershing County sent six wrestlers to the Cougar Bash at Silver Springs High School on Friday, Dec. 23. 

The tournament drew almost 200 wrestlers from 16 schools, twice as many as last year. 

“It was a large event compared to years past,” said coach Mike Brooks.

The number of wrestlers made for a competitive day. Pershing’s wrestlers were up to the challenge. 

Elerick places first

at 132 pounds

According to the coach, the 132s were a “fairly tough bracket.” But Elerick, a freshman, took it in stride. 

He started his day with a win by major decision against Vance Hall from Bishop Manogue (Maj 8-0). 

Next, Elerick progressed to the quarterfinals and won by decision over Kayne Thompson of McQueen (Dec 8-1).

Elerick won his semifinal match by fall over Kayden Hulet of Sparks (Fall 5:57). 

He wrapped up by pinning Caedon Johnson of Spanish Springs (Fall 2:37) in the first place match. 

Weatherman places third at 126

Weatherman had only one loss for the day against Nikolis Reyes of North Valley. Reyes won the first round by fall (Fall 4:24). 

The loss sent Weatherman to the consolation rounds where he won both matches. 

He and Reyes met again for the third-place match. Weatherman avenged his earlier loss by pinning Reyes (0:21).

Hughes places 

fourth at 157

Hughes was the only Pershing wrestler who competed at last year’s Cougar Bash. 

This year he went 2-2 for the day. He won the quarterfinal match over Riley Dockery of Fernley (Fall 1:13). However, McQueen’s Eugene Atkinson won the semifinals by tech fall (TF 16-0), sending Hughes to the consolation rounds. 

Hughes won by fall over Carson’s Ean Thomas (Fall 4:25). Daniel Segura-Segovia won the third-place match by fall (Fall 2:07).

Gibson, Lawrence and Hunt continue 

to improve 

Angelo Gibson (132) finished 2-2, just outside of medals. The coach says Tavis Lawrence (132) is “on the cusp of a breakthrough tournament.”

Logan Hunt (285) battled through some close matches. Brooks says he’s proud of how hard all the Pershing wrestlers worked.

What’s next?

This weekend, Jan. 6-7, the Mustangs head to the Sparks Railroader Invitational at Sparks High School.