The Lingle-Fort Laramie Dogger wrestling team returns only two wrestlers with postseason experience for the upcoming regional tournament, but a season of mat time has helped the entire roster.
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LINGLE – The Lingle-Fort Laramie Dogger wrestling team returns only two wrestlers with postseason experience for the upcoming regional tournament, but a season of mat time has helped the entire roster.
“We know that we are lacking in overall numbers and mat experience, however, the great thing about wrestling is that we can be in better shape and learn how to battle each match to help equalize the playing field,” coach Brandon Gifford said. “The kids have been working through this process and are finally starting to see some benefits from it, so we are excited to see how everything unfolds.”
Gaven Niles and Zane Rising are the two returning wrestlers with experience. Niles has put together a solid season and he is currently ranked third at 126 pounds by WyoWrestling. Rising has been in and out of the rankings this winter, currently sitting sixth in the 138 pound rankings. Last year at the state tournament, was one win away from placing at the state tournament, while Rising went 1-2 in Casper.
Transfer wrestler Joel Costello came to the Doggers halfway through the season after coming in from Nebraska. With some time against Wyoming wrestlers under his belt, Costello, who is currently ranked seventh at 106 pounds by WyoWrestling, will be looking to prove his ability this postseason.
Other than Niles, Rising and Costello, the Doggers have a lot of wrestlers who used the regular season to rack up the experience. Alex Puglsey, Dustin Swartwood and Jessy Valentine all donned the Dogger singlet for the first time this year. Now that they have completed the regular season, the younger wrestlers will be put to the test at the regional tournament this weekend.
“This season has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for us,” Gifford said. “We have had to fight through some injuries and illnesses that have delayed our progress a bit. However, this is not anything different than most teams endure, so we are prepared for those pitfalls and I think the kids are ready to rock and roll this upcoming weekend.”
Last winter at the regional tournament, L-FL took eighth with 36 team points, led mostly by Todd Walker and Kash Kaufman, who both graduated after last season. If the Doggers aim to improve from last year’s mark, the fresh faces will need to contribute.
“We are looking toward individual performances and individual matches to see how we’ve improved and attempt to accomplish our goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the season,” Gifford said. “Overall, our wrestlers know that if they go out and battle and wrestle through mistakes and different circumstances, they have a chance of winning matches. As a coach, that is all I can ask for.”
