Great Bend Middle School wrestling season began Saturday at the Little Apple Grapple in Manhattan. The Panthers brought 36 wrestlers and placed 21 in their respective brackets including nine first place finishes.
“Our experienced kids were a little rusty but we did well” said head coach Norbert Muth. “We have a solid group of leaders who work hard and are very coach-able. Our guys do everything I ask.” Said Muth.
Athletes winning their brackets include: Brantley Baldwin 75A, Austin Moore 80B, Carson Schooler 90A, Drew Liles 95A, George Weber 115A, Josie Jacobs 127E, Gage Fritz 134A, Christian Arndt 141C, Kevin Miramontes 180A, and Matt Ellison 230B.
“We have a good team but I know we can do better. Several of us have set a goal to go undefeated this season,” said Drew Liles after fighting for two close victories in the semifinals and finals to be the 95-pound champion.
Other Panthers earning placing recognition include: Riley Slater, second in 90B;  Alex Serna, third in 95B; Alan Vazquez, third in 100C; Jacob Hinton, second in 100C; Thain Bowman, third in 115D; Alex Randolph, fourth in 120A; Dalton Miller, fourth in 141A; Eli Witte in 141B; Dylan Lamb, third in 155A; Mason Miranda, second in 165C; Ever Chavez, third in 180B; Jesus Villegas, third in 230C.
The next outing for the Panthers is Saturday  in Dodge City.