LMS wrestlers wrap up season at conference tourney

The Lovell Middle School wrestling team traveled to Thermopolis on Saturday to compete in the Big Horn Basin Conference Tournament.

“This was a tough tournament,” said head coach Quinton Hecker. “Even though we were battling illness, the kids showed grit and performed well.”

In the boys Division A, Alexander Mcillwaine earned a second-place finish in the 190-pound weight class, winning one of his two matches. Connor Harris placed third at 155 pounds, winning one of three matches and Garrett Henley finished fourth in the 132-pound weight class, winning two of his four matches.

The girls A Division also had athletes place. Angelina Lauhoff placed fourth in the 70-pound weight class, and Evalina Garcia earned a fourth-place finish at 98 pounds after winning both of her matches. In the boys Division B, Britt Asay showed a strong performance, taking first place in the 132-pound weight class by winning both of his matches.

Hecker highlighted the team’s older wrestlers, saying, “Every eighth grader performed awesome all year.” He also recognized several younger athletes, saying, “Jamen Crosby, Carson Marberry and Hayden Harshman all wrestled in the A Division the whole year, which is very impressive for being sixth graders.”

The Bulldogs wrapped up their season with multiple placers showing growth, toughness and promise for the future. Hecker concluded, saying, “Overall, it was a great season, and everyone showed lots of growth across the board.”