Wrestling team opens season today

Youth and inexperience dominate this year’s Bonners Ferry High School Wrestling team.

On a positive note, however, head coach Conrad Garner expects to fill every weight class but one. During last year’s season, wrestlers were not available for about half of the 14 weight classes. When no one wrestles, it results in forfeits and no points.

The wrestling team opens at 5:30 p.m. today, Dec. 11, with a home match against Libby High School from Montana and Sandpoint High School.

Practices have been averaging 24 wrestlers. The only weight class open is the 160-pound class.

Garner increased the number of wrestlers by recruiting.

Leading the team will be senior Dayne Swisher, a returning state champion in the 140-pound class.

“I’d love to see him repeat,” Garner said.

Returning state placers include sophomores BenWatt, wrestling at 112 and 119 pounds; Reid Boorman, 119 pounds; and Trevor Hampton, 135 pounds.

Returning junior lettermen are Joe Neumeyer at 152 pounds and Aaron Stockdale at 152 pounds.

Returning sophomore lettermen include Brandon Schmidt, 135 and 140 pounds; Isiah Grey, 140 and 145 pounds; and David Willems at 215 pounds.

Others on the team are Mike Mason, Josh Wilson, Josh Heigle, Tyler Verizer, Beau Cowley, Nick Perez and Jenson Cummings. Managers are Francis Garner, Natalis Kanen and Dustin Koehler.