op wrestlers will return for districts

Bonners Ferry will see the return of some of its top wrestlers when the team travels to Lakeland for the Region 1, District 1 and 2 Championships on Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21.

Among them will be the Badgers’ only senior and returning state champ, Dayne Swisher, who has been out for a month after fracturing his shoulder blade during practice.

Others who have missed recent matches due to illness or injuries, but are expected to return for this weekend are Reid Boorman, Beau Cowley, Isiah Grey, Tyler Verizer and Zack Heigel, said coach Conrad Garner.

Garner remains optimistic that Swisher can win back-to-back state titles, despite his injury and missing matches.

“He’s had plenty of time (to recover),” Garner said. “Hopefully his cardiovascular is ready to go. That’s my major concern. I think he’ll come around, but the sharpness might not be there.”

Swisher, who wrestles at 140, continued to work out when injured.

“I’ve been running to stay in shape, biking and lifting a little bit . . . as much as I can,” he said. “I’m feeling pretty good about districts.

Swisher started wrestling at age 7 and has been on the varsity squad for four years. He works on his wrestling nine month out of the year. He’s also competed in national events over the years.