Riverton USA wrestlers traveled to Pinedale for the popular “Meet Me on the Mat” tournament this past weekend.
The team finished strong out just four points out of 1st place with 18 teams participating. Of the 330 wrestlers registered for the tournament, 40 were from Riverton.
The tournament recognized two styles of wrestling: folkstyle and freestyle where the young wrestlers took third and fourth place respectively as a team.
Head Coach, Keith Smith said, “There were many great matches. Some kids lost to their opponents in folkstyle but came back to win in freestyle.” He feels this was a great accomplishment for the Riverton Club having been in the running for first at every tournament.
After two months of practice, the new and seasoned wrestlers are honing their skills on the mat. Wrestlers are focusing their skills towards representing the club at State in April.
Coach Smith credits this year’s success with assistant coaches going the extra mile and the older kids setting a good example of sportsmanship for the younger wrestlers. Overall this has been the key to a successful team.
The future Wolverines head to Powell, Wyoming on Saturday, March 13th for a tournament that will have a broad geographic representation with teams from Montana. The wrestlers and coaches will pay attention to see what skills need to be focused on before State.