Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  In the first season of wrestling for the Nederland Middle School wrestling team, the athletes once again demonstrated their skills and strengths. Each tournament they are more confident and use what they have learned with the Gilpin Youth Wrestling Association that started up two years ago.

Last Tuesday, the Panther wrestlers attended a meet at Broomfield Heights Middle School. Leading the team with undefeated records, 6-0, are Joey Airola and Kaleb Oliver. Tabitha Lamb won two of her three matches, all against boys and was the real highlight at the event.

“You should have seen the other school’s coach when she pulled off a last second win and the crowd went wild” said Coach Todd Oliver. The Swartz brothers recorded their first victories of the year and continue to improve. Athletic director Emerald Murphy was on site to view the event and was pleased with its turnout and success.

Last week Coach Oliver also had three-time Colorado State Champ and four-time, All-American Joe LeBlanc come to the school’s practice to work with the kids on their moves and strengthen their overall understanding of the sport. Kyler Rabourn and Sadie Depinto-Jones were thrilled with the opportunity to work with a Division 1 College coach and all Joe had to offer.

“It is a short season and I wanted the kids to come away with an all-around wrestling experience. Joe is an amazing coach and he was great with the kids” added coach Oliver.