ROCK SPRINGS – An inspired Saturday marked the end of a successful run for the Rock Springs Tigers.
After six Tigers fought their way to the semifinals, it did not go as hoped. Only John Nowland was able to move into the finals. Down but not out, the Tigers returned Saturday to show what has made the Rock Springs Tigers special this season.
After falling in the 106 semifinals, Cameron Metcalf responded with a third-place finish. He won by major decision (10-2) over Mikey Fischer of Cheyenne South.
Ashton Dupape followed at 113. He beat Gillette’s Lawrence Nadeau by an 8-0 major decision. Cole Seymour did not let Friday’s tough loss in the semifinals stop his run. Seymour scored two wins, both by decision, to secure the Tiger’s third consolation finals win in a row.
Patrick Debaun came back on Saturday to score a major decision win but lost a tight consolation final. Sheridan’s Dominic Miller was able to get the 2-1 decision win as Debaun finished in fourth. Wyatt Yenney also scored his first win on Saturday to move into the consolation finals. He would fall to Evanston’s Isaiah Sowers to finish in fourth.
Tiger Jason Jorgensen scored two wins by pin and a close 7-6 decision to punch his ticket into the consolation finals on Saturday. Evanston’s Connor Martin beat Jorgensen as he finished his run in fourth.
Joe Walker battled his way back from a loss Friday to finish sixth.
As for Nowland, he would battle for a 195 title against Green River’s Brendan Hopkins. It was a match wrestling fans across the state were waiting to see as both wrestlers have matched each other all season long. The match did not let anyone down as the two gladiators battled to the end. After the smoke had cleared, it was Hopkins in a 2-1 decision.
The Tigers moved into fifth for the championship behind the strong Saturday showing. RSHS finished with 145.5 to pass Laramie. They only trailed fourth-place Sheridan by eight points and Cheyenne East by 19.
Results
Team Scores
1. Green River 228.5
2. Campbell County 200.5
3. Cheyenne East 164.5
4. Sheridan 153.5
5. Rock Springs 145.5
6. Laramie 141.0
7. Evanston 134.0
8. Natrona County 124.5
9. Riverton 112.5
10. Cheyenne Central 102.0
11. Cheyenne South 86.0
12. Kelly Walsh 74.0
