Local wrestlers wrap year

The Colfax wrestling team, which operated during the season in cooperation with St. John and Garfield/Palouse, had a season ending banquet last Wednesday.

Colfax wrestling letter winners included Mitch Barney, Tyson Rogers, Reggie Jones, Dalton McNeilly, Brendan Lord, Brian DeYoung, Evan Lord and Ray Compton.

Other participants were Nick McAdams, Brandon Arneson and Arron Arneson.

Thomas Newton received an SJE letter and Trapper Askins, Kevin Knauff and Josh Miller, received Garfield/Palouse letter awards.

Colfax wrestling awards included team captain and most inspirational to Dalton McNeilly - 145 pound weight class - fifth at district and regional participant; outstanding wrestler and most pins to Mitch Barney - 113 pound class - 27 wins, 11 losses, second at district, second at regional and third at state. He booked pins in 19 of his 27 wins.

The most improved award went to Tyson Rogers - 120 pound weight class - fourth at district, regional participant.

Most takedowns award went to Reggie Jones with 30. Ray Compton and Mitch Barney were tied for second at 29 each.

Gar-Pal and St. John wrestler accomplishments will be recognized at a later date at their respective schools.

Thomas Newton, St. John, 138-pound weight class placed second at district, fifth at regional, and qualified for state.

Trapper Askins, GP 120-pound weight class won at district, placed sixth at regional to qualify for state as an alternate.

Kevin Knauff, GP 160 pounder, placed third at district, first at regional, and fourth at state.

A majority of this year’s wrestlers will return next year so coaches have hopes that the wrestling program’s success will continue to grow. Coach Dennis Gransbery holds open wrestling practices in the summer. Coaches assisting in the program were Cliff Knauff of Palouse, Gary Newton of St. John, Rex Barney, Clayton Lord and Jack McBride of Colfax, Shawna Kneale, athletic director and Shari Lord, tutor. B.J. Gransbery was also recognized.