As the Panther Wrestling Team looks back on their season, it was a memorable one; filled with success, laughter, and a great state finish. 

“Ya know, it was a good season for us,” Head Wrestling Coach and History Teacher Mr. Nick Fulton said. “My guys and girls showed a lot of growth throughout the season. They had fierce competition. The kids really gave maximum effort on the mat, and gave themselves a chance to win at every juncture.” 

After a long season, the Panthers battled through adversity to finish off their season, in the Casper Event Center. 

“Of course, the State Tournament was exciting for us,” Fulton said. “We came away with a podium finish, which is always a goal, and [they] wrestled well.” 

The Powell Panther Boys Wrestling Team was named the Fourth Overall Team. As Powell has not achieved this victory since the wrestling season of 2020, it was a very exciting reward. 

“As a team, we wrestled really well,” junior and 285-pound varsity wrestler Doug Bettger said. “I feel like we really came together as a team, and had many great moments together.”

The team placers include junior Wyatt Nicholson at 106 pounds earning fourth place, and senior Chevy Hill at 113 lbs., earning fourth place behind teammate Gabe Whiting, who earned third. From there is senior Wyatt Heffington at 138, metaling in fifth place, as well as junior Mckale Foley, placing fourth at 165. Fellow junior Dusty Carter placed fifth at 175, as well as State Champion Jimmy Dees at 215. Last is Doug Bettger placing third at 285.  

“My season went pretty well,” junior and 165-pound varsity wrestler Mckale Foley said. “I placed fourth, and that was alright. But the season had its ups and downs. Wrestling is a tough sport for your mindset, and it’s hard to overcome sometimes.”

While each wrestler fought their own battles, whether it were on the mat, or in their own head, some have just finished up their career for good. 

“I would like to think that every season I improve,” senior and 138-pound varsity wrestler Wyatt Heffington said. “But there at the beginning, I didn’t really feel as though I was wrestling at the level a senior should be. As the season went on I pushed past it and finished up my senior year fifth at state.” 

What is even more exciting than a Fourth Place State finish, is the future for these young wrestlers. 

“I think that the future of our team looks really bright,” middle school mathematics teacher and assistant wrestling coach Mr. Cody Kalberer said. “We will have to put in some time and effort to improve, but we have the wrestlers and coaches necessary to make these improvements.” 

While the Panthers wrap up their strenuous season, they can’t help but be excited for the future.