KEMMERER – The Big Piney High School wrestling team continues to improve with grapplers posting strong performances at the Joe Aimone Memorial Invitational in Kemmerer on Friday, Dec. 16.

The event featured a round robin format, with wrestlers competing in three to five matches depending on the number of contestants in their respective weight brackets. 

Both the Big Piney girls’ and boys’ teams scored multiple wins against opponents from southwest Wyoming, Idaho and Utah.

Head Coach Cole Clifford highlighted the team’s growth over the weekend.

“I felt like we improved on our set ups to our shots,” he said. “That is key for us earning more takedowns. I also felt we did a good job on earning escapes and reversals.”

Girls' results

Sophomore Charleigh Smith powered through the 155-pound bracket and achieved an undefeated record. She pinned Lynsie Julander and Kaylie Julander of Kemmerer and defeated Green River’s Kylie Miller by fall.

“Charleigh was very physical this week,” said Clifford. “She wrestled with passion and desire. That allows her to control the pace of her matches.”

Freshman Catie Langlois won two matches, beating Lyman’s Neveah Major by a 6-4 decision and pinning Ryannah Roberts of Bear Lake.

“Catie defeated an opponent who beat her last week,” Clifford remarked. “That just shows how much better she is getting in such a short time.”

Senior Brynne Hoffman scored a win against Mikayla Green of Green River by a 6-4 decision in the 135-pound division.

“Brynne also showed huge improvement from last week,” said Clifford. “I am liking her growth.”

Boys' results

Sophomore Dominic Sanchez went undefeated, pinning teammates Nate Brown and Jackie Meador and defeating Austin Christen of Kemmerer by fall in the 113-pound weight bracket.

“Dominic again had a great week,” said Clifford. “He earned close wins with his ability to control the pace on his feet.”

Freshman Canyon Schell dominated the 120-pound division, tallying a 3-0 record. Schell pinned David Weiss of Star Valley, Lyman’s Cash Platts and Robert McMullan of Green River.

“Canyon took a huge step in his development this week,” Clifford remarked. “I just love his fire on the mat, and this week, we were able to control that intensity. He controlled the pace and physicality of all his matches.”

In the 126-pound bracket, freshman Judah Farrington also went undefeated, defeating both Cokeville’s Steehl Pope and Mountain View’s Dokota Mair by fall and scoring a 7-2 decision win against Michael Banta of Kemmerer.

“Judah kept growing this week and was able to earn three wins,” Clifford said.

Junior Jerrett Fear battled through a crowded bracket in the 132-pound division, winning all five of his matches. Fear pinned Kasen Hill of Lyman, teammate Bradley Rodda, Porter Lytle of Bear Lake, Daniel Grubb of Dubois and Jackson Hole’s Logan Ward.

“Jerrett again had a dominant performance this week,” Clifford stated. “He did an outstanding job on his feet and is able to finish his matches with pins.”

Junior Jackie Meador posted a 3-1 record at Kemmerer. He beat both teammate Nate Brown and Austin Christen of Kemmerer by fall.

“Jackie has a mission this year and no one is going to stop him,” said Clifford. “He has vastly improved from last year and I see that his growth will continue to rise each week.”

Sophomore Caden Clifford, junior David Farrington and junior Zack Murphy each went 3-2 in their respective weight classifications.

The team will return to the mats after the holiday break with the Shoshoni Duels on Jan. 6-7.

“Heading into the break, we will take time off to heal and rest,” said Clifford. “We are excited to get into a duel meet and see how our team performs together. The Shoshoni Duels will also allow us to look at the rest of our region and see where we stand.”