by Steve Bradley
The Panther wrestling team had four wrestlers qualify for the Ken Baker Classic / Wasaren League Invitational finals Saturday at HFCS. [private]Fifteen teams competed at the event that began at 10 am and continued throughout the day, ending about 10 pm. Hundreds of spectators attended the event.
Matthew LaPorte and Jake Pine won their weight class, while Aiden Scott and Alex Hull were finalists. LaPorte, 135 pounds, defeated Riley Retell of Tamarac 4-0, while Jake Pine defeated Jody Hermance of Granville, 4-2, scoring his final two points in overtime for an exciting win. Aiden Smith, 120 lbs., was defeated by 19-4, and Alex Hull, 285 lbs, lost by pin to Dan Hayner of Mechanicville.
Hadley-Lazurne placed first in team scores with 158.5. Mechanicville-Stillwater was second with 151.5 and Hoosick Falls placed third with 106.5.
The Panthers will be at home Thursday, February 2, for a dual meet with Mount Greylock Regional HS begining at 6 pm. Sectional championships begin at 9:30 am on Saturday, February 4 at Coxsackie-Athens HS. [/private]