Jersey's wrestlers showcase young talent in opener against Springfield

Nov 23, 2017 9:48 AM Nov 23, 2017 9:55 AM Save

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Jersey displayed a lot of solid, young talent in a wrestling match against Springfield on Tuesday night at home. (Photos courtesy of Michael Weaver)

JERSEYVILLE - Jersey’s wrestling program features several young members, but the team has energy and head coach Allen Snyder has high hopes for this team and the program’s future.

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Jersey battled Springfield in every match Tuesday night, falling, 44-24, but there were several solid Panther performances.

Coach Snyder singled out 220-pounder Ross Speidel as one of the meet’s top performers with his 8-3 win over Matt Thoele of Springfield with only one practice. Speidel had been sidelined from early practices because of a football concussion injury, but didn't show it in his match against Thoele.

Jersey winners included Ashley Duncan at 106, Jacob Olson at 132, Zeke Waltz at 160, Branyn Staples at 182 and Speidel at 220.

“We have four seniors coming back,” Snyder said. “We have a younger group of kids going through middle school and kids wrestling program and at least they have the basics. I think the future looks good for Jersey wrestling.”

Jersey hosts a major junior varsity wrestling tournament later in the year.