Wrestlers Travel to Bridgeport

The Sidney Red Raiders Wrestling team is preparing for the upcoming Bridgeport-Sidney Invitational Tournament on Saturday at Bridgeport High School. Eighteen teams representing Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming are expected to compete in the tournament which is an early season test for Sidney’s veteran and underclass wrestlers.

Sidney goes into the tournament with senior 3-time State Champion Derek Robb and junior state champion Trey Arellano leading the Red Raiders squad.

As the Red Raiders start their season, there are high expectations from coach John Gasner for the 23 member team.

“We lost to Gothenburg in our first meet of the season without a full squad, but now we’re up to full strength and and looking forward to the tournament”, said Gasner

After the loss at Gothenburg, the Red Raiders fared better at their next tournament, the Charlie Lake Invitational where they defeated Douglas, WY 48-36, South, WY 67-12, but lost a close contest to Kelly-Walsh, WY 39-31. Individually, KC Higer pinned Shay Wind of Fort Collins to take the 145 lb championship, Derek Robb pinned Jacob Polkowske of Torrington to take the 152 lb honors, and Trey Arellano lost a very close decision 5-4 to Job Greenwood of Poudre in the 132 lb class.

Going into Saturday’s tournament, coach Gasner stressed the value of preparation and having good practice habits.

“We need to be focused and have good practices to ensure we get better every day, and every week. Although this tournament has a number of smaller schools competing, we can’t take them lightly and we must be ready for the tougher teams from the bigger towns”, said Gasner.

With a successful showing at the Bridgeport-Sidney Invitational, the Red Raiders will know that their hard work will pay great dividends for the remainder of the season, and give them some positive momentum going into the holiday break.