Sidney Wrestlers Head to Districts

"Understand rankings mean nothing - we're all starting out 0-0," said Sidney wrestling coach John Ganser as his squad heads into the district competition today and Saturday.

It's sage advice for his wrestlers, as many of them have enjoyed very successful seasons thus far, but when it comes time to compete in the districts, dual meet records don't matter, and tournament wins and losses are of no importance. All that matters is the moment ahead of them, and looking to the past can be a dangerous distraction from the present task at hand: beat the opponent in front of you and score as many points as possible while winning your position.

Sidney's Red Raiders placed eighth in the district last year, and this year coach Ganser is confident that if the competition plays out the right way, Sidney is well-positioned for a top three finish this year. Unlike last year, Sidney goes into the districts completely healthy and loaded with talent at some key weight classes in the 12 team B-4 District.

"B-4 is the toughest district in the state; they don't serpentine the competition," said coach Gasner, meaning other districts often draw odd geographical boundaries which often inflate the statistics and records of certain schools, making them seem stronger then they actually are while receiving favorable seeding considerations.

"We have 12 teams, 12 tough teams in the district, and Alliance and Lexington have both had especially good seasons," said Ganser.

Ganser anticipates success for the team overall, and pointed out a few positions where Sidney is especially strong.

At 120 pounds, it will not be decided until Friday whether junior Tristan Ahrendt or sophomore Jacob Peckham will wrestle at the position. Ahrendt goes into the districts with a season record of 29-14, while Peckham owns a 23-7 season record.

At 126 pounds, senior Kaden Vowers with a 51-3 record on the season is expected to be tough to beat.

At 132 pounds, junior Trey Arellano with a 49-3 record this season brings his workmanlike, high-scoring style to the mat for the Red Raiders.

At 145 pounds, junior KC Higer with a 46-8 season record has a great chance of qualifying for the state tournament.

At 152 pounds, senior Derek Robb with a 54-0 season record is the favorite to go all the way for a fourth state championship.

Vowers, Arellano, Higer and Robb all qualified for state last year.

At 170 pounds, freshman Brady Robb with a 35-13 record in his first season will be a tough opponent.

Coach Ganser also mentioned that sophomore Nathan Hofrock at 220 pounds and senior Jack Hinrichs at 195 pounds could be two wrestlers that surprise with much stronger showings than expected. Ganser also thanked the wrestlers for their hard work and dedication as well as their families for all of their support throughout the year, and also thanked assistant coaches Beau McConnell, Jared Simonson and Cory McManigal for all of their hard work throughout the season.