HOISINGTON — The Hoisington Middle School wrestlers took part in the Hays Kennedy Middle School Invitational this past Saturday, and had a very good showing for the teams’ first match of the year. The team placed 10 out of 13 varsity wrestlers in the top four, and three out of four placed in the top three for the junior varsity.

Team scores were kept, and the Hoisington wrestlers finished in third place out of a nine team tournament. Zade Sanders (110 lbs.) and Chance Boor (265 lbs.) were the champions of their varsity weight classes, and Cameron Richter won the 127 lbs. junior varsity bracket.

Placing second were Austin Michaelis, Brad Reif, Kody Lang and Austin McHenry. Justin Umphrey placed second for the junior varsity.

Third place finishers were Lexi Sanders, Nolan McCurry and K.C. Stephens. Baily McBride placed third for the junior varsity. Jake Warnken, who wrestled in a very tough 127 lbs. weight class, finished the day with fourth place.

Many of the Cardinal wrestlers had little or no experience before the start of the season, but showed at the tournament that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

The brackets were eight man, twelve man and round robin with all of the wrestlers getting at least two matches. Not placing at the tournament but showing great improvement were Landon Harmon, Steffan Dolechek, Cristian Maese and Seth Owen. Next action for the Cards will be this Saturday when they travel to Larned for the Merten’s Tournament.