The Neosho County wrestling team knocked the rust of Christmas break off with a dominant 42-9 win over rival Labette Community College despite several key members being out due to injury.
 
A good crowd came out for the dual despite plummeting temperatures and falling snow. With Labette only bringing five wrestlers, it would have been easy for the Panthers to come out flat against the Cardinals, but the Panthers responded well.
 
"We got some things accomplished even though there were only five matches wrestled," commented head coach Wayne Petterson. "We were able to wrestle when the motivation maybe wasn't quite there with 24 points coming off forfeits. We were able to make weight with National Duals coming up this weekend so that was a positive."
 
In the five matches that did take place the Panthers were dominant going 3-2 with all three wins coming from pins. Lemuel Johnson got the Panthers their first win when he moved up a class to wrestle at 141. After a pair of forfeits by Labette, O'Shea Smith-Traylor picked up a pin in his Neosho County debut. Drew Benner also picked up a pin at 174.
 
Chanute native Sam Son was scheduled to make his debut for Neosho County as well, but failed to make weight.
 
"Even though Sam didn't make weight, he did get down within two pounds so we know he's been within striking distance. We totally expect him to discipline himself from now on with his weight."
 
The Panthers improved to 5-2 in dual matches this season. Their next action will be this weekend in Des Moines, Iowa for the NWCA National Duals. The event is a dual tournament that features some of the top wrestling programs in the nation.
 
Full Results: Neosho County 42 Labette 9
125         Kaleb Furr (LCC) defeats Ryan Sherry (NCCC) 5-2
133         Double Forfeit
141         Lemuel Johnson (NCCC) pinned Marchall Phelan (LCC) 4:16
149         Jared Suppes (NCCC) won by forfeit
157         Ty Swartz (NCCC) won by forfeit
165         O'Shea Smith-Traylor (NCCC) pinned Derrick Games (LCC) 3:26
174         Drew Benner (NCCC) pinned Dustin Cook (LCC) 3:17
184         Tyler White (LCC) pinned Austin Warren (NCCC) 2:53
197         Dillon Archer (NCCC) won by forfeit
285         Will Divine (NCCC) won by forfeit