Wrestling | 10/31/2022 6:44:00 PM

Parsons, KS - Neosho County Panthers wrestling hit the road to face off against Labette County in their 22-23 season opener. The Panthers came out flat and Labette was quick to capitalize, and sailed to a comfortable win by a final of 35-9.

Noesho began the night facing an uphill battle. The Panthers had to forfeit at 125 pounds due to injury. Eventually, Labette would gain some bonus points through pins and major decisions, which led to the 35-9 loss.

Neosho's Jace Tapia (149), Jake Knowles (165) and Buddy Claibourn (197) performed well.  Jace Tapia won a 9-4 decision over Elijah Collins,  Jake Knowles defeated Matthew Smith 12-6 and Buddy Claibourn won 8-1 over Aaron Clevenger.

Coach Hansen said of the dual "I don't believe the outcome of this dual represents the team or indicates what our season will be like.  We obviously have some things to work on but that is to be expected this early in the season."

Next up the Panthers will travel to Baldwin City, Kansas for the Dan Harris Open on Sunday, November 6th.