LAKEWOOD The cross-town showdown came to Lakewood High School Thursday, Dec. 7 and pitted the young Cougars against the Eagles of Arlington.
The good news for the host Cougars is that they got some good experience against their neighbors to the east, but unfortunately it came in a 56-18 loss.
Lakewood coach Tom OHara, sporting a festive looking Santa Claus tie, said his team saw some things against Arlington that they didnt know what to do with.
Senior 130-lb. state placer Steve Edmonds pinned his opponent for the first victory of the night under a lone light shining upon the mat.
P-i-n, we want a pin, the Lakewood cheerleaders yelled out to their classmates and fans in attendance.
Junior Aaron Leonard also pinned his Eagle opponent at the 160-lb. weight class and senior Richard Bader picked up the third and final pin at the 215-lb. level.
Freshman Lady Cougar Keely Caldwell defeated her opponent in an exhibition match at the conclusion of the boys matches.
Im not unhappy about tonight at all, OHara said afterward.
I tell the boys that I am not concerned as much with wins and losses as I am with the end result. I was proud of the fact that our team rallied around each other that says a lot about the high caliber of my people.
He added that he and his coaching staff have some tough kids, now they just have to learn how to wrestle.