Buffs' momentum runs out

FORT PIERRE — The Stanley County Buffaloes wrestling team were unable to sustain their momentum which they had before Christmas as they had a tough duel Tuesday.

The Buffaloes, who were red hot before the holiday break, struggled against Burke- Gregory, losing the dual by a 43-27 margin.

Much of Stanley County’s struggles could be the layoff which the holiday weekend created as many of their wrestlers were out of rhythm.

Wade LaRoche/Capital Journal

“Anytime you wrestle two days after Christmas, it’s extremely hard for the kids to be ready to go,” Stanley County coach John Latham said. “We preach that family and school is more important than athletics, they had to get time with their families over break and that limited our practices.”

The dual was not a total loss though; seniors Cody LaCompte and Thomas Tolton continued their strong campaigns with quick pin fall victories.

“We look for those two kids to come and be solid every match. They came out and did that today, they’re both on a role and that’s what we expect from them,” Latham said.

The Buffaloes also got a pin fall victory from 285-pound Cade Larson to give the Buffaloes some much needed points. Herman Fennell III, Casey Heninger and Wyatt Harrowa were also strong for Stanley County, each picking up victories.

The Buffaloes will look to regain their momentum Friday when they compete in the Webster Invitational.

“We want to get better every week and keep getting better, we found some things today that we need to work on,” Latham said.

The Webster Invitational begins at 9:30 a.m. in Webster.