The Court House Cobras wrestling team sent a contingent of its members to the National tournament in Lansing, Michigan.
The event was held Saturday, April 6 at the Lansing Center.
This was the biggest group of kids that qualified for Nationals from the Court House Cobras, according to a spokesperson.
The following Cobras placed at Nationals:
Haleigh McGraw, runner-up; Jackson Keaton, 4th place; Jake Bashor, 4th place; Josh McGraw, 4th place; Casen Snyder, 5th place; Wesley Gibbs, 6th place; Lyndyn Gibbs, 7th place and Brendon Peters, 7th place.
All the ones that placed received All-American status by NUWAY (National United Wrestling Association for Youth).
Spencer Smith, Colt Burchett and Rylan Tennison also qualified for and wrestled at Nationals. Colt and Rylan ended their season as National-qualifiers, and Spencer went 1-2 on the day.
For the last few weeks, Luke Hoppes and Karli Parker have been working with the Cobras. Luke missed the podium but will continue to work with Coach Todd Keaton in the off season, and Karli became a National Runner Up.
“Also to all of you, Will Enochs, Nathan Leach, Klayton Campbell, Thad Stuckey, and Alex Smith, thank you so very much for coming in and working with the kids that went to Nationals,” Mike Bashor, a parent who volunteers his time to the Cobras, said.
“Thank you to all the coaches who volunteer their time to teach youth wrestling,” Bashor said. “(Thanks to) Todd Keaton, Wes Gibbs, Craig Snyder, Jermey Peters, Tom Weaver and Louis Reid for working with the Cobras and for the use of the high school field house to practice.
“These kid’s work ethic is beyond just practicing couple days a week,” Bashor said. “They eat, get plenty of rest and (take part in) extra workouts. A few went to train at Max Effort with trainer Aaron Luikart.
“This program is, by far, not just a wrestling program, they care about grades, (the) actions (of the kids) off the mat, and being a good sport.”
The Cobras abide by the moto, “Respect is Earned Not Given.”
Thanks to the Washington Court House Police Department for the Police Escort out of town Friday morning (April 5).