Bronco wrestling continues to grow

Wauneta-Palisade coaches are seeing good things from their team, from more participants to more successes.
Attitudes made the team fun to work with, Coach Danny Schluckebier said.
“It really is a joy to work with these young students and help them reach a higher level of training and thinking. I hope all the high school athletes do their best and compete hard because that’s what this is all about,” Schluckebier said.
Three letterwinners returned this season for WP, juniors Hunter Miner, Cole Hamilton and Cody Holmes. Also returning was Tennille Warembourg.
Miner went 22-14 at 132 pounds.
Schluckebier said Miner improved in the last year, from team captain to being a real motivator.
“He shares his energy and improves everyone on the team. He is a great student and good athlete,” Schluckebier said.
    Hamilton, 22-26 at 220 lbs., was always ready to do what was necessary for the win, Schluckebier said, and is committed and understands the game.
    “Cole is prepared to take himself and the team a step up,” Schluckebier added.
At 182 lbs., Holmes was knowledgable and knows how to motivate his team, Schluckebier said. After finishing 18-27 this season, his coach said Holmes is excited and ready to step up for next season.
Returning for her sophomore year, Warembourg was 14-29 at 145 pounds.
“Tennille is young and full of knowledge, she is ready to do good and eager to prove herself,” Schluckebier said, adding he can’t wait to see her back on the mat next season.
Warembourg also made her second trip to girls’ state wrestling this year. Schluckebier said that event was exciting and not anything he’ll soon forget.
Joining the group were freshman Conner Bryner and Trey McCrumb.
Bryner had the best season of any Bronco. Starting out at 160 lbs. and going to state at 152 lbs., he had a 41-18 record and won a match in Omaha.
Schluckebier appreciated Bryner’s knowledge and motivational abilities. With plenty of experience before he reached the high school ranks, Schluckebier said Bryner is a force to be reckoned with and a good team member.
McCrumb was 4-36 at 160 lbs.
“Trey is a young wrestler but full of commitment and determination,” Schluckebier said. Now that he has some experience under his belt,  Schluckebier anticipates McCrumb stepping up next season.
Overall, Schluckebier said the season went pretty well for his young team.
Bryner making to state was obviously a great accomplishment, he said, and will hopefully inspire teammates.
“Everyone has such a good spirit when it comes to wrestling at practice and then competing at competition. There are such good young people here and good hearts all ready to do their best on the mat,”
Schluckebier said.