Park Hill wrestling takes second in own tournament

After having to settle for third in the Park Hill Duals last year, the Park Hill wrestling program was looking to return to the title round this year for the chance to claim first place in their own tournament. Cruising through pool play, the only obstacle left in their way was the top-seeded and nationally ranked Kearney Bulldogs. Despite being the underdog, Park Hill would win several key matchups in the lower weight classes and continue to maintain a narrow into later matches. It would all come down to the final match though when Kearney was able to get a pin in the heavyweight class to pull the Bulldogs over the top 31-27 to clinch a first place finish, their second in as many years.

While the Trojans take consolation in nearly pulling off the upset against a talented Kearney program, second place is not something they are comfortable settling with because it doesn’t align with their ultimate goal.

“Every single match and tournament this year is the state tournament. What we did was we picked up right where we left last year and took second as a team,” Park Hill coach Bill Erneste said. “What we wanted to do was beat Kearney here. We wrestled our tails off and did everything in our power, but Kearney was stronger today. was fun, but it’s only really fun when you come out with a W.”

Erneste says he saw positive signs from a number of wrestlers throughout the tournament, not only his more experienced and decorated wrestlers like Ke-Shawn Hayes and John Erneste, but also those who have fought their way into the lineup for the first time like Anthony Enriquez and August Sobbing.

“I was proud of a lot of individual performances today,” Erneste said. “The fight of our big guys was pleasing since a lot of our big guys are new to the lineup.”

For Park Hill it is all about moving forward though, as each tournament represents an opportunity to be approach as if it is the state tournament. Their next big competition will be this weekend at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman Tournament in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio where some of the country’s best wrestlers will matchup.

“I like where we’re at on the staircase towards the goal of winning, but I’m never excited about taking second,” Erneste said. “We’ve got to get ready for the Ironman Tournament, our next chance at a ‘state tournament’.”