Wrestling season underway for Pekin teams

The Panther wrestling teams have started their 2023-2024 season.

The High School boys’ team is down in numbers but strong in their work ethic. Two-year letter-winner, junior Gannon Greiner, will be looked at as the leader of this year's squad at 132, along with sophomores Zach Doud at 126 and Reed Lauderman at 106.

Freshmen Hudson Deutsch at 150 and Brantyn Sieren at HWT round out the squad.

The team is not concerned about dual wins with only five wrestlers but will be focusing more on individual improvement as the season progresses.

The girls’ team is headed into their second year of competition led by three returning sophomores.

Lila Miller became the first Pekin girl to ever qualify for state last year and will be looking to do so again at 140. Just missing the state tournament last year by placing fifth at regionals is Hailey Pedrick at 135. Lexa Nelson rounds out the returners, coming off a very respectable season last year at 115.

Newcomers to the mat are Ayla Banes, 120, as our lone junior, and sophomore Alyvia Traner at 100/105.

Freshmen coming into the high school program after their introduction to wrestling in middle school are Audra Steigleder taking over the 145 class, Alyssa Sylvester at 105/110, Bree Earnest at 110, Reece Brisby at 125, Ivory Small at 130, Hannah Kaska at 155, and Kenadie Long sporting the 170 class.

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