WP’s Bryner headed to Omaha

Wauneta-Palisade freshman Conner Bryner qualified for the state wrestling meet with a third place finish at Saturday’s district meet.
Bryner’s only loss came to Mullen’s Spencer DeNaeyer, 45-7, who was also Bryner’s only loss at subdistricts.
After a first round win then semifinal loss, the freshman went on to win both his consolation matches.
Hunter Miner finished one win short of qualifying at 138 pounds. Miner lost his first round match to 22-7 Colton Pouk of Perkins County. After a consolation win over 23-9 Brenton Abbott of Leyton, Miner lost to North Platte St. Pat’s Hunter Deeds (33-13) in the consolation semifinals. It is the second year in a row Miner lost to Deeds in the heartbreak round.
At 182 pounds, Cody Holmes lost both his matches. Holmes’ first opponent, Dallas Miller (35-11), finished second and his final opponent, Jaycob Young (11-13), finished fourth.
Cole Hamilton lost both his matches at 220 pounds. Hamilton’s first round opponent, Luke Howitt (30-2), finished first and his consolation opponent, Brandon Knoles (29-4) ,finished third.
WP Coach Danny Schluckebier said he wished more Broncos would have made it, but the district featured a lot of great wrestlers.
“We showed up to wrestle and found out we are still a young team,” he said.
Still, Schluckebier said, he and fellow coach Shad Wiese are happy with each and everyone of their wrestlers.
“We all have room for improvement, but the motivation is there,” he added.
Bryner will be on the mat Wednesday evening for the first rounds of the state meet.