By TASHA MUELLER | For the County Line
The Royall wrestling team has improved to a 16-league win streak after securing a 34–24 win over Hillsboro on Thursday to regain possession of the “Panger” title.
The Panthers’ Brendan Rick, Hunter Saemisch and Jackson Bender each received 6 points by way of forfeit to start off the dual.
Royall kept back-to-back victories at 132 and 138. Gunnar Wopat topped Hillsboro’s Phil Voltz 9–1 in the 132 battle, and Colin McKittrick won by fall at 2:21 in the 138 weight class.
Hillsboro regained momentum when Josiah Thyne went 11–6 for a win over Garrett Dragan at 145 and Hunter Osorio stopped Samson Degner at 9–4 at 152.
Ethan Palamaruk managed a fall at 1:32 over Mason Hass at 160, and then Hillsboro took the last of the weight classes: Xavier Herritz over Jacob Hanratty at 182 due to an injury default, Andrew Osorio received a forfeit, and Denver Hill won with a fall at 1:28 over Madden McCluskey at 220.
Earlier this season, Royall captured an additional conference win over New Lisbon 39–35 on Dec. 16. This close dual win marks four straight against New Lisbon. The team then landed in third place at the Auburndale Invite on Dec. 18 with 290 points. Additionally, Royall competed at the Bi-State Classic from Dec. 29–30, with the team placing 16th with 20 points. Colin McKittrick finished 2–2 at 132 to lead for Royall.
Royall hosted a triangular Tuesday, Jan. 11, and will compete at the Hillsboro Invite on Jan. 15.