Sophomore Carless Looney captured a regional wrestling title Saturday in Cheyenne at the 4A East Regional Wrestling Tournament.

Looney's victory in the 160 pound bracket helped Laramie finish fifth in the team standings with 138 points. He was one of eight Plainsmen that placed in the top four over the two days of action at Cheyenne Central High School.

The sophomore defeated Jordan Fischer of Gillette in a 1-0 decision to decide the 4A East Regional Championship. His reaction was one of satisfaction. Looney said,

"I expected it to be close and physical. Jordan Fischer's a tough kid."

He had lost to Fischer in the regular season, 6-3, and admitted it was nice to get revenge with a win. The victory put his season record at 51-7.

Plainsmen head coach Mika Kadera said they worked on a few areas after the first meeting.

"We ended up fixing those few things, and that was what was the separation of the match... we're looking to do the same thing (same outcome) at state and get that state championship."

Laramie had six wrestlers that placed third and one was fourth. Arsenio Lemus (120), Aaron Candelaria (126), Desmend Martinez (132), Kaden Schriner (138), Jordan Hollopeter (152) and Jerry Looney (220) all won their placing match for third. Colton Wostenberg at 285 dropped his and wound up fourth.

Kadera said at the regional he saw a mix of good and not so good wrestling.

"Friday we wrestled okay... Saturday morning we struggled coming out; we were still a little flat-footed... we dug ourselves a hole, but the way we responded was great... we had seven of those eight guys win their placing match."

Laramie will have 17 wrestlers compete at the 4A State Championships Friday and Saturday in Casper.

There were three other LHS teams in competition last weekend.

Indoor Track and Field

Laramie sent 13 student-athletes to the Simplot Games in Pocatello, Idaho last Thursday through Saturday.

Four athletes qualified for the finals in their respective event. The top finish came from senior Jonathan Freeman, who was ninth in the men's 800 meters.

Alpine Skiing

Laramie finished in fifth place in the team standings for both boys' and girls' on day one of the Cody Invitational at Red Lodge, Montana. Day two was postponed due to too much fresh snow on the mountain.

The Laramie girls scored 23 points, just one back of Natrona. Pinedale scored 49 to top the girls' standings. The boys had only eight points. Cody led the way with 59.

Individually, the Lady Plainsmen were led by senior Megan Moss, who ended up fifth. The Plainsmen's top finisher was Cameron Marshall. He came in 14th place.

Swimming and Diving

The Laramie Plainsmen hosted a last chance state qualifying meet at the Laramie Rec Center. It also doubled as senior night. The 11 Plainsmen seniors were honored after the diving.

Laramie did get their 16th state qualifier, junior Sam Herndon in the 100 breaststroke, just ahead of the state meet, which starts Thursday.

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