For the first time in more than a decade, the Laramie Plainsmen finished in the top six at the 4A State Wrestling Championships last weekend in Casper.

Laramie was sixth with 117 points and five placers. It's their best showing since 2002, when they ended up fifth.

Plainsmen head coach Mikah Kadera said,

"It's not the top four we were aiming for, so as a group, we were kind of disappointed in that. The hunger's there still, and definitely ready for next year already... Best finish in over a decade, so the kids are happy, but not pleased."

Sophomores Kaden Schriner and Carless Looney both finished in second place at 138 and 160 pounds, respectively.

Schriner lost a 10-5 decision to Colton Hopkins of Green River in the final. He finished the season at 49-12.

Looney lost by fall to Gillette's Jordan Fischer, who he had just beat at the 4A East Regional the week before. Carless ends the season with a 53-8 overall record.

Kadera added, "They were the better wrestler up until one solid move or one move that the opponent was able to get on us... Both should be proud; neither wanted to get second... it's a tough one to swallow."

Senior Jerry Looney came in third at 220 pounds, while fellow classmate Colton Wostenberg was fourth at 285.

The final placer was junior Aaron Candelaria, who ended up getting sixth at 126 pounds.

Gillette won their 13th consecutive 4A team crown with 249.5 points. Green River was second with 232.5 Sheridan rounded out the top three at 177.5

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