Wrangle in the Wild 4 adds another chapter to its legacy

By Kenny Varner

LEWISTOWN – Back and better than ever!

Saturday, the Wrangle in the Wild embarked on its fourth edition as it is quickly becoming a late summer tradition!

Being one of the only wrestling exhibitions of its kind, the Wrangle once again brought a huge mega card to the MIfflin County gymnasium to raise money for the wrestling club as well as giving wrestlers a glimpse of the future and present area talents as they were evenly matched throughout the card.

On this evening it would be a battle from beginning to the end as Hammer Time took home the 30-27 victory over the Roof Raisers.

“You never know what to expect in some of these matches. They always end up closer than what you think,” said Joey Bender, one of the creators of the Wrangle in the Wild. “There were a lot of good matches that came down to the wire and the fans were on their feet. At one point I was on my feet. You never know what to expect at the Wrangle but it’s always a good time.”

The Wrangle also gave local wrestling fans to a walk down memory lane as the event also showcased legendary wrestlers from Mifflin and Juniata Counties.

Wrangle was created by organizers Joey Bender, Trent and Hayden Hidlay.

The theme for this year’s exhibition was a salute to the Lewistown Panther matmen.

Highlighting the night was the appearance of Lewistown PIAA State Champion and former Lewistown wrestling coach Kenny Whitsel.

Last season, the Chief Logan wrestlers were honored for their distinguished careers.

Despite torrential downpours, the fans showed up in droves to watch the contest.

Like in the previous contests, the team of Hammer Time went up against Hammer Time for bragging rights.

In the opening bout, Hammer Time’s Hugh Harmon picked up a hard fought win over Bennett Harmon.

In the early girls match, Hammer Time’s Kylinn Swineford defeated Zoey Williams.

Roof Raiser Kenneth Swartzell and Hammertime’s Ryder Kanaskie forced a couple of extra periods in their match. Picking up the win was Kanaskie.

In the final match of the opening division, the Roof Raiser’s Silas Riden vs. Hammer Time matman Rocky Johnson. Johnson picked up a tech fall, upping the score to 14-5.

The Roof Raiser’s Eric Rhodes led early picking up a 3-0 advantage over opponent Austin Pecht.

In the second period, Rhodes was able to hold off a spirited effort by Pecht to win the contest, 3-0, cutting into the Hammer Time lead at 14-8.

Roof Raiser Charlie Burger continued his team’s comeback attempt as he opened up with a 3-1 first period advantage. Burger defeated Anthony Noland, 6-2. With the win, the Lady

The Roof Raisers continued their was back as Gavin Mickey put his team in front 17-14 by pinning Mason Grove.

In an exciting match, the Roof Raiser  Diọn Holland and Hammer Time  Kyle Miller battled fiercely as their first period score was a 0-0, with each wrestler trying to get control. Miller used a late second period to take a 3-0 victory, tying the contest at 17.

In the battle of brothers Roofraiser Taylor Smith and Hammertime’s Casey Smith. Smith battled back taking a 4-3 lead, putting his team back in front 20-17 at the intermission.

Roof Raiser Nik Christine versus Hammer Time’s Kross Todaro. Todaro was looking to remain undefeated at 4-0. Todaro notched the first points, picking up a first period takedown.

In the second, Todaro rounded things out and won 9-1, earning his spot in the Wrangle Hall Of Fame.

Roof Raiser Adam Stout vs. Hammer Time Toby Yorks.

Stout took the first period leading on a takedown, 3-0. He continued against Yorks in the second by a score of 6-1. With the win, the Roof Raisers inched back 24-20.

Sporting a Lewistown Panther uniform, Hammer Time’s Jacob Schultz went head-to-head with Roof Raiser Quentin Milliken. In a battle between former Lewistown and Indians Valley wrestlers, the two ended the first period in a zero-all stalemate. Schultz came on strong in the second, posting a take down and then kept control, 3-0.

Roof Raiser Taylor Cahill and Hammer Time’s Tyler Barnes battled through two scoreless periods. But in the third, Barnes picked up the 3-0 victory, extending the Hammer Time lead to 30-20.

In another intense match, Roof Raiser Parker Kearns used a late take down and held onto the 4-2 victory over Hammer Time Matt Sarbo.

In the main event, former Lewistown

Standout and current Roof Raiders Matt Bonson battled Cole Walters.

The match was all Bonson as he picked up two take downs in the first, taking a 6-1 advantage into the final period. In the end, Bonson brought his team back, winning 16-3.

However, it wasn’t quite enough as Hammer Time took this year’s event 30-27.

After the last buzzer sounded, there were strong memories of days gone by, a sneak into the future and an appreciation of the present state of local wrestling. What could possibly beat Wrangle in the Wild 4?

Maybe a Wrangle in the Wild 5 perhaps?
Tune in next year to see!