Thought it was a pretty incredible display of wrestling by the much heralded Ponderosa team.

Data supplied to me by their assistant coach Wayne Rodgers read as follows:

1995 state runner-up
1996 state runner-up
1997 state champion #25 ranked team nationally
1998 state champion #9 ranked team nationally
2003 state champion #13 ranked team nationally

2 dual losses since 1994 (both came in 1999) and 88-0 in Continental League duals since joining the league in 1994.

Average margin of victory in 2003-04 66.2 points.

Combined dual scores coming into last nite 426-29.

Internet indicated Ponderosa has 1,600 +/- students in their high school.

Their 130 pounder, 160 pounder and 171 pounder were top notch. Their 125 pounder was really tough too. Farber and Schippers beat studs at 119 and 152. And of the matches contested, they were not weak at any weight, by Kansas standards.

I and a few others wondered if Ponderosa might have inserted a couple of JV kids in the line-up because of their disclosed records and because an assistant coach was very active in coaching those matches, but nearly silent in the others. But that was purely speculation on our part.

From a Hoxie fan's perspective, Hoxie was close to falls on occassion at 119 and 152, but didn't quite get it done. Gilliland looked outstanding against a freshman who is ranked in Colorado. Not out of the realm of possibility to win a rematch at 125. And - depending on whether we saw a JV kid or not - Schippers should pick up at least a 9 point team score swing at 145. But Ponderosa could conceivably win one more or win more convincingly in some bouts too.

Ponderosa was a class act. Cordial and accommodating coaches. Polite athletes. Very knowledgeable fans. And top notch wrestlers. Adequate from all three positions. Strong from neutral (160 was remarkably good from neutral). Good leggers and excellent at turning wrist control into back points from top. And Hoxie did not appear as dominating from the top position against Ponderosa as they normally are.

I am glad to have had the opportunity to see them compete. Good luck to Ponderosa as their season unfolds.

Would be curious to hear Ponderosa's thoughts regarding Hoxie's team, the small town environment and the crowd interaction at what was likely the smallest venue Ponderosa has ever performed in.