Pirates bring home trophy from Deep South

Platte Co. fourth out of 40 teams in Baton Rouge, La. tourney

Platte County wrestling coach Reggie Burress said the bus ride home was a grind, but it was all worth it when considering how well his team wrestled at the Deep South Bayou Duals. Platte County took fourth out of 40 teams in the event, which was held in Baton Rouge, La. last weekend. The Pirates won seven of nine duals they competed in. “I am very proud of each wrestler,” Burress said Monday. “They battled hard every match to bring home a fourth place trophy. A special thanks to the Pirates fans that made the trip to support the team.” Burress said the team left late in the evening on Christmas Day and made the 14-hour trip to Baton Rouge. He said most of the wrestlers slept most of the way. They returned during the night on Saturday and into Sunday. “It was a long trip coming back, but it was a good trip for our kids,” Burress said. Platte County defeated South Walton, Fla. 83-0, Zachary, La. 71-6, Comeaux, La. 58-12, Archbishop Rummel, La. 32-27, Jesuit, La. 42-34, Auburn, Ala. 36-30 and Catholic, La. 30-29. Platte County’s two dual losses came to North Forsyth, Ga. 36-32 and Gilmer, Ga. 48-24. Platte County individual tournament won-loss records were: Matthew Schmitt, 9-0; Matthew Barmann, 8-1; Jake Marquardt, 6-3; Ethan Karsten, 8-1; Caleb Crabtree, 7-2; Johnny Blankenship, 8-1; Louden Bredeson, 7-2; Tyler Blankenship, 5-4; Adam Muehlebach, 5-4; and Michael Barnett, 6-3. Platte County returns to the mat Jan. 8 at home versus Winnetonka.