Thom Hanrahan
Special to the Citizen
For many outside of South Platte County, Tuesday, Jan. 28 was probably just another day.
But inside Park Hill South’s main gymnasium, something special happened for everyone who loves Panther purple.
In a 54-27 dual win over Lee’s Summit, Park Hill South honored seven seniors and stirred quite a few emotions.
“It was emotional, for sure,” senior Cameron Gillespie said about the farewell ceremony before action began. “Especially Max Rosario. I’ve known him since I was four and wrestled with him since I was five or six.
“We’ve grown up around this sport and it’s brought us together so much. Our 145, Gage Baska, and I have been on the same team since sixth grade.”
It was a doubly special night for the Rosario family.
Max Rosario’s twin sister, Eliana Rosario, was honored for her role as student manager.
Those bonds proved too much for the visiting Jackson County school.
The Panthers won the matches they were expected to take and the Tigers gave up too many open roster spots.
In the early going, however, the scoreboard favored Lee’s Summit.
Wins at 195 and 220 by fall staked the Tigers to a quick 12-0 advantage.
At 285, Panthers senior Clay Cronkleton stopped the streak with a win by fall of his own over Lee’s Summit freshman Jay Johnson at the 10-second mark.
After another victory for the Tigers at 106, however, Park Hill South took control.
Pins by the Panthers’ Dylan Taylor (113) and Connor Detty (120) evened up the team scoring.
Thom Hanrahan/Special to the Citizen
Park Hill South’s Max Rosario poses for a photo during senior night on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in Riverside.
Over the next seven weight classes, Park Hill South went 5-2 behind a win by fall from senior Gage Baska and four open Lee’s Summit roster spots.
When the initial draw was announced, Gillespie was a bit excited that maybe the final result would come down to his event-closing bout.
Because of the Lee’s Summit forfeitures, however, that was not to be. The affair had been settled.
Nonetheless, the 2019 state qualifier took care of his business.
Gillespie dispatched with the Tigers’ Sean O’Connor with a pin 2 minutes, 52 seconds into the clash.
“Lee’s Summit is a conference opponent,” Gillespie said. “So those are ones you want to win for personal all-conference awards and for the team.”
There is more to be done, however, in the Panthers’ minds. Baska is ready to get back to work.
“We wanted to show people the work we put in to get a big win here,” Baska said. “It means a lot to us seniors and we are proud to be a part of this school.
“We are going to continue to train hard because districts is coming up in a few weeks.”
Park Hill South coach Dan Dunkin agrees with his senior.
He looked around the emptying gym and watched the time-honored tradition of underclassmen and junior varsity athletes rolling up the mats.
He raised his voice a bit to be heard above the din and the sharp sound of sealing tape coming off the foam playing surface.
“This is, without a doubt, a special group for me,” he said. “The leadership. The friendship. I don’t have to yell like I used to because my seniors care about the freshmen and underclassmen and teach them.
“Even the losses have been a pleasure to coach. I’d go (to) battle with these guys over anyone.”