Several Panorama Panther wrestlers were atop the podium Saturday at the Crusader Invitational hosted by Coon Rapids-Bayard High School. The event was comprised of wrestlers from AC/GC, Audubon, East Sac County, English Valleys, Exira/EHK, Riverside. Oakland, South Central Calhoun, and West Central Valley. Six Panther wrestlers won their respective weight class, and two others grappled in the championship match to help Panorama win the tournament with 242.5 points. Placing first in their weight class from Panorama included Danny Nordquist (126), Wyatt Appleseth (132), Noah Kirtley (138), Gunnar Grunsted (170), Trevor Carey (182), and Dalton Holmes (195). Carey was the only Panorama wrestler to pin his way to the tournament championship. Kaleb Stogdill (152) and Dan Jensen (285) advanced to the championship match but ultimately finished in second place.

The tournament marked the first competition of the new year for the Panorama Panthers, who are currently the 16th best dual team according to the first Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials poll out before Christmas break. The Panthers resume their dual season Thursday, grappling wrestlers from East Union, Martensdale-St Mary’s, and Southwest Valley High School. First matches start at 6 p.m.  East Union High School in Afton.