The rankings give Powell the nod ahead of No. 2 Worland and defending state champion Douglas, currently at No. 3. Lander, Wheatland and Mountain View round out the top six schools in the standings. The Panthers host Worland in a possible No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown on Friday, Feb. 11. That dual will also mark the team’s final event of the regular season.
Powell will host the 3A West regional tournament the following weekend, Feb. 18-19.
Jessee Craig (119), Colt Nix (140), Jimmy Seckman (152) and Olie Olson (160) all hold down the top ranking in their respective weight classes in the most-recent rankings. Charles Wittick (103), Waylon Bays (145) and Randy Andrews (171) sit at No. 2 in the latest rankings.
Other Panthers currently mentioned in the top seven of their weight division are Dylan Rood (No. 4 at 112), Robert Friday (No. 5 at 125), Luke Wozney (No. 6 at 130), Mike Mundy (No. 7 at 189) and Trevor Griffeth (No. 3 at 215).
The Panthers resume action this Friday and Saturday. The team travels to Riverton to take part in the Ron Thon Memorial Invite, traditionally one of the most prestigious and difficult tournaments in Wyoming high school wrestling. The Panthers were the top 3A team in the field a year ago, placing third overall.
The team also travels to Cody for a dual on Tuesday against the Broncs.