The NRHEG wrestling team opened its season Thursday night when it traveled to Pine Island for two duals.

In the first dual, NRHEG pulled out a narrow win over Pine Island, 40-36. NRHEG picked up wins from freshman Nikolas Pestinger at 120 pounds, freshman Clay Stenzel at 126, seventh-grader George Roesler at 138, junior Argo Gushwa at 152 and eighth-grader Makota Misgen at 220. The Panthers also earned bonus points from forfeit wins by seniors Tyler Jacobson and Quentin Arndt.

The Panthers were trailing late in the dual, 36-28, with only two matches remaining. Midgen assured the Panthers victory with a pinfall over Jackson Klusmann, followed by a forfeit at 285.

NRHEG wasn’t as fortunate in its second dual against Lake City, though, falling 50-15.

The Panthers managed to pick up wins from sophomore Thor Routh (pinfall, 1:30) and Jacobson (dec. 9-2), as well as a forfeit win from Arndt.

“I feel that we have a great effort, focusing strictly on the things we can control,” said head coach Shawn Larson. “We fought hard in many of the losses and competed in virtually every match. We are going to get right back in the room tomorrow and keep getting better. If we can keep efforts that we got from Agro (Gushwa), Thor (Routh) and Tyler (Jacobson), look for some big things.”

The Panthers will be back on the mat Dec. 6 for their first home dual against United South Central.