Despite numbers being down, Placer wrestling is still competing

Rio Linda High School defeated Placer 43-42 in a unique Foothill Valley League wrestling dual meet Wednesday night. The loss bought the Hillmen to 1-1 in FVL matches. The score was tied at 42, and the deciding point was given to Rio Linda because the Knights had more pins. "I didn't prepare the team well enough for this match," coach Don Packheiser said. "There was a possible total of 84 points and we each scored 42. I take my hat off to the Knights; they were better this evening." Enzo Gallo recorded the lone pin for the Hillmen, in the 132-pound class. In exhibition matches, Breanna Packheiser won by pin and Jason Lee won by decision 9-8. What made the match so unique was that nearly every individual match that counted toward the final score was won by forfeit. While forfeits aren't uncommon, the amount on both sides was rare. "This is just the lowest turnout I've ever had. Several teams are in the same boat," Packheiser said. "I did wrestling in PE, worked football games to recruit players. No one new came out this year from football. I got two girls to join from PE, but I'm not sure why numbers are so low." Packheiser said the team has 17 wrestlers for 14 weight classes. He said several JV wrestlers are competing with the varsity because nobody else is available. While numbers are down, the Hillmen know the show must go on. The team has this weekend off and will be back in action Dec. 15 against Oakmont.