Even after his team lost meets to Smoky Mountain and Shelby on Tuesday night, Phillip Miller, Polk County High School’s wrestling coach, had plenty of reason for optimism.

Miller envisions much better results when his wrestlers are healthy, and conference action begins on January 6.

He pointed out that even though Polk is 7-8, “In three of these losses, we only had half a team. Obviously, we want more wins,” Miller admitted.

“If we can be healthy when conference starts, we’ll be in good shape. The good’s still coming. We’ll make state duals. That’s our goal,” Miller added.

In double-dual action at Polk on Tuesday, the Wolverines first took on Smoky Mountain. Not including forfeit wins, Chase Emory (by pin at 138 pounds), Anthony Marino (7-2 decision at 152) and Deven Panchynshn (by pin at 220), earned wins against the Mustangs, as Smoky Mountain prevailed, 46-27.

Against Shelby, the Wolverines kept it close for most of the meet, before the Golden Lions defeated Polk, 53-27.

Polk had taken a 27-17 lead after Jerry Cox pinned his man at 195. Other Polk on-the-mat winners were Emory (by pin at 138), Marino (a tough 8-4 decision at 152 over the state’s fifth-ranked wrestler), Chandler Patrick (by pin at 170), and Braden Miller (by pin at 182).

Panchynshn, a freshman, who weighed in at just 196, was bumped up to heavyweight, where his much larger opponent eventually pinned him. That, as much as anything, illustrates the injury situation that has forced Miller to juggle his lineup.

In spite of that setback, Panchynshn is 10-1. “That’s a good record for a freshman,” said Miller, understatedly. In addition, Emory is 15-3; Dustin Calvert (who wrestles at 160, and is out injured) is 17-5; and Marino is 11-3.

“We’re as good in the middle (weights) as anyone you’ll find,” Miller stressed.

This Saturday, the Wolverines close out their pre-conference part of the season at the Brevard Duals.

On January 6, the Wolverines host Avery and non-conference team, Rosman. On January 9, they’ll challenge Mitchell and Mountain Heritage at Mountain Heritage.