Wrestling has always been more or less an individual sport. At Polk County High School this season, more is probably the operative word, as the Wolverines have been short on numbers but can boast some fine talent.

Such is the case, with five team members representing the school at this weekend’s (Feb 12, 13) Western Regional tournament, based on performances at the recent Western Highlands Conference tourney.

Polk’s two highest placing wrestlers at the WHC competition were Dustin Calvert, who placed third at 160 pounds, and Triston Watkins, who was fourth at 106.

At regionals, to be held at West Lincoln, Watkins will still compete at 106, while Calvert will go at 152. Also representing Polk at the regionals will be Braden Miller at 170, Devin Panchyshyn at 220, and Marquise Lipscomb at heavyweight.

At the WHC tourney, Calvert, who’d had just three days of practice since recovering from an injury, was placed against last year’s defending state champion, and fought him to a 5-3 decision, which saw Calvert on the short end.

“He couldn’t have wrestled any better,” Wolverine Head Coach Phillip Miller said of Calvert. He’s got a heck of a shot to make states.”