Hilmar High’s wrestling team had to overcome two obstacles Wednesday night in their first dual of the season, a tough Hughson High team and a lack of preparation. With only a week of practice and conditioning Hilmar came up short, losing 33-39.

“Conditioning, we just don’t have it yet,” head coach Howard Tremble said of his team’s performance. “But if we’re losing by six points and I’ve only had my kids for seven days; we’re going to be trouble.”

The Yellowjackets only won four of their 12 matches Wednesday, three of which were pins by David Alves, John Brinderio and Tony Delgadillo. Hughson recorded five pins on the night, taking advantage of a visibly tired Hilmar team. Even though the Huskies dominated most of the night, Hilmar, aided by a pair of forfeitures, was down by only three points in the final match. Hughson’s Daniel Williams extinguished Hilmar’s hope for a win or tie, however, controlling the final match and guaranteeing a Husky win.

Despite their loss Tremble was encouraged by how his team performed against one of the better wrestling programs in the Trans Valley League.

“We had a lot of big pins from unexpected kids,” Tremble said. “Our techniques were good, they just got a little tired in the third period and that dictated most of our matches.”

Hilmar is currently competing in MJC’s Western Invitational that began Friday.

To contact Frankie Tovar, e-mail ftovar@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.