Jackson Boonstra, a junior at Dakota Valley, earned his 150th career wrestling win on Saturday, Jan. 27. The achievement came in Brookings, SD at the Les Tlustos Wrestling Tournament. It was an outstanding day for Boonstra who went undefeated at the tourney. He was named the champion for the 144 pound weight class after garnering a pin and three major decision victories.

A busy week was had by the Panther wrestling team as they had 3 events in 5 days. First up was a DAK XII triangular in Lennox on Tuesday, Jan. 23 with DV wrestling the Orioles and the Tea Area Titans.

West Central struck first in scoring after winning the tip in the postponed contest for the Panther boys basketball squad on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The Trojans brought height, but DV moved the ball and worked for mismatches as they pushed up the court on offense. Nice shots from Charlie Margeas and Luke Bruns got DV’s offense going.

The week of Jan. 1521 was a week of ups and downs with blowing snow and low temperatures.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies travelled to Howard on Jan. 19 to compete on the mats for the first time this year. Weather postponed and cancelled many matches throughout the first half of January, but finally Mother Nature cooperated enough for the Huskies to compete once again.

Over 150 youth wrestlers came to Elk Point on Sunday, Jan. 21 for the Elk Point-Jefferson Youth Wrestling Tournament. It was a round robin format with multiple weight classes and age divisions. Boys and girls from preschool through grade school showed strength and grit on the mats throughout the entire event.

The matchup against Vermillion is always an interesting game as both schools have strong players. It was the same on Jan.

Over 150 youth wrestlers, including over a dozen from Dakota Valley, were in Elk Point on Sunday, Jan. 21 for the EPJ Youth Wrestling Tournament. It was a round robin format with multiple weight classes and age divisions. Boys and girls from preschool through grade school showed strength and grit on the mats throughout the entire event.

Dell Rapids and Madison were the opponents that the Panther wrestling team faced on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at an away triangular. The match versus the Quarriers was close as DV fell in team scoring by just 3 points. The Bulldogs were strong and big winners on the night as DV fell to them 8-70 in team scoring.

Week 5 for Dakota Valley Esports was hectic as many scheduling changes occurred due to winter weather and other schools having the day off in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Despite the conflicts, multiple victories were garnered by the Panthers.