LYMAN — Dryden Menck is not used to losing. It is something that hasn’t happened much since the Lyman senior took up wrestling his sophomore year in 2016.

His first year competing in the sport, Menck won the Class 2A state title at 195 pounds. The Following year, Lyman moved to Class 3A. The change is classification didn’t affect Menck. He repeated as state champion at 195 pounds in 2017.

But for the first time this season, Menck (26-1) lost his first match last Saturday against Tyce Raddon (31-0) of Beaver (Utah) at the Rockwell Rumble, one of the largest tournaments in Utah.

When it comes time for postseason wrestling, the loss might give the two-time defending state champion the upper hand.

“I learned a lot from that loss. I’ve got to get in better shape,” Menck said. “I’ve been working harder, tuning up on some things and just trying to be the best.”

Menck was one of seven wrestlers to earn wins for the Eagles in their 42-24 victory against Big Piney on Tuesday.

William Crook (113), Braxton Sabley (120), Colten Ellison (138), Brendan Martin (145), Colton VanGieson (160), Zane Case (170) and Menck (195) were all victorious for the Eagles.

“I thought we moved a lot better than we have been,” Lyman coach Travis Ayres said. “In some recent matches, it just seems like we were stuck to the mat. We had better motion tonight, better chain wrestling and better results.”

Getting past Big Piney was not an easy task.

The Punchers are ranked fifth in Class 2A and have eight wrestlers ranked in the state.

This week the Eagles hit the mat at Ron Thon meet in Riverton.

Pictured:

Dryden Menck pulls for the pin as he waits the signal from the referee. HERALD PHOTO/Josh Hall