THE FRONT ROW with JIM LANDERS: Time to get out and support NIC wrestling

This Thursday and Friday we have the opportunity to see the North Idaho College wrestling team take on Simon Fraser's grapplers on Thursday and the defending NJCAA champions, Clackamas, on Friday.

Local Post Falls wrestling product Derrick Booth, in his first year as NIC coach, has been working his tail off to return North Idaho College to the prominence it enjoyed under the direction of retired coach John Owen. Coach Derrick's plan for his team's only home appearances is to have his wrestlers on the attack. "We will be the aggressors," he said.

THREE WRESTLERS who will play key roles if NIC is to claim a team victory in their gym are: 141-pounder Brant Porter, 165-pounder Ledger Petracek, and 174-pounder Ethen Miller. Each of these teammates have expressed their thoughts about the upcoming duals this week.

Brant Porter, at 141, said: "I'm excited the team is ready and we are looking to battle in front of our home fans."

Ledger Petracek, at 165, said: "I'm looking forward to showing everybody that NIC is still on top and to go out there and put on a show for our fans."

Ethan Miller, at 174, said: "I'm looking forward to some familiar energy in the crowd, and to showcase all the hard work that our team has put in over the course of this season."

COACH BOOTH is so anxious to showcase his team for the first time at home that he is allowing all persons wearing a T-shirt from any wrestling club or team free admission for the Thursday night dual against Simon Fraser.

Simon Fraser is a four-year school. A victory against them is the momentum the NIC team is looking for to take on the defending junior college champion Clackamas the next night.

Come on local wrestling fans — let's pack the gym both Thursday and Friday and cheer NIC to victory.

Jim Landers is a longtime NIC wrestling supporter. Contact Jim at jimlanders83814@gmail.com