Scenes from the Evanston-Star Valley wrestling dual at EHS Feb. 5: In first photo, Star Valley wrestler Dakota Dana (Star Valley jacket) is consoled by Evanston head coach Larry Wagstaff as both teams gathered before Tuesday’s wrestling meet at EHS for a moment of silence to honor Dana’s parents and older brother, Scott. Frank and Barbara Dana lost their lives due to injuries from an auto accident last Saturday, and Scott Dana was reported still in critical condition at a Salt Lake City hospital; in second photo, EHS senior Joseph Platt (left) tries to stack his Star Valley opponent in a pin combination; third photo, Michael Shelton (top) flattens Tyler Schwab of Star Valley; fourth photo: Evanston senior Zach Mills tries to escape from Nick Edwards of Star Valley. HERALD PHOTOS/Steve Kodad

Wrestling probably didn’t seem a priority to Evanston and Star Valley’s teams last Tuesday evening, Feb. 5.

The Devils celebrated Senior Night, honoring the senior squad members and their parents before the match. But Senior Night and the wrestling action were overshadowed by a terrible tragedy suffered by the Star Valley wrestling family last weekend.

The parents of Star Valley wrestler Dakota Dana lost their lives as a result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident last Saturday evening.

Frank and Barbara Dana and Dakota’s older brother, Scott, were returning to Afton from the Ron Thom Memorial Tournament at Riverton. They had watched their son and his Star Valley teammates compete in the Riverton tournament.

Their car was struck head-on by a semi that lost control and crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 26 west of Dubois in the Togowatee Pass area.

Barbara died at the accident scene. Mr. Dana and his son were transported to Lander Hospital, then to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. Frank Dana passed away early Tuesday. At last report, Scott Dana was listed in critical condition at the Utah hospital.



Pre-meet tribute

While Dakota did not wrestle Tuesday against the Devils, he was at the meet, being supported by his Star Valley wrestling family.

Before the meet, both squads gathered in a circle on the mat, and EHS head coach Larry Wagstaff invited Dakota to come down from the stands and join both teams. A moment of silence was observed in support of the Dana family and the Star Valley team.

Star Valley head coach Eddie Clark said after Tuesday’s meet that his team gathered earlier in the day after they were informed that Mr. Dana had passed away.

“We talked and cried and prayed, about everything you can do,” Clark said. “We talked about Frank and Barbara, and what they meant to our program, and what they meant to our kids. In 20 years, I don’t think they ever missed a (Star Valley) wrestling match.

“They are looking down and smiling. We came out and competed tonight.”



Facing adversity

Clark said part of the reason to hold Tuesday’s competition in the midst of the tragedy was a continuation of the lessons athletics and wrestling teach to the participants.

“To help young men grow and become better people, that’s what we do here,” Clark said. “We teach these young men when they are facing tough times in life, to find the courage to go on. I think both teams did that tonight.”

The Star Valley mentor thanked the Evanston wrestling community for their support.

“I would like to thank the people of Evanston, Coach Wagstaff and the wrestling program, for all the things they’ve done, and in a dignified way,” Clark said.



Devils fought hard

Star Valley should battle for top team honors at the Class 4A state wrestling meet in Casper in two weeks. Evanston fought hard with the third-ranked Braves, winning six of the 13 contested varsity matches.

“Our kids battled,” EHS head coach Larry Wagstaff said. “We competed fairly well for the experience level that we have.”

EHS started three freshmen in the varsity lineup along with just five seniors. One of those freshmen, Colby Ervin, claimed a victory by fall in the 112-pound match.

“Ervin has beaten three or four kids that he was not supposed to beat (this season),” Wagstaff said.

Other winners for Evanston included: Michael Shelton (130 pounds), Joseph Platt (135), Dan Dean (140), Jake Sowers (145) and Miles Nixon (171).

“Jake Sowers is showing that he is capable,” coach Wagstaff said (Sowers finished second at 145 pounds at the tough Riverton meet last weekend). “Miles and Joseph and Dan Dean turned in solid performances again.”



Senior Night

Before Tuesday’s wrestling action, the EHS seniors and their parents were introduced to the crowd.

The six Devil senior squad members included Joseph Platt, Dan Dean, Jake Sowers, Allen Kennedy, Gentry Martin and Zach Mills.

Parents of the seniors were presented with special gifts.



Regionals next weekend

Evanston will have this weekend off from competition. Coach Wagstaff said the open schedule will provide a nice break for his Devils as they prepare for regionals.

Star Valley will host the West 4A Regional Tournament Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16. The Braves and Devils will battle with Green River, Rock Springs, Casper Natrona and Casper Kelly Walsh for berths in the Class 4A state meet in Casper Feb. 22-23.

The top eight finishers from each weight class at next weekend’s regionals will qualify for the 4A state meet.