“Disappointing” was Polk County High School wrestling coach Phillip Miller’s assessment of the Wolverines’ 45-36 loss to visiting Hendersonville on Friday, Jan. 18.

The hosts, who fell to 7-18, never got the chance to take it out on Thomas Jefferson, in what was scheduled to be the evening’s second meet. Forecasted frozen precipitation led TJ officials to keep their crew at home. As it turned out, traveling conditions could hardly have been better, but those fans who attended had to settle for a couple of great individual performances, and some game efforts that came up frustratingly short.

In a meet that could have gone either way (last time the two teams clashed, the Wolverines topped Hendersonville), inexperience cost Miller’s grapplers. Noting that the results “could have” been different, Miller explained, “We’re just so young at this time,” adding that it will take “lots of growing pains” to reverse their fortunes.

As the owner of a 7-18 mark, Miller admitted, “It’s definitely not fun right now.”

Among the Wolverines’ highlights was the sparkling 113-pounder Juan Vera upping his record to 32-1 with a pin of D. Walker with 1:37 remaining, after Vera built a 10-1 lead.

Heavyweight Chase McMurray needed just 10 seconds to glue his man to the mat, tying the score at 30.

Winners by forfeit for Polk County included Franklin Sandoval, Cameron Reed and Alex Metcalf.

The Wolverines host Mitchell and Shelby tonight, Madison on Tuesday, and travel to Mountain Heritage on Jan. 29. On Feb. 1, Coach Miller’s crew visits Avery High School, for the last scheduled meet before the tournament phase begins.