The Laramie Plainsmen wrestling team is hosting the Class 4A West Regional Wrestling Championships on Saturday at Laramie High School.

It’s the first time LHS has hosted since 2010.

Laramie head coach Stuart Brinkman said it’s going to be nice sleeping in our own bed.

“I don’t think we’ve had regional wrestling here for like 12 years. I was an assistant coach last time, so we’re really excited to wrestle in front of our home crowd.”

Laramie welcomes Evanston, Jackson, Kelly Walsh, Natrona County, and Rock Springs for the one-day event.

There are two mats in the main gymnasium at LHS, and one mat will be in the auxiliary gym.

The first round starts at 9:30 on Saturday morning. The championship quarterfinals will begin at 11 a.m. At 12:30 p.m. is when wrestlebacks start. The championship semifinals are at 2 p.m. The medal round wrestling starts at 4:15 p.m.

Brinkman knows there’s some pressure that goes with this weekend, as wrestlers try to qualify for the state championships next week in Casper.

“Being at home, I think it does ease the tension a little bit. Just not traveling on that bus (is big). Usually, we travel two-and-a-half hours plus just to go to regionals. We sleep in a hotel. (Being at home) we’ll be well-rested, feeling good, and, hopefully, we’ll do well, Saturday.”

Natrona County is the favorite to win the team title. They are ranked No. 1 in Class 4A by wyowrestling.com.

Brinkman feels they can’t be concerned about standings. The worry has to be about ourselves.

“This week our focus has been just working hard; a lot of explosive movements; also, chain wrestling. We’re taking shots. We’re working on our turns, right to a pin. If we can combine all of those things, hopefully, we can be successful.”

Training-wise, Brinkman says they’re definitely ready for a day like this.

“I’m not really worried about our shape. Sickness has been going around, but I think we’re ready to go.”

The goal is to get as many wrestlers to Casper next weekend for the state championships.

15 Outrageous Wyoming Myths That People In The US Think Are True

It's really interesting how many people in the U.S. have no clue about Wyoming. The less they know, the better off we are, BUT these actual misconceptions about Wyoming are just ludicrous. Hard to believe these 15 came out of someone's mouth.

More From KOWB 1290