Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter
Fernley’s Lonnie Slapinski celebrated he New Year’s weekend by leading the Fernley wrestling team with an eighth place finish at the Sierra Nevada Classic wrestling tournament at the Livestock Events Center in Reno.
Slapinski placed eighth in the heavyweight division, after losing a close match to the 4th seed during the first day of the tournament, which would have put him into the quarterfinals.
“Lonnie did an awesome job," coach Scott Gillespie said. “His hard work has really paid off. We are all extremely proud of him. With the big guys, that’s how it happens sometimes. Lonnie proved, with his performance, why he is one of our team captains.”
The Vaqueros also had a wrestler compete in the first annual women's Sierra Nevada Classic. Paiten Smith competed in the 140 pound girls division.
"The girls tourney was an awesome atmosphere,” Gillespie said. “These final matches were legit. I think our kids got more hyped for some of the final girls matches than the boys."
Many of Fernley’s wrestlers competed in the SNC and then the JV tourney the second day at Spanish Springs High School.
Kyle Jones, a freshman 132 pounder, was one match from making the second day of the SNC, wrestling 5 matches on Thursday.
"He was adamant that he wanted to wrestle the next day at Spanish Springs, as he said, the grind never stops,” Gillespie said.

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Comment author: Carl C. Hagen
Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion.
Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM
Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp
Comment author: Alan Reeder
Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!
Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM
Comment source: Howard David Jackson
Comment author: Jack & Nancy Cook
Comment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.
Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AM
Comment source: Howard David Jackson
Comment author: JeffDickerson
Comment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.
Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AM
Comment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion case
Comment author: Todd fossum
Comment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed day
Comment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PM
Comment source: Clarence L Shields
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Comment author: Carl Hagen
Comment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?
Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PM
Comment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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