Mule wrestlers headed to state - O'Connor wins regional title

Four of eight Wahkiakum Mule wrestlers competing in the Class 2B/B Western Regionals Wrestling Championship at Lacey qualified for this weekend's state Mat Classic at the Tacoma Dome.

Overall the Mules finished sixth in team standings.

Kevin O’Connor, a 112 lb. junior, added another championship to this year’s season by winning his weight class. O'Connor had two matches during the tournament and he won both by pin.

“Kevin wrestled extremely well," said Mule Coach John Hannah. "He has been focused on his goals and what he wants to do on the mat for last few weeks, and it is really paying off.

"Kevin has a great shot at earning a medal next weekend, all he needs to do is finish each round and match like he has, in total control and in his style of wrestling.”

Another finalist for the Mules was junior Brady Johns (140 lbs.). He lost his championship match by a 4-7 score in a repeat of last weekend's championship match at districts.

“Brady wrestled the entire tournament very tough," Hannah said. "He didn’t seem to have his most technical day, but probably his best mental toughness day we’ve seen out of him this year. If he can combine his great technique and his mental toughness from this weekend he can have a great state tournament."

The Mules had two third place finishers. Senior Jared McEntire (119 lbs.) and freshman Ben Miles (103 lbs.) both finished the tournament in third place and qualified for state.

“Jared had another good tournament," Hannah said. His only loss was to last year's state champion at a lower weight class who has been dominating all year. He finished the day with a commanding victory as he beat his opponent from Napavine who Jared lost to last weekend in their championship match.

“Ben may have been a little disappointed in his outcome as he was defeated by an opponent who he beat earlier, but this happened once earlier to him this year and he came back with a lot more aggression and commitment to achieving his goals. If he can do this next weekend he has a great shot.”

The four Mules who qualified will all compete next Friday and Saturday in the 20th Annual Mat Classic tournament in the Tacoma Dome. Matches will begin at 10 a.m. on both days, with the finals beginning late on Saturday night.

Pictures of this past weekend can be viewed on the Mule Wrestling Club website: http://www.leaguelineup.com/mule.