Mule wrestlers compete at state

Last weekend, four Wahkiakum Mule wrestlers competed in the 20th Annual State Mat Classic.

The four wrestlers competed well, reaching the semifinals before being knocked out of medal contention.

The wrestlers were freshman Ben Miles, 103 lbs., junior Kevin O'Connor, 112 lbs., senior Jared McEntire, 119 lbs., and junior Brady Johns, 140 lbs.

McEntire opened the tournament with a first round win. "Jared wrestled the first match extremely well," said Coach John Hannah. "He was very aggressive and took control of the match from the start."

The four wrestlers earned three wins in the second round.

"Everybody looked really good in the second round on Friday night," Hannah said. "Brady won a match against a returning state placer in decisive fashion, and Jared gave everything he had against a returning state champion and nearly came away with a pin."

The four wrestlers competed in the consolation bracket semifinals on Saturday, one round away from the medal round. All were defeated.

"I thought we were in every match and had a chance to win them all," Hannah said. "The team gave it their best shot, but a few mistakes cost us and sent us home early."

As a team, the Mules finished in 15th place among 47 schools.