Mule wrestlers ready for Challenge

Two weeks into the season, Wahkiakum Mule wrestlers have four competitions under their belts.

"We have seen some great things from each of our wrestlers, already," said Coach Matt Stacey, "but it will be a challenging year for many of our wrestlers as we are a young team."

The team includes:

--Freshmen Jesus Crawford (112 lbs.), Mason Mackey (119), Nate Cothren (145), Brandon Burdick (160) and Dylan Hansen (285).

--Sophomores Mitchell Vik (130) and Adam Vasion (160), Jessie Lee (140) and JR Ramirez (160).

--Junior Blayne Edwards (103).

--Seniors Ben Miles (140) and Cameron Elliott (171).

Miles is a returning two-time state participant.

"Ben has been learning to wrestle effectively within his own style and gifting and has already avenged some of last year's matches," Stacey said. "Ben has already earned second at both the Mark Morris tourney as well as the Warrenton Eight-Way."

Edwards, also a returning state participant, became eligible to wrestle just before the Warrenton touranment and won his weight class, the Mules' first champion ever at that meet, Stacey said.

"Cam is wrestling in a very powerful weight bracket and has been steadily improving his technique and style as the year progresses," Stacey added.

The team's younger wrestlers have been earning respect, Stacey said. The team placed fifth of nine teams at Warrenton, with Crawford placing fourth, Mackey third, Cothren fourth and Vasion fourth.

In the Astoria tournament, Hansen won two of three matches, both by pins, against some big heavyweights.

Burdick, Lee and Ramirez are all competing well in competitive weight classes, Stacey said.

The Mules host the Down River Challenge this Saturday, with action starting around 9:30 a.m. at Wahkiakum High School. The 16-man bracketed tournament promises to remain tough all day until the finals with some of the best teams in the B classifications competing.