Wrestlers end with command performance

The Mule wrestling team finished up their regular season competition with a mix-n-match at home last week verses the other league teams. These matches were the final competitions setting up seeding for this Saturday’s sub-regional tournament in Ocosta.

Blayne Edwards established the pace for the team with a quick pin in his only match of the night.

"Blayne sits as the number one seed at 103 and is favored to be the first state champion from Wahkiakum," said Coach Matt Stacy.

Jesus Crawford continued the pin streak in both of his matches and is the second seed at 112. Mason Mackey also dominated with pins at 119 and is the number one seed.

At 130 Mitchel Vik, is ranked fourth at sub-regionals. Ben Miles protected his second seed at 140 with another pair of important victories.

At both 145 and 152 lbs. the Mules have two competitive wrestlers. Nate Cothren earned the number three seed at 145 by pinning his two opponents. Jessie Lee has earned the number five seed in that same difficult bracket.

At 152, Adam Vasion earned a second seed with his pins, while Brandon Burdick sits at number four seed after a 1-1 night.

"Unfortunately in Tuesday's mix-n-match, Brandon slipped out of position for only a second," Stacy said, "and it cost him the match. Saturday looks to be a great opportunity for a rematch."

First year wrestler Jr. Ramirez has come along way in this season but found stiff competition at home, loosing two tough matches, Stacy said. Senior Cam Elliot ended Tuesday with less than a minute of wrestling time, quickly dominating both of his opponents.

"The 171 lb. class is one of the most difficult weight brackets this year," Stacy said, "and Cam also will have a chance to avenge an early season loss at the sub’s."

Dylan Hansen comes into the sub-regional tournament as a solid three seed, having pinned close to half of the other contenders. Dylan also had a 1-1 night.

"Adding it up then, out of the 14 weight classes, the Mules will have 12 wrestlers competing in 10 weights," Stacy said. "Of those 10 weight classes, the Mules go into this tournament with nine wrestlers seeded in the top four, two at first, three at second, two at third, and two at forth."

The sub-regionals are the beginning of the road to the state tournament. From there only the top four wrestlers will advance to the regional tournament. The top three from the west side advance to the state tournament at the Tacoma Dome February 18 and 19.