Mules send four to state mat tournament

The Mule Wrestling team took eight wrestlers in to the regional wrestling tournament last weekend at Chief Leschi, and four earned the right to continue their season to the state tournament.

Only the top three wrestlers in each weight class from the western side of the mountains advance to the state Mat Classic this weekend in the Tacoma Dome.

At 103 lbs., Blayne Edwards continued his winning streak. After a first round bye in the eight man bracket, Blayne finished the day with two pins and first place.

"This makes him one of the two first seeds at the state tournament," said Mule Coach Matt Stacey. He will be match number one Friday at 10 a.m. start time.

After a bye and then a frustrating second match, freshman Mason Mackey was able to come back to take third at 119. He also added to his yearly pin totals.

Senior Ben Miles faced a tough weight class at 140 with the confidence of a senior who knows what it takes to get the job done, Stacey reported.

"After winning his first match he faced a very tough match against the number one seed from Tacoma Baptist," Stacey said. "The match started with a flurry of activity but was cut short by a very unfortunate turn of events. In a physical scramble for a takedown, the TB wrestler fell in an awkward manner and dislocated his arm. It was a disappointing way to reach the finals as both wrestlers had been looking forward to a tough battle. Ben was not able to get past his long time rival this week and so took second at the regional tournament. This will be Ben’s third appearance at the Tacoma Dome."

Nate Cothren, a freshman, also faced a very difficult bracket, Stacey said. After working his way back through the wrestle backs, Cothren found himself face to face with a long term rival from Ocosta.

"Nate has wrestled this opponent at least three times this year, with each match bringing the scores closer," Stacey said. " Saturday was different though. Nate knew coming into the match what he had to do and was able to execute it. Ahead in the final period he finished the match with a pin!"

All the Mule wrestlers put in tough performances, Stacey said. Adam Vasion, who came back in the last half of the week from strep throat, missed progressing to the state by a series of judgment calls by a referee.

"Unfortunately the judgments were not consistent from one wrestler to the next," Stacey said.

Dylan Hansen also was returning from a week off and was not able to capitalize on his game plan and missed advancing by the smallest of margins.

Jesus Crawford and Mitch Vik rounded out the Mule’s regional team. "Mitch has been a model of consistency this year, never missing practice and proving his strong character by coming back week after week," Stacey said.

All of the state wrestling tournaments are held in the Tacoma Dome. The tournament starts Friday with the placing rounds concluding Saturday night.