Wrestlers receive awards

On Sunday, the Mules Wrestling Team celebrated their end of the year banquet and award ceremony. Wrestlers of all ages from six-year-old Paul Stacey to Wahkiakum High School Senior Ben Miles attended.

Youth Coach Paul Johns handed out awards and congratulated all of the youth wrestlers on their great season. Johns was assisted this year by Crystal Davis who, he said, was “his best assistant coach ever.” Johns was also the middle school coach this year and introduced his wrestlers.

Johns was recognized as the Sub-Regional Middle School Coach of the Year. He took the middle school program up into the tougher Kelso league this year and was able to place the majority of his wrestlers.

High School Assistant Coach Keith Burns was also recognized this year for two major accomplishments. First, this is his 15th year as assistant coach for the Mules. He has been a main stay of the program since its restart under Andy Wolf. Burns also was recognized as the Sub-Regional Assistant Coach of the Year. This honor was earned in recognition of his years and great knowledge that he has shared with the program.

The high school wrestlers were recognized for the following achievements:

Blayne Edwards - Washington State B 103 lb. state champion; Mules Outstanding Wrestler for 2011; leading the team with 25 wins and 19 pins Blayne is on the “Top 5 Juniors” of all time for Mule Wrestling, as well as a two time member of the Mule Wrestling Hall of Fame and the first lifetime member of the Mule Wrestling Dream Team.

Mason Mackey also entered the Mule Wrestling Hall of Fame as a freshman, making him one of the Top 5 Freshman of all time, Mason led the team in near fall and reversals and is co-recipient of the “Most Improved Wrestler” award.

Ben Miles earned the honor of “four years as a Mule Wrestler,” Team Captain and three time state participant/Mule Wrestling Hall of Fame member. Ben had a new school record of 102 take downs in one season, a record that will be difficult to break. Ben’s 21 victories this season moved him into the 75 win club. Ben also was recognized with a “2011 Washington State Wrestling Academic All State Honorable mention.”

Nathan Cothren was the co-recipient of the Most Improved Wrestler award. He also joined the Top 5 Freshmen of all time list with 20 wins and is a first year member of the Mule Wrestler Hall of Fame.

Brandon Burdick was the recipient of the 2011 Coaches Award. This award was given in recognition of his continual hard work ethic, his improvement as the year progressed and his dedication.

Adam Vasion was the recipient of the 2011 Most Inspirational award. This award was given in recognition of Adam’s hard work, leadership and excited and positive attitude.

The following wrestlers also received their varsity letters: Edwards, Jesus Crawford, Mackey, Mitchell Vik, Miles, Cothren, Vasion, Burdick, Jr. Ramirez, Cam Elliott, and Dylan Hansen.

The Mules Wrestling team and coaches would like to extend a huge thank you again to all of the parents, supporters and friends who helped make this season a success.