Mule wrestlers get off to good start

In wrestling, it is the last 10 matches of the year that matter most. The beginning of the season can be great or abysmal, but what really matters is the wrestlers performance at subs, regionals and the state tournament. The first week then is simply a measuring gauge to establish a base line and start the trajectory for the climb to the top.

This year’s baseline is starting high for the Mules. With the first two competitions behind them, the Wahkiakum wrestlers are on a proven right track. With returning Junior Adam Vasion and Sophomores Mason Mackey and Nate Cothren leading the squad Thursday night, the team battled against Ocosta and Ilwaco in a mix and match and there was early success. Freshman Kody Vik came up with a pair of pins in his two matches. Sophomores Dylan Hansen, Jesus Crawford, Brandon Burdick and Juniors Ariel Snodgrass and Ben Vasion all earned pins.

Saturday's Tournament in Ocosta saw two more wrestlers become eligible for the Mules. Juniors Bubba Calvert and Mitch Vik rejoined the team on the mat. Ocosta was a great tournament to help us establish an early season base line and we were able to compete against most of the teams from our league and get a feel for who will start where, and who are the wrestlers to beat.

One of the wrestlers to beat will be Wakiakum’s Mason Mackey who as of the end of week one is undefeated at 132, winning the Ocosta invite by defeating a tough wrestler from Elma in the finals.

Also placing for the Mules were freshman Luke Stacey (4th at 126) and Junior Ben Vasion (4th at 195). Ben Vasion started the day with a loss against an outstanding wrestler from Elma, forcing him to battle back through the hard way to the consolation finals. Trystan Mendez (160 JV) and Ariel Snodgrass (ladies 160) both went undefeated on the day, each with two pins. Nate Cothren (152) was forced to an injury default after a strong start. He will be back in the line up this week. Mitch Vik (138), Kody Vik (138), Jesús Crawford (126), Brandon Burdick (145), Adam Vasion (160), Jr. Ramirez (160) and Dylan Hansen also racked up points for the Mules Saturday.

Unfortunately the Mules have not been able to field their whole team yet. But by this weekend three members of the team will gain eligibility; returning state Champion Blayne Edwards, Freshman Alex Johnson and foreign exchange student Yao. Week two for the mules includes competitions at Astoria and Saturday’s tournament at Warrenton, Ore.