Fund drive under way for wrestling singlets

The Wahkiakum Wrestling Club has started a drive to raise funds from the community to purchase new singlets for Wahkiakum Mule wrestlers.

The team has 16 wrestlers but club members are looking to purchase around 20 singlets to allow for weight class variation and team growth.

"The singlets in use now have seen quite a few seasons and are showing the wear," said club spokesperson Suzanne Mackey. "Each singlet would cost about $75, so our goal is to raise $1,500. Any donation toward this goal would be welcomed and appreciated."

Wahkiakum Mule wrestlers and their coaches include:

Senior Blayne Edwards, 113 lbs., only Mule to place first at the state tournament;

Junior Adam Vasion, 152 lbs., a 2011 Regional Participant;

Junior Ben Vasion, 182 lbs., placed fourth at the Ocosta Invitational this year;

Junior Jr. Ramirez, 170 lbs., a returning second-year team member;

Junior Brook Calvert, 170 lbs., a first year Mule wrestler;

Junior Yao, 170 lbs., a foreign exchange student attending Wahkiakum;

Junior Ariel Snodgrass,160 lbs., placed first at the Ocosta Invitational;

Sophomore Brandon Burdick, 138 lbs., 2011 Regional Alternate.

Sophomore Dylan Hansen, 285 lbs., 2011 Regional Participant;

Sophomore Jesús Crawford, 126 lbs., 2011 Regional Participant;

Sophomore Nate Cothren, 152 lbs., 2011 State Participant;

Sophomore Mason Mackey, 126 lbs., 2011 State Participant;

Freshman Alex Johnson, 132 lbs., placed fourth at the Warrenton Invitational;

Freshman Kody Vik, 138 lbs., placed third at the Warrenton Invitational;

Freshman Luke Stacey, 120 lbs., placed fourth at the Ocosta Invitational, and

Freshman Tristan Mendez, 152 lbs., placed fourth at the Warrenton Invitational.

The Mules' coaches are Matt Stacey and assistant Keith Burns.

"This is going to be a great year for Wahkiakum with these two coaches leading," Mackey said. "They are both knowledgeable in the sport and supportive to the individual wrestlers as well as promoting team unity."

Checks can be made out to Wahkiakum Wrestling Club, 1000 Elochoman Valley Rd. Cathlamet, WA 98612 or call Mackey at 360-703-5235 or 360-795-3684 for information or other arrangements.