Mules place fourth in Oroville Invite

The Wahkiakum Mule wrestling team placed fourth last week in the North Okanogan Holiday Invitational Tournament in Oroville.

It took a committed team effort to earn the placing, said Coach Matt Stacey.

"Being in the middle of Christmas break, and with families traveling, not all of the Mules were able to make this tournament," he said. "Each one who went committed to going out a warrior, win, draw or die.

"That commitment to wrestling to the top of their ability, not giving up ever, and fighting until the final whistle allowed the team to come home with a fourth place team trophy.

“It is relatively easy for a good team to have one or two wrestlers dedicated enough to reach the placing rounds. The team wins though, are reserved for whole teams who are willing to give their all. You can not reach the team placing without multiple scorers. Each wrestler who wins a match contributes to the victory. Each wrestler who earns a pin adds another team point. Each wrestler who fights to avoid a pin, keeps the other team from an extra point. In that light, wrestling moves from an individual sport to a true team sport. A team sport in which each individual is needed to fulfill a roll that no one else can make up for.”

Nate Cothren led the team in attaining this victory by earning first place by a pin at 145.

Blayne Edwards (113) and Luke Stacey (120) also made the finals and took second place. Mason Mackey (126), Bubba Calvert (170) and Ben Vasion (182) all took third place. Alex Johnson (126) brought home 6th. Also contributing to the Mules team score were Jesus Crawford (132), Brandon Burdick (138), Trystan Mendez (160) and Adam Vasion (152).

The Mules wrestled at Clatskanie yesterday (Wednesday). Their home meet scheduled for next Monday has been cancelled.