Wrestlers win in the East

Submitted by Coach Matt Stacey

Traveling two weeks in a row to compete on the east side trains the mind in many ways. First, off it trains the wrestlers to handle the overnight road trips before the regional and state tournaments. Even more, it revealed to the Mules that they can wrestle with any competition in the state.

Nine of the Mule wrestlers traveled to the Almira/Coulee City/Hartline (ACH) Banks Brawl last weekend. Five ended the night in the finals.

The Mules' lightweight for the day, Luke Stacey at 126 lbs., was the first in the finals. After taking a bye the first round and winning the second by fall, Luke was in good shape for a tough finals match which he won, 8-0.

The Mules' second champion came right away at 132 lbs. Alex Johnson won a difficult semi-finals match in the last seconds of overtime. After that struggle, Alex dominated his opponent in the finals, scoring a quick pin.

After having finally made weight at 138 lbs., Mason Mackey was looking forward to a chance to inspect the lighter weight competition (having come down from 145). However at this tournament there was only one other 138 lb. wrestler, so Mason bumped back up to 145 lbs. in order to face a stiffer level of competition. He found the competition he was looking for, earning his way back to the finals against ranked wrestlers. Mason ended the night in 2nd.

Nate Cothren and Adam Vasion were both in the most full weight class, 160 lbs. Since there were 14 wrestlers present representing 10 teams, the tournament director decided to make two varsity 8-man brackets. The Mule wrestlers were split between the two and began the march to the finals. In the final round both Mules came up short by a hair, but knowing that they were well able to compete with anyone in the state.

The final placer for Wahkiakum was Brandon Burdick at 152 lbs. Brandon was able to come in fourth in a series of close matches.

Two wrestlers chose to stay behind and wrestle at the Kelso Girls & JV Tournament. Dallas Gott wrestling at 106 in the lady wrestling bracket earned her place on the podium at second. Jesus Crawford requested the opportunity to wrestle in Kelso instead of traveling to ACH. It was an opportunity for him to wrestle in front of family and he made the most of the opportunity. Jesus also took the podium for a second place medal.

The wrestling season is coming towards its climax. This weekend the Mules will be traveling to Hoquiam for the Grizzly Invite Boys & Girls tournaments. The following weekend will be the Kalama Rubber Chicken, followed by a weekend off and then tournament time..