Johnson, Mackey medal at state meet

Submitted by Coach Matt Stacey

Wahkiakum wrestling has a tradition; all state placers get a banner on the wrestling room wall. There are banners from earlier wrestlers such as Nabor Mendez, and a banner for our 2012 champion, Blayne Edwards. The time has come to order a pair of new banners to add to the wall.

For the Mat Classic XXV state tournament last Friday and Saturday in Tacoma, the Mules were able to bring five boys guaranteed competition and two more hoping for an opportunity through the alternate system. Unfortunately doors did not open for our two alternates Brandon Burdick and Adam Vasion. That left the Mules with wrestlers at 126 lbs., Alex Johnson; 132 lbs., Luke Stacey; 138 lbs., Mason Mackey; 152 lbs., Nate Cothren, and 170 lbs., Trystan Mendez.

The Mat Classic can be an intimidating experience with 26 mats running through the majority of the tournament. There are competitors from all divisions; the ladies 16 woman bracket, men’s 1B/2B, 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A preparing to battle. The 1B/2B bracket is an eight-man, double elimination bracket. Though the awards are not handed out, wrestlers who earn their way into this tournament are already in the top eight in the state.

The first round of competition proved to be very difficult with all five Wahkiakum wrestlers losing their first match. Alex Johnson had a particularly heart breaking first round, as the match went from the regulation six minutes, into four periods of overtime. In the fourth period of overtime Alex had 30 seconds to escape and win or to be rode and lose. As time ran out the score was still 0-0, and the referee awarded a point to Alex's opponent for a 1-0 decision.

In the second round of wrestling Alex and Mason Mackey were able to pick up wins. It takes two wins to move into the placing rounds. The third round is wrestled Saturday morning, and is the consolation semi-finals. Alex and Mason both faced competitors who had won their first matches, but lost in the semi-finals.

Alex used the advantage of his great conditioning. This match again went into overtime and the longer the match went, the more dominant Alex became. In the second overtime period (30 seconds) Alex was able to gain his escape. That meant that in the third overtime period all he was required to do was not give up a point. Starting from the top position he did one better, forcing his opponent to his back and gaining extra back points to secure his right to a match for third and fourth places.

Mackey ran into a special challenge in his consolation semi-finals match. Partway through the first round Mason’s pinky was twisted and dislocated. The on-mat physical trainers were able to put it back in place, and Mason returned to competition where he was able to win against the east side's number 1 seeded wrestler.

Both Mason and Alex were able to place fourth in the state tournament.

As the season comes to a completion the Wahkiakum Mules wrestling team would like to thank all of their friends, family and supporters who have stood by them through this season. We would especially like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who stepped up to support the team financially and make this experience possible.