Three Mules medal at state Mat Classic

Three of four Wahkiakum Mule wrestlers competing in the state wrestling tournament came home with medals last weekend.

Luke Stacey,126 lbs., finished third. He won three out of his four matches. Luke was losing his third place match but willed himself to a victory by completing a reversal on his opponent with 20 seconds left in the third round.

Alex Johnson, 138 lbs., was on the fringe of winning a state title. He just needed a little more time. Alex lost the championship round 4-2. His opponent scored his four points in the first round then spent the rest of the match on the defensive, holding off Alex's attacks. Alex was on the verge of scoring a couple times throughout rounds two and three but came up short due to the wrestlers going out of bounds. It was an amazing effort by Alex, and we look forward to him capturing a state championship next year.

Mason Mackey, 145 lbs., also competed for a state title, losing by a fall, Mason fell sick Friday night with flu-like symptoms. Mason struggled with staying hydrated and was not at his best or at full strength for the championship match. Although sick, Mason demonstrated his skill and determination by getting to the championship round,

Kody Vik, 152 lbs., participated in the state tournament and wrestled two matches, losing both of them. Because of academic ineligibility, Kody was unable to compete for a month but was able to work his way back and compete in the Mat Classic. He wrestled hard, showing grit and determination. He simply needed more mat time. He has this experience under his belt, so next year he should be predicted to compete for medal.