Mules are going to the post season

Three Wahkiakum wrestlers are heading to regionals at Adna High School on Saturday after a successful weekend at sub-regionals.

Harley Popp and Brody Ashe, who represented the Mule boys, ended their season at the boys’ sub-regionals held in Kalama.

“They both wrestled hard but unfortunately don’t get to move on to regionals,” Coach Kyliegh Harlin said. “Those two boys have had so much improvement since the beginning of the season. They have worked so hard and picked up so many new things throughout the past few months and it showed on the mat on Saturday. They plan to come back next year and continue learning and growing. I can’t wait to see what they do next season.”

After their matches were over, the boys traveled to Hockinson to cheer on their teammates at the girls’ sub-regionals.

“We have such special group of kids,” Harlin said.

In Hockinson, Zaya Ray finished in first place in her class, while Lilian Hale took second in her class, and Lilly Snead placed third.

“Lilly Snead showed amazing willpower and pushed through some unexpected medical issues and being in the hospital the day before our tournament,” Harlin said. “Lilian Hale stepped up and helped to support Snead through her hard moments and met her at the edge of the mat to tend to anything she needed alongside us coaches. All of these girls lift each other up, push each other higher, and act as a family unit.”

The three head to Centralia for regionals this weekend.

“These three girls have worked so hard and come into practice every day with good attitudes, high expectations, and a growth mindset,” Harlin said. “They each strive for success on the mat and are always looking to learn more and perfect technique.

“Coach Stephen Mills and I are beyond proud of each one of our wrestlers and are honored to be part of their journey on and off the mat,” she added.

Harlin and Mills were nominated by regional coaches for Coach of the Year and Assistant Staff of the Year respectively, while Hale was one of four wrestlers nominated for Wrestler of the Year.

Winners will be announced after a final vote at regionals.