Larson, School Officals Meets Wrestler Ready To Rejoin Team

Two-time Sandpoint High School state wrestling champion Pat Larson will rejoin the Bulldogs today, two weeks after he allegedly quit the team.

Larson, a 152-pound junior, reportedly quit the team the day before the prestigious Tri-State Tournament. But he and his parents claim the situation regarding his departure was misunderstood, that he left the team because of injuries.

Coach Dan Taylor believed Larson had quit the team when he didn’t report to practice Dec. 20. Larson has missed practice ever since, Taylor said. Taylor couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday.

School administrators, Taylor, the Larsons and an attorney retained by the Larsons met Wednesday to resolve the issue. School officials reinstated Larson on Thursday and he was scheduled to report to practice today, athletic director Jack Dyck said.

“At this point we need to get on and let the kids wrestle; he’s back and that’s all that’s important,” Dyck said.

Larson said his goal is to become a four-time state champion.

Larson’s mother, Dawn, hopes the matter is resolved.

“It was all a misunderstanding,” she said. “Pat was off the team for medical reasons. We don’t think there will be any problems. We feel like everything is cleared up now.”

Larson, who had knee surgery in August, developed a blister under his knee cap. His knee had been locking up and swelling in early season matches and practices.

Two days before Tri-State, Larson injured a shoulder that had been bothered by bursitis.

“He didn’t do anything wrong,” Larson’s mother said. “He just wanted time off for his injuries to heal.”

Taylor said his wrestlers voted twice since Tri-State not to allow Larson to rejoin the team. He felt the decision should be made by his wrestlers.

But school officials stepped in this week when Larson sought to rejoin the team.

Larson said the swelling around his knee has subsided, and he will begin light practices.

, DataTimes