GSL Preview Wrestling
Back from state
Twenty-four wrestlers return who competed in Mat Classic XIX at Tacoma last season, nine of them 4A placers and three of them 3A placers. Included are finalist Brian Owen, U-Hi, sr., 125; Tanner Teeples, CV, sr., 3rd, 112; Philip Smith, Mead, sr., 3rd, 119; Kevin Healy, Gonzaga Prep, sr., 4th, 130; David Hall, G-Prep, sr., 5th; Tyler Cochran, CV, sr., 6th, 215; Ryan Zumwalt, U-Hi, soph., 6th, 130; Danny Jordan, U-Hi, sr., 7th, 160; Jacob Harkness, Rogers, soph., 8th, 103. Class 3A state placers are Clete Hanson, EV, sr., 3rd, 171; Justin Scott, Mt. Spokane, sr., 5th, 125; Dakota Lawson, EV, jr., 7th, 160.
What’s new?
The Washington Wrestling Weight Management Program. Coaches must now certify a wrestler’s minimum weight prior to competing based upon a WIAA program that uses a minimum body-fat percentage (7 percent for boys, 12 percent for girls) formula. The program “does not advocate that a wrestler’s established minimum wrestling weight class is the athlete’s best weight class, but simply is the minimum weight class in which an athlete will be allowed to compete.”
If wrestlers’ weights by formula are exactly that of one of the established weight classes they cannot wrestle below that class. One percent or less lower and they can drop down one weight or 1 percent or more higher and they must move up to the next class.
Weight and body-fat percentage is monitored throughout the 11-week season. If a wrestler’s body-fat percentages drop below the standard, a form must be signed by a physician to verify that it is natural.
What to expect
CV and U-Hi appear stronger than a year ago even if they might start slowly. EV remains formidable and Ferris might be the league’s most improved team. There are two new coaches, Shawn Howard and Luke Leifer taking over their alma maters at Shadle Park and North Central, respectively.
What coaches say
“I think last year the stars were lined up right. Sometime’s it’s just your turn. Also, at the end of the year we didn’t do very well and I won’t forget that.” – John Owen on CV’s league title last year.
“Early in the season will be difficult. We’re underdogs against the (Ferris) Saxons. But we’re going for the golden ring.” – Don Owen, U-Hi.
“There are not many four-year seniors on this team and we’ll start several kids with not much experience. But we seem fairly balanced.” – Craig Hanson, EV.
“We’re solid all the way through. Our depth is the best it has been.” – Phil McLean, Mead.
“One of our best starting lineups ever.” – Travis Hughes, Mt. Spokane.
“(Dusty) Roberts did a great job coaching the team to its first tournament win in many years. We’re trying to build on what he started,” – Shawn Howard, Shadle.