New Weight Class A Boon For CV Bears Look Strong On Heavy End In An Evenly Matched League

GSL wrestling

A year ago, University was undefeated Greater Spokane League wrestling champion and Central Valley finished fourth, although not much separated the two.

Perhaps this year the tables will be turned. A new weight, 215 pounds, was added to the lineup, which is tailor-made for an already veteran CV team. U-Hi’s best wrestlers are between 101 and 141 pounds.

“I think we’re a long shot,” said Titan coach Don Owen. “I think CV has a lot of kids out, has an excellent talent pool and is the team to beat.”

Second-year coach Dale Ethridge isn’t so sure that’s the case.

“The last several years teams were stocked and the champion was a foregone conclusion,” he said. “This year the talent is spread out.”

Any of last year’s top five teams - U-Hi, Mead, Rogers, CV and Gonzaga Prep could win the GSL this year.

Whether or not the Valley teams have enough depth to do so, both have enough quality individuals to be strong in tournaments.

Tonight the two schools face West Valley and East Valley in the annual Valley double-dual at EV at 6 p.m.

Next Thursday the Titans host Rogers in the GSL opener. The Bears have a first-week bye.

Titan strength is in lower weights

University’s concern isn’t a lack of talent but the lack of size.

“If all the kids slide into the classes we’ll be solid through 141 pounds,” said Owen.

The 101 through 141 pound classes are the lighter half of the 14 weights that make up a wrestling match.

Filling five upper weights positions is imperative if the Titans are to duplicate last year’s title.

Returning are state fourth-place finisher Josh Knowles at 122 pounds. Right behind him is junior Andy Roberts, a state champion two years ago but sidelined at the end of last season with a broken finger.

“He’s the class of the league, I imagine,” said Owen.

Also back is state veteran Jared Osborn, thrust this year into the rugged 115-pound weight class, and freshman Conor Jordan could fit in.

Regional wrestler Craig Bishop, third behind Osborn at 101 pounds last year, will try to make 108 pounds.

Twins Gordon and Curtis Bash are 101 and 108 pounders respectively

A pair of district veterans, Ed Stretch and Ben Peterson are being pushed by Josh VandeVanter at 135.

Junior Jason Berger, at 141 pounds, is back after a year’s absence.

University is also strong at 190 and 215 pounds with regional wrestler Mike Clark and Jeff Schmedding.

Other weight classes are inexperienced. Senior Wayne Good and junior Jesse Larson are at 148. Junior Sam Butler is at 158, senior Mark Henshaw is at 168 and first-year senior Jeremy Tiffany or junior Tim Buchanan are at 178. Senior Brian Kendall is at 275.

“How well we do in the lower weights will make a big difference and we have two seasoned kids in the upper weights,” said Owen. “If we get through the Sahara Desert (weaker weights), we’ll be all right.”

Bear strength is in upper weights

It should come as little surprise, given the size of CV’s football team, that the wrestling team is loaded in the upper weights.

Which is why Ethridge was in favor of the 215-pound weight class addition when eight other GSL coaches were opposed.

“We have a great football turnout and 215 pounds is a good solid high school athlete these days,” he said.

At 275 pounds, all-GSL gridders Bob Perkes, last year’s district wrestling top seed, and sophomore Will Beck are doing battle.

“They’re beating the heck out of each other,” said Ethridge.

At 215 pounds senior Matt Ahrens and sophomore Brandon Bouge, who both wrestled in district, compete.

They are among eight CV athletes wrestling in the two weight classes.

Three freshmen are contesting veteran John Jolley at 190 pounds.

“And you’re telling me 215 pounds is a bad weight class,” said Ethridge. “None of them has a gut.”

At 178 pounds is senior Joe Thiefault. Regional athlete and district runnerup Shane Yackel will wrestle at 168 and two-time state qualifier Rick Giampietri returns to 158.

But the Bears aren’t particularly hurting in the lower weights either.

State third-place finisher Shane Cunanan, a junior, will be at 115 pounds and regional qualifying teammate John Reese is at 108.

“He’s healthy this year and really strong,” said Ethridge.

District participants Nick Ota and Jared Ishiguro will compete with sophomore Bo Bydler for the 129-pound weight class.

In the 141 to 148 pound classes are Giorgio Usai, who hasn’t wrestled since junior high, Loren Kitner, junior Brad Smith and sophomore Courtney Brown.

Sophomore 135-pounders Bill Haley and Lucas Hopson are part of last year’s freshman class which won Spokaloo, the league ninth grade tournament, by 99 points.

Sophomores and freshmen will fill the weights at 101 pounds and 122.

“We have a fairly solid lineup,” said Ethridge. “You always have one or two holes, but I’m in a fantastic situation. I have a lot of confidence in the sophomores.”

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