Joe Tuinstra Sandpoint Year: Senior Sport: Wrestling Weight: 171 Pounds

Joe Tuinstra proved last Saturday that his goal of becoming a state champion is within reach when he won the Clearwater Classic tournament at Lewiston.

Tuinstra, whose record is 21-3 with more than half his victories resulting in pins, captured the 171-pound championship with a 9-1 victory in the final. The real test for Tuinstra came in the semifinals when he faced Sam Baumer of Orofino.

Tuinstra led 7-6, but was dinged with a stalling call with 3 seconds left, forcing overtime.

Tuinstra earned a takedown on the edge of the mat a minute into overtime as Baumer was struggling to get out of bounds.

“Joe’s got a big heart and he doesn’t quit,” said Sandpoint coach Eric Langley. “He’s got physical toughness and he’s always moving forward. Joe will just hound you until the end.”

Tuinstra, who has been on varsity since he was a freshman, added another victory Tuesday after recording a pin in 13 seconds in a dual against Bonners Ferry.

Earlier this month, he finished third at the prestigious Reno Tournament of Champions, generally considered the toughest prep tournament in the country.

Because of Tuinstra’s relationship with his teammates, many people might not guess he’s been a home-schooler all his life.

“I’ve never had a desire to go to a public school,” said Tuinstra. “I got started homeschooling and stuck to it. It’s never affected my wrestling career or anything else. My day is pretty much like anyone else’s. I get up for school and go until it’s time for wrestling.”

Tuinstra decided on wrestling after learning his father, Kal, wrestled at Drake University.

“The thing I like the most about this sport is the competitiveness of it,” said Tuinstra. “It’s being out on the mat one-on-one with nobody to blame but yourself.”

After making the state tournament last year, Tuinstra lost in the first round in overtime to Matt Sorenson from Bonneville, who later went on to become the state champion.

Tuinstra is determined to make this year different.

Said Tuinstra: “My goal is to finish first in state and I think I have a real good chance. I think one of my biggest improvements from last year is my confidence level. I don’t let defeats affect my confidence like last year. I don’t care what tournaments I win, state is the only one I want.”

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