Semifinalists’ Goals In Sight

2A

There are two ways to approach the same goal at Mat Classic XI and Great Northern League wrestlers displayed them both.

Medical Lake senior Ben Steele, who has tasted both success and disappointment in the Tacoma Dome in years past, is out for himself.

“If I go out and wrestle my best I know I can win,” he said. “I know that I’m wrestling against myself. I’m also wrestling for myself.”

Adam Christen, a Lakeside senior, knows his success, while personal, plays a big role in the Eagles’ quest for a second state title in three years.

“So far so good, but I won’t be satisfied with nothing but being in the final and doing the best I can,” he said. “We want to have seven placers. We know we can do it..”

Both are in today’s semifinals of the State 2A portion of the tournament. Christen is in with four of his teammates, propelling the Eagles into first with 63-1/2 points, 10 points ahead of Othello.

“Our goal was to bring eight and walk out with eight placers,” Lakeside coach Scott Jones said. “We knew in order to win the team title we need seven place winners. One is out so we’re at it right now.”

Joining Christen, a 141-pounder, in the semifinals, are Kris Matthews (101), defending champion Matt Westenfelder (168), Jason Cummings (215) and Chad Charbonneau (275). Justin Belyea (115) and Adrian Laughery (178), who won their openers to make Lakeside a terrific seven of eight, remain alive after second-round losses.

“We knew we were sitting pretty good (after the first round),” Christen said. “We didn’t think we could do that good. We wrestled tough.” Not perfect.

“But we’re still smiling. Even our 108-pounder (Robert Painter) wrestled well, even though he lost,” Jones said.

“We try to release the tension by saying we’re just coming over to have fun. But they know. They put a lot of pressure on themselves … it’s amazing the pressure and stress you can put on yourself.”

Christen might agree, even though he is a top returnee after placing fifth at 135 last year and being part of the State A championship team as a sophomore.

“I could have wrestled better,” he said. “I get nervous all the time. I’m not a real confident kid. I wrestle everybody the same.”

That’s what Steele learned last year.

He made state as a sophomore, placing fifth at 122.

“I had nothing to lose,” he said. “The biggest part of my goal was coming here. I was having fun, I was relaxed.”

Other semifinalists from the GNL are John Slater of Colville (115); Joben Nuesse (129) and Craig Alexander (178) of Riverside; Jon Waunch, Deer Park (148); Josh Haney, Newport (158) and Jonny Varona, Medical Lake (215).