Pasco Builds Confidence With Win In Team Duals

Prep wrestling

Pasco swept through the River City Duals in anti-climatic fashion, defeating Colville 41-12 in the final.

The Bulldogs jumped to a 7-0 lead and never fell behind.

Pasco’s Peter Francick’s grueling 4-0 victory over James Divis was the winning match that sealed the tournament for the Bulldogs.

It was sweet revenge for the Bulldogs, who finished third last year in the tournament. It was also an indication for Bulldog coach Bod Bodnar as to where is team is headed.

“Half the team here has only half a season experience because of winning state in football,” said Bodnar. “Our goal is to win the Mat Classic and we are getting out of the Tri-Cities as much as we can to prepare. I still think we have a lot of catching up to do, but I am pleased with how we are doing.’

Kellogg was the highest placer for Idaho, losing to Skyview 37-28 to take fourth. Skyview led 31-19 with three matches left. Kellogg’s Tim Bush, who is 19-0 this season, defeated K.C Nelson 7-1 to close the gap to 31-22.

“I wanted to go out there and give it my best 6 minutes,” said Bush. “K.C. is one of the best and defeating him was important.”

“Bush got us back in,” said Kellogg’s coach Todd Jackson. “It was a huge motivator for us.”

After Bush, Anthony Rivadeniera took only 22 seconds to pin Nathan Bly to bring Kellogg within three for the last match. If Kellogg’s Josh Watson earned a win, the score would have been tied and Kellogg would be named the winner for winning more matches. But Watson was pinned in the second round.

“I’m real happy with the finish,” said Jackson. “We came in missing two key wrestlers. We’ll be back stronger next season.”

Central Valley was Spokane’s top finisher, placing fifth.