Just Call Him Determined EV Wrestler Changes Name But Not His Goal Of State Title

What’s in a name? Plenty, in the case of East Valley High 112-pound wrestler John Sommer.

Sommer finished second in state his sophomore year. Last season as John Sommer-DeVargas, he placed third during a bittersweet tournament.

This year, it’s Sommer who Friday begins vying for a fourth straight state tournament appearance, intent on resolving unfinished business.

“I just changed my name back recently,” said Sommer. “It makes it a whole lot easier.”

Whatever his name, Sommer is well-known in local wrestling circles.

Not only is he a two-time state placer and former finalist, but Sommer also is a two-time national Greco-Roman junior All-American.

He spent two weeks last summer at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs perfecting the style that requires all upper-body moves.

“He just had a style about him. You could see it,” said EV coach Craig Hanson, who introduced Sommer to Greco-Roman four years ago. “Some kids fit that, and he’s one of those kids.”

It is a discipline Sommer would like to pursue as an Olympian.

“It’s all throws and I love throwing,” said Sommer. “Which is probably why I dropped that guy on his head.”

“That guy” was Arlington wrestler Michael Wiemann, whom Sommer was manhandling last year on his way to an apparent State 3A finals appearance.

Instead, Sommer’s aggressiveness led to his disqualification for an illegal move.

“That was the most devastating thing that happened in my life,” Sommer said. “I never cried so hard.”

Consequently, he has since been on a mission, even though wrestling in a new classification, the 4A Greater Spokane League.

“Actually, it’s more exciting to be in the GSL,” said Sommer, whose Knights tied for second in their first season. “I like the duals. There’s more competition and recognition.”

Besides, he reasons, it’s no different winning state at the 1A/B, 2A, 3A or 4A levels.

“Being a champion is what matters,” he said.

Sommer got his wrestling start as a first-grader from his father, Roy, a state 129-pound third-placer from Richland.

Roy Sommer, seeking a link to his heritage, adopted the DeVargas surname. His original family name had been changed to Sommer following his grandfather’s immigration from post-World War II Germany.

“I was starting to get used to it,” said John Sommer of the hyphenated last name, “but I liked Sommer in the first place.”

The East Valley athlete made state his freshman year. Thereafter followed a storied rivalry with Moses Lake’s Jaime Garza. The two wrestled 11 times during a two-year period, beginning in summer freestyle. They split six matches as sophomores, Sommer beating Garza to be regional champion, but Garza beating Sommer for the state title.

Last year, Sommer won four of five matches between them, including at state for third place.

Though Garza’s Chiefs followed the Knights into 4A, the two won’t meet this year. Garza is now wrestling at 119 pounds.

Sommer’s improvement, according to his coach, has been the result of natural strength coupled with improved technique.

“Pound for pound, he’s the strongest kid in school,” said Hanson. “When he was inexperienced that kept him in a lot of matches. Now, he can wrestle.”

Last year’s devastating semifinal state loss has provided incentive. There is a picture he keeps up in his locker, one that ran in the newspaper, of Sommer setting Wiemann on his head and missing out on a championship opportunity.

“I know I could have been state champion last year,” said Sommer. “It makes me concentrate for practice. It makes me want it that much more.”

No matter his name, the motivation is understandable.

This sidebar appeared with the story:

Postseason wrestling

District 4A, at Mead High

Sessions: Friday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. (semifinals), 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (finals).

Defending champion: Gonzaga Prep.

Returning individual champions: Doug Baker, Ferris; Tommy Owen, University; Ben Osborn, University; Travis Pascoe, Gonzaga Prep. John Sommer and Josh Birt, both EV, won 3A sub-regionals last year.

Notable: Pascoe, 189 pounds, and Owen, 125, are two-time state champions. Previous state finalists include Baker, Sommer, 112, and Birt, 189. Others to watch include league unbeatens Jeff Zappone, 103, Gonzaga Prep; Dan Harris, 130, NC; Daryl Gardner, Ferris, and Jason Neumiller, NC, both 140; Isaiah Hankel, 152, EV; Osborn and Zak Depue, Rogers, 160; Aaron Sedler, 215, Ferris; and Mike Schneider, 275, Mead.

At stake: Four berths per weight to Region IV, Southridge High in Kennewick.

Sub-regional 3A in Sunnyside

Sessions: Friday at 1 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (semifinals), 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (finals).

Last year’s champions: Moses Lake and East Valley, which have moved up to 4A. Cheney placed third.

Returning individual champions: Chris Bird, Ellensburg; Matt Ellis, Prosser; Drew Kok, WV-Yakima.

Notable: Cheney’s Ryan Gray, 130, David Courchaine, 145, Joe Wulczynski, 215, Blake Falor, 275, and Clarkston’s Dustin Blankenship, 152, are all returning state or regional placers. Colville, new to 3A, returns 2A state veterans Tim Slater and Chris Lowry.

At stake: Four berths per weight to Region IV in Ellensburg.

District 1A/B in Ritzville

Sessions: Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.

Defending champion: Reardan.

Returning individual champions: Josh Newton, Freeman; Eric Armes, Kettle Falls; Chris Fulkerson, Freeman; Dustin Breazeale, Ritzville; Justin Ziebell, Ritzville; Craig Winona, Almira/Coulee-Hartline; Chris Thoreson, Rosalia.

Notable: Sixth-place state finisher Zeibell has grown from 148 pounds into state champion Winona’s 171-pound weight class. They were 1-2 in the Bi-County tourney. Braezeale is a fourth-place finisher and one of 16 state veterans in this weekend’s tournament.

At stake: Seven berths per weight to Region III in Moses Lake.