GSL wrestling boosts adrenaline despite young squads

Jan. 26: This wasn’t the most talented year in Greater Spokane League wrestling.

Only eight state placers returned, and one of those was injured.

A lot of young but talented wrestlers were thrust into action, including numerous freshmen, so the future is bright.

And that didn’t make the season any less thrilling as the trio of matches among the top three GSL finishers Central Valley, East Valley and University attest.

All three were decided in the night’s final matches with several twists and turns along the way. The Bears won both by a total of 12 points, EV won by 1 and lost by 4 points, and the Titans lost twice by a total of 10 points.

Jan. 30: The first weekend in a wrestler’s journey toward Mat Classic in Tacoma begins with district competition.

“Class 3A schools East Valley, North Central and Mt. Spokane combine for five wrestlers per weight against 11 per weight from the seven-school Columbia Basin League for their sub-regional that begins 4 p.m. Friday at East Valley. Four wrestlers per weight will advance to regional in Sunnyside.

“Class 4A Greater Spokane League wrestlers will be at Mead, beginning Friday at 4 p.m. in 16-wrestler brackets that advance four per weight to phase two, regional at University.

“Class 2A Great Northern League schools conduct their district at West Valley, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. Five wrestlers qualify for regional in Ellensburg.

“Class 1A is a one-day event on Saturday at Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls). Like 2A, five move on to regional the following week at Colfax.

“Class B district this year stands alone and is Saturday in Pomeroy. All classifications begin their Saturday rounds at 10 a.m.

Whither goest winter?

Jan. 25: Where has the winter gone?

No sooner did basketball begin, it seems, than league play is ending. In this business where you take things two weeks at a time, it certainly seems to have.

Which brings us to upcoming playoffs and what to expect.

“Greater Spokane League: The District 8 4A basketball tournaments begin Feb. 13 with loser-out games between the No. 5-No. 4 and No. 3-No. 6 games at the home gym of the highest placer.

Remainder of the games, for regional seeding, will be at University for boys, and Central Valley for girls, Feb. 15 and 16.

In girls it’s safe to assume that Lewis and Clark and University are assured regional spots. Mead will host Ferris and Shadle will play Gonzaga Prep for the other two.

In boys, Ferris is No. 1 and a regional entrant. The race for the all-important second berth is up in the air among Mead, Shadle Park and Gonzaga.

Central Valley should be No. 5 and will play one of that trio. A second will face either University, Lewis and Clark or Rogers.

District 8 3A playoffs are Feb. 22 and 23. East Valley boys probably will be at North Central, loser out, with the winner at Mt. Spokane for regional seeding.

NC girls probably will be at Mt. Spokane, the winner traveling to East Valley for seeding. All games are currently scheduled for 7 p.m.

“Northeast A League: All six Northeast A League teams are in their district tournament Feb 9-17 in the same 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5, loser-out format. Winners play the league’s top two finishers and will move at least three and maybe four on to regional.

“For the Bees: Eight-team double-elimination District 2B tournaments begin Feb. 5 for girls, Feb. 6 for boys and go through Feb. 10 among Bi-County/Panorama teams at Spokane Falls Community College and Spokane Community College. Six advance to regional.

Six Panorama 1B and two Bi-County 1B schools play Feb. 6-17 for three state berths to state in Yakima.

“Great Northern League: Like other district tournaments, six teams are involved with first-round 4 vs. 5, 3 vs. 6 losers eliminated followed by a true double-elimination to determine two state berths. Playoffs begin Feb. 20 for boys, Feb. 21 for girls.

With wrestling districts this weekend, regionals and state plus basketball district, regional and state competitions through the first week of March, my dance card is full.