High school wrestlers take next step
Reclassification didn’t necessarily do Greater Spokane League 3A wrestlers any favors.
This weekend’s 10-school subregional meet at East Valley is an amalgamation of five former 4A schools testing the mettle of traditional 3A powers, including Sunnyside and the host Knights.
“This subregional is stronger,” agreed EV coach Craig Hanson, whose team finished third in state last year and second the year before.
The subregional is one of five tournaments this weekend at a variety of locations, the first of a two-step process for athletes who aspire to state.
The Greater Spokane League 4A meet is at Mead; the Great Northern League 2A is at West Valley; the Northeast 1A is at Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls); and the newly spun-off 2B/1B class is in Pomeroy.
Upward of a dozen of last year’s 4A regional participants are Columbia Basin League 3A wrestlers.
Eastmont and Southridge, the league’s top two teams, bring seven combined to EV. Among them are state veterans Kyle Van Horn at 112 pounds and Nick Gale (275) for Eastmont, and Southridge state qualifiers Phillip Cowin (125) and Jake Muese (130).
“I saw Eastmont once this year and Southridge and they are pretty tough,” said Hanson. “Across the board, from our league, I think we’re still the favorites.”
Joining EV from the GSL are Mt. Spokane, which can move at least six wrestlers on now that it is 3A team, and North Central, which has at least five regional hopefuls.
“I think we’ve got, from 145 pounds up, potential finalists in all those weights,” Hanson said.
“The 4A has some loaded weights and some weaker ones. League champion Central Valley and third-place University should advance upward of a dozen wrestlers each.
Gonzaga Prep has a solid tournament contingent and Ferris can move at least six wrestlers.
Two weights in particular are worth a watch. One is 125, where state champions Brian Owen of U-Hi and Nick Cambron of CV, plus Lewis and Clark third-placer Trevor Powell reside. At 140, state placer Anthony Varnell of LC will be tested by U-Hi’s Elliott Nay and G-Prep’s Gabe Ahl. Ahl’s teammate, Jon Healy at 145, is a state placer.
“In 2A, Riverside and Deer Park will be challenged by former 3A school Clarkston. Riverside returns three state placers, including defending champion Ryan DesRoches. DP returns four, including finalist Levi Zadorozny.
“Every team has some pretty special kids,” said Riverside coach Randy Miller, who anticipates many regional qualifiers. “We just hope for the league that everyone has success.”
“1A power Lakeside, with seven returning state placers, begins its quest for another team state title.
“At this point it’s about just qualifying,” said Eagles coach Scott Jones.
“In the new B, eight schools wrestle for six regional berths.
“The top six qualify and we do not have six wrestlers in many weight classes,” said Pomeroy athletic director Tim Burt. “In my opinion, this format has to change.”