Dreams, expectations meet

For some state wrestlers, competing today in Mat Classic XIX in Tacoma was expected. For others, it’s a dream come true.

Wrestlers such as University’s two-time finalist Brian Owen and returning placers Trevor Powell and Anthony Varnell from Lewis and Clark have been anticipating their return.

Dan Bolen, representing 3A North Central, is simply elated for the opportunity.

“I’m ecstatic,” Bolen said. “I can’t wait. I dream about it every night.”

The Greater Spokane League 4A group (Owen, Powell and Varnell) has spent much of their lives competing for this weekend’s chance for state titles. Bolen, by contrast, is a neophyte, having only wrestled about six months, said NC coach Mike Ranieri.

“He never wrestled until his junior year. Football is his forte,” Ranieri said. “But I kept telling him how good he could be. His work ethic is above and beyond, and he began to beat people who beat him in the past.”

Bolen’s introduction to the sport came at a camp that he figured would condition him for football. He went from a 5-22 record as a junior to this year winning as many matches as he had lost the previous season.

“State champion Derek Brown would wrestle with us,” Bolen said. “He would train me, push me, break me every day. I found things that would work.”

Bolen finished third in regional at 189 pounds, the same weight as East Valley champion Dan Michalski. Michalski is one of eight Knights, six Mt. Spokane and four NC Indians wrestlers holding down the 3A fort this weekend.

Varnell, Powell and Owen begin their quest for state titles at 10 this morning.

“It’s Anthony’s to lose,” said Tigers coach Ty Lingo of the 140-pounder’s chances. “The level he’s at right now is incredible.”

Powell and Owen are the top-ranked 4A 125-pound wrestlers in state. Owen beat Powell twice before losing 4-3 in a sudden-death overtime regional final.

“I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we are in the final,” Powell said.

Powell finished third at the weight last year, which could be an advantage. Owen is up two weights after winning state at 103 as a freshman and finishing second at 112 last year as a sophomore despite a broken back. He had fusion surgery last summer, which has limited some of what he can do inside.

“I don’t think Brian is at a disadvantage as far as technique,” said U-Hi coach Don Owen. “It’s a matter of power, versus a mature senior. Powell is physically strong and slows a match down because of his strength.”

The Titans coach said his nephew will be up to the challenge.

The three are part of a surprisingly large 4A contingent in excess of 30 wrestlers, including 11 Titans, hoping to cut a swath at state.

“Our league is pretty young and there are a lot of inexperienced kids,” coach Owen said. “But I’ve been surprised at how they’ve come along.”

Among other stories to track this weekend in Tacoma will be a bid by Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls) for a sixth state title in the final tournament of coach Scott Jones’ outstanding career, and Deer Park’s challenge for its first 2A title.