Wrestling world abuzz about Owen
Last weekend, when University’s Brian Owen failed to make weight after being seeded No. 1 at 125 pounds in 4A district wrestling and was allowed to compete at 130 instead, he became a statewide topic of conversation on Washington Wrestling Report Web site message boards.
As boards tend to be, the responses were intense. There were those who contended that, given his lineage, if it were anybody else he would have been disqualified from the tournament entirely. Others agreed with the decision to allow him to compete.
“It was a speed bump, but we worked through it,” said meet coordinator Jay Rydell on Saturday.
Rydell said the coaches came together, talked over the situation and were comfortable that Owen be allowed to move up in weight.
“There were plenty of byes and U-Hi took one of its wrestlers out,” Rydell said. “It comes down to what’s best for kids.”
The biggest argument likely would be by those 130-pounders who bumped up to avoid Owen and now might face him in Tacoma
East Valley coach Craig Hanson, who was in the Tri-Cities winning the 3A subregional and missed the controversy, said his wife brought the Web clamor to his attention.
“The thread was two pages long and they’d already wiped out a page,” he said.
The situation of what to do may need to be addressed by the league next year, Hanson said. But as coach of his own son, Clete, he mulled over what he would have done if faced with the same situation.
“It would be his mistake and he has to live with it,” Hanson said. “I would hope, though, they would see fit that he got in. If not, I would understand.”
EV continued to win in the subregional against Columbia Basin League schools, advancing 10 to Saturday’s state-qualifying event at Eastmont High near Wenatchee.
“Last weekend obviously went very well,” said Hanson. “That was really our toughest weekend.”
Most of the qualifiers from the GSL/CBL meet should continue on to Tacoma from this weekend’s battle with the Metro League, if history is to be believed. Hanson has had to amend his earlier state estimates.
“Going into tournaments in the past, you look at it and say, ‘So-and-so isn’t going to make it through,’ ” he said. “This time for the first year ever, all 10 have a chance of making it. I believe we can do that and it’s our goal for the weekend.”
The 3A meet will be a one-day event and qualify four wrestlers per weight to Mat Classic XX in Tacoma Feb. 15-16. The 4A meet is 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday at Eisenhower in Yakima.
The 2A regional between the Great Northern League and the CWAC is scheduled at 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday at West Valley. Five will advance to state.
The 1A is in Cashmere Friday and Saturday and also gets five state berths. The B in Kittitas is Friday and Saturday and gets four berths.
Pink Bears
Central Valley girls basketball is doing its version of “Think Pink” Breast Cancer awareness week.
When the Bears host Lewis and Clark in their season finale tonight, they’ll be getting a jump on the start of the week in an effort to raise money for the cause.
“We will wear pink shirts to warm up and coaches will be in pink attire,” said CV assistant coach Judy Walters. “We would like the fans to wear pink.”
She said there will be a donation area as well as a silent auction for two autographed basketballs.
One is signed by the entire 2008 Arizona State women’s team, players and coaches. The other is signed by Tennessee coach Pat Summit and the returning members of the 2007 National Championship team.
Groovy Shoes
The last of the GSL spirit games, the Groovy Shoes, begins at 3:45 p.m. today between North Central and Shadle Park. Shadle’s girls seek to join the boys as second-place GSL basketball finishers.
At University, the Titans (7-11) and Rogers (6-13) play at 7:15 for the final District 8 4A boys playoff berth.