CdA wins first regional title since ’05

RATHDRUM, Idaho – Coeur d’Alene sophomore Johnny Peregrina left the mat, gathered his breath and allowed himself a brief smile Saturday inside Lakeland High’s gymnasium.

He had just earned a key victory for himself – his first regional title in the 152-pound class – but, more important to him, he had brought the 5A Region I wrestling trophy back to Coeur d’Alene.

“Lewiston won it the last couple years,” the 152-pound Peregrina said. “We wanted to take back what belonged to us.”

Peregrina’s upset of top-seeded Aaron Iriarte, a Lewiston senior, helped the Vikings best their rivals by 22.5 points and claim their first regional title since 2005. They will send 18 wrestlers, including five regional champions, to Pocatello for next week’s state tournament.

Seventeen wrestlers will represent Lewiston, including six champions. Post Falls qualified 15 for state, and Lake City will send six of its own.

“This region is as tough as it’s been in a long time,” CdA coach Jeff Moffat said. “I think we stack up as well as (any region).”

In what wrestlers expected to be a competitive regional final, CdA claimed the title mostly because of key wins in the third- and fourth-place matches. The Vikings went 6-2 in the consolation finals – including Alex Kastens’ victory over CdA teammate Matt Howard in the 189-pound class – and entered the championship round with a safe lead.

Peregrina’s upset was followed by victories for CdA wrestlers Jacob Norris (160 pounds), Alex Krapas (171) and Drew Moreno (285) to wrap up the title.

The Vikings finished with 286 points, followed by Lewiston (263.5), Post Falls (232) and Lake City (89.5).

Post Falls earned three individual titles, including one for 215-pound senior Cole Amende, who set a school career record for victories by winning his 143rd match.

He said the accomplishment is an honor but admitted a state title would trump the record.

“I think I can contend, but I’ve got to have my ‘A’ game,” said Amende, who finished third at state a year ago. “I need to get better on the bottom. I tend to get lazy down there.”

Junior Chad Booth (103 pounds) and freshman Chad Webster (112) will join teammate Amende at state after winning their weight classes. The Vikings’ Braden Mowry, last year’s state champion in the 112-pound class as a sophomore, won the regional title at 125 pounds this year.

No team from the north has won a 5A state wrestling team title since 1996, when Sandpoint won its third in a row.

4A: Lakeland cruised to another Region I title, but it almost turned into a bittersweet day for unbeaten star Brandon Richardson.

The junior was nearly pinned by Moscow’s Eric Frisbey in the first period of their 140-pound championship match. Teammates stood by in shock as Richardson furiously tried to free himself.

He finally did and escaped with a 7-6 decision, his 41st victory in as many matches this season.

“He was trying to force a crunch cradle when it wasn’t there,” Lakeland coach Rob Edelblute said of Richardson. “It lets him know that he is vulnerable.”

Richardson, a state champion two years ago, was pleased to earn the regional title but frustrated by how close he was to losing.

“I got out of position. I didn’t wrestle smart,” he said. “I feel pretty good, but I’ve got to wrestle better than that.”

Richardson is one of 19 Lakeland wrestlers bound for state. Sandpoint, which finished 54.5 points behind Lakeland (226.5) qualified 15 for the state tournament.

3A: Priest River dominated the District I-II matches, winning four individual championships and qualifying 21 wrestlers for the state meet. It finished with 240 points, 77 more than second-place Orofino, which will send 12 wrestlers to Pocatello.