Though lacking in numbers, Wrangell’s wrestlers did well at the Bill Weiss Invitational in Ketchikan Friday and Saturday. The team took third overall, coming in one point behind Craig and Ketchikan. Among small schools, the Wolves finished ahead of the pack.
“It’s usually the first time we get to compete with 4A,” said the team’s coach, Jeffery Rooney. This year Alaska School Activities Association has schools in the region compete together, which has pit 1A-3A teams against larger 4A schools in regular competition.
“It wasn’t as grandiose as it usually is,” Rooney said of this year’s tournament, with about seventeen schools sending up teams. “It was still a great tournament.”
The Wolves brought along seven of its eleven varsity wrestlers, as the team has had to contend with injuries and sickness for much of the season.
“We’re still fighting that,” said Rooney. Still, he anticipates having 10 wrestlers on hand for this weekend’s tournament. “We’re definitely looking at playing it by ear.”
The wrestlers who made it showed that numbers aren’t everything.
“Every one of them placed,” said Rooney.
Orion Heller came in first for his 98-pound weight class. In the 106, Alisa Heller placed third by fall after losing by decision in the semifinal round.
For 113, Ian Jenson took first, besting Hoonah City and Ketchikan in the semifinal and final matches. On Thorne Bay’s team, Jenson’s older brother Luther also took first place for his weight class, the 170.
Justus Mikkelsen took second for 195, Chet Armstrong took third for 160, while Roger Miller and Darren Shilts each took fourth for 138 and 152, respectively.
The team next will be headed to Haines tomorrow for its final match before regionals, which will be hosted in Wrangell on Dec. 5 and 6. Wrangell High School’s activities director Jack Carney said some 230 wrestlers are expected to attend.
“I really hope it goes off as smoothly as possible,” Rooney said. He explained the whole high school staff is involved in preparing for the tournament, with state advisors also coming down to help out.
“We are going to need people to help (during the tournament),” Carney said, as well as people to house visiting wrestlers. Those interested in assisting can contact the school at 874-3395.
“I want to thank the community for all their continued support,” said Rooney. “It’s going to go really nicely.”
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