At the Kurt Kuehl Middle School Wrestling Tournament in Ketchikan Feb. 21, Stikine Middle School wrestler Dillon Rooney holds up his first place medal for the 80-pound weight class, joined by teammate Alex Rooney in second place.
Stikine Middle School's wrestling team took high marks last weekend at the annual Kurt Kuehl Invitational at Schoenbar Middle School in Ketchikan. The highest, in fact: taking the 2A championship and coming in third overall with 126 points, behind Schoenbar and Petersburg.
"I think they did exceptionally well," said the team's coach, Steve Miller. "We're really happy with the season."
Four of the team's nine athletes were individual placers: Hunter Wiederspohn, Jonah Comstock, Dillon Rooney and Ryan Rooney all took brackets. Several placers at the meet helped earn additional points needed to win the tourney.
The team has some rising stars on its rosters, such as Wiederspohn and Dillon Rooney. Of the latter Miller said, "He'll definitely be somebody to keep an eye on."
"Dillon Rooney had an especially tough match," said Wrangell's school activities director, Jack Carney. In the final round he faced off against and bested Schoenbar wrestler Lashawn Garrett, who had in previous match-ups gotten the better of Rooney.
"We also have some new kids that are really impressive to watch," Carney said. He hopes these wrestlers will continue with Wrangell's wrestling program in years to come.
Carney also expressed his thanks to coaches, parents and community members for supporting these students in a way that allows them to compete at such a level.
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