Wrestling team takes fourth amongst 2A schools at state

A rather impressive season for the Wrangell Wolves wrestling team came to a close last weekend, after the state championships in Anchorage. The Wolves, consisting largely of freshman wrestlers, were able to claim fourth place amongst participating 2A schools, and 10th place overall. First place went to Homer High School, followed by Glennallen and Bethel High School.

"Just getting into finals is a feat ... I really think that we prepared the team very well this year," said Assistant Coach Jack Carney.

Individually, Wrangell saw two wrestlers take second place in their brackets: Ryan Rooney in the 103 bracket and Liana Carney in the 112G bracket. Ryan Rooney was able to beat wrestlers from Nunapitchuk, Mt. Edgecumbe, and Napaskiak. During the first place match, however, he lost by decision to Landon Smith of Bethel High School. Liana Carney beat wrestlers from Eagle River and Lathrop, but lost to Starr Erikson of Nome.

Hunter Wiederspohn was able to claim third place in the 152 bracket. Jack Carney said that Wiederspohn came within "fractions of an inch" of beating Dillon Chaney, of Dillingham, in the semifinals.

Dillon Rooney took fifth place in the 189 bracket. This was his final competition, being a high school senior. Jack Carney said it was terrific that he was able to win the fifth place match, and his final competition of his high school career.

Jack Carney said he was proud of the Wrangell Wolves, calling them one of the hardest working team in the state. He is looking ahead to next year, he said, and he sees only good things for the team. The team cannot wait for next year either, he said. They are already talking about wrestling camps and exercise schedules for the off season. With a lot of freshman wrestlers expected to return with even more experience, future success is highly likely.