Wrangell takes second in Tom Sims Invitational

The Wrangell Wolves high school wrestling team took second place at the Tom Sims Invitational, their first home meet of the season, last Friday and Saturday.

After two days of wrestling, the Wolves scored a total of 87.5 points. Ketchikan High School took first place at 128.5 points.

Since the early 2000s, the Wrangell tournament has been named for Tom Sims, a Wrangell wrestling star and later a coach in the 1980s and 1990s, and as well as a well-respected high school wrestling official in Southeast.

Ketchikan, Mt. Edgecumbe, Juneau's Thunder Mountain, Sitka and Petersburg traveled here for the meet. Wrangell Assistant Coach Jack Carney said Craig was planning to come, but decided against it due to concern over Wrangell's recent COVID-19 cases. Petersburg only showed for Saturday's meet.

Three Wrangell wrestlers took first place within their weight divisions in Friday's meet: Jake Eastaugh in the 215-pound division, Liana Carney in the 135 girls division, and Jamie Early in her 145 division.

In Saturday's competition, Wrangell saw four wrestlers take first place. Eastaugh and Liana Carney claimed first place in their divisions again. They were joined by Ryan Rooney in the 160 division, and Lilian Younce in her 160 division.

Though no spectators were allowed into the gym for the tournament as part of the school's COVID-19 safety plan, Coach Carney said the Wolves had a good time. Their performance is improving, he said, especially among wrestlers who had played basketball but are now devoting their full attention to wrestling.

"It was a blast, we had a great time,"he said. "As long as we're getting wrestling, I'm thankful."

The Wolves have the weekend off from tournaments this week, he said.