W.F. West High School’s wrestling team showcased exceptional talent at the Doc Herren tournament, held on March 16, 2024, in Auburn, securing three individual championships and finishing third overall with a total of 181.5 points. The Bearcats’ success was driven by standout performances from Liam Land and Race Scalici, among others.
Land dominated the 150-pound weight class, achieving a hard-fought 4-3 victory in the quarterfinals, where he scored all four of his points in the second period. He followed up with a thrilling 9-7 win in the semifinals, capitalizing on four near-fall points in the final third period. In the finals, Land secured the championship with a commanding 15-2 major decision.
Scalici, competing in the 157-pound division, showcased his skill by clinching the title with an 8-6 win in the finals, which included two crucial escapes in the third period. His journey to victory also featured two pins earlier in the tournament. Additionally, Graysen Serl triumphed in the 175-pound weight class, achieving three pins and an 11-4 victory in the finals.
The Bearcats also saw notable performances from Seth Norby-Betts, who secured second place at 126 pounds, and five other wrestlers who finished in the top six of their respective categories.
Black Hills and Other Local Teams Shine at Jim Bair Invite
The Black Hills Wolves also made an impact at the Jim Bair Invite, held on March 16, 2024, in Castle Rock, finishing in sixth place with 75 points. The team was propelled by two second-place finishes. Roberto Rivera-Jesus competed at 120 pounds and reached the finals, ultimately losing by major decision but securing two pins earlier in the competition.
At 132 pounds, both Cash Boos and Rorek Foss delivered strong performances, with Boos finishing second after narrow victories of 8-6 and 10-9 in the quarter and semifinals. Foss, who lost in the semifinals, staged a comeback with two consecutive wins to secure third place.
In addition, Oscar Silvestre from Winlock placed third at 106 pounds, while Kyle Brockway from Onalaska finished fourth at 215 pounds.
Warriors and Mountaineers Achieve Titles at Cougar Clash
At the Cougar Clash held in Puyallup on March 16, 2024, the Rainier Warriors and Rochester Mountaineers demonstrated their strength, with both teams finishing in the top ranks. The Warriors finished fourth overall with 85.5 points, while the Mountaineers were seventh with 73 points.
Dorien Cano from Rainier and Maddox Rodgers from Rochester each claimed individual titles in their weight classes. Rodgers, competing at 165 pounds, recorded three pins, all occurring in the first period, including a swift pin in the finals that lasted just 35 seconds. Cano, wrestling at 175 pounds, also showcased his prowess with a pin and a major decision, alongside a 7-4 semifinal victory.
Rochester saw additional success with Lincoln Bernard (113 pounds) and Liam Walter (138 pounds), both finishing second after strong performances in the finals. Rainier’s Jayden Manibusan (132 pounds) and Addison Poole (144 pounds) also took second place in their respective categories.
Tenino and Pe Ell Wrestlers Excel at Bash at the Beach
At the Bash at the Beach event in Ocean Shores on March 16, 2024, both Tenino and Pe Ell secured positions within the top ten of the team standings. Tenino finished seventh, while Pe Ell closely followed in eighth place.
Tenino’s Gavin Maurer (175 pounds) and Jaxon Johnson (215 pounds) both reached the finals but finished in second place after strong efforts, combining for three pins throughout the tournament. Additionally, Brody Harris (126 pounds) and Rafael Ontiveros (165 pounds) each secured third place.
Pe Ell’s Blake Burnett advanced to the finals at 190 pounds with two pins but ultimately placed second after being pinned in the final match. Kaiden Coates (138 pounds) and Hunter Harris (215 pounds) both finished in third place after notable performances.
This series of tournaments highlighted the competitive spirit and talent of young wrestlers across the region, setting the stage for an exciting wrestling season ahead.
