Cedarcrest wrestling sees new talent, coach

Published 6:24 pm Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The Cedarcrest wrestling program restarts this year under a new coach, and with a new group of varsity leaders.

At the top of that list is returning state athlete Eli Malametz. Ranked fourth in the state at the 138-pound class last season, the senior should be a force to be reckoned with at 152 this winter.

Malametz said his plan is to always be improving. His mental game looks solid.

“No matter what happens, give it your all,” he said. “As long as you have fun with it, there’s nobody who can stop you. If you leave it all on the mat, you’ve got nothing to be upset about. It’s just another match, win or lose. You just take it the same way.”

Bryce McKee cracked the state rankings at 152 last year, and is expected to wrestle around 160.

Bailey McBride took sixth at state the tournament last year as a sophomore at 107 pounds. Expect him to start around 113. Meanwhile, his freshman brother, Parker, has a lot of experience, and is coming in at 106.

“We’re hoping to send both brothers to state because they’re so experienced,” said Sam Ottow, new coach for the Red Wolves.

Ottow brings a lot of wrestling depth. He volunteered with the program last year, wrestled at Highline Community College, and was a four-year letterman at Monroe. His friend Cameron Kuehn, who coached and assisted with Ottow at Glacier Peak, assists.

Ottow is working with some promising newcomers. Look for big freshman Austin Mendoza to make an impact at 220.

“It’s great that we’ve got some big guys this year,” says Ottow. “Hopefully, we won’t be forfeiting any matches.”

Cedarcrest Wrestling upcoming matches

Saturday, Dec. 14

• Cedarcrest at Lake Washington Tournament, 9 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19

• Cedarcrest at Sultan, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21

• Cedarcrest at Graham Morin Invite, Squalicum, 10 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 28

• Cedarcrest at Brian Hill Wrestling Tournament, Eastside Catholic High School, 10 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 9

• CHS hosts Granite Falls, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11

• Cedarcrest at Dick Pruett Memorial Tournament, Kent Meridian High School, 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

• Cedarcrest vs. Sammamish, Lake Washington, DD at Sultan.

Thursday, Jan. 23

• Cedarcrest hosts South Whidbey, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 20

• Cedarcrest at Lakewood, 7 p.m.