SMS wrestlers grapple at finals

The Snoqualmie Middle School wrestling team saw more than just mat time this year, as they worked through another great season.

The Eagles took nine participants to league finals on Jan. 17, and seven came home with top-six finishes. Leading the way was Ryley Absher in the 85-pound division. Absher breezed through the first two rounds to qualify for the league title, but was defeated 4-0 in the championship bout.

“It was an outstanding match, maybe the best of the evening,” coach Woodroe Kiser said. No points were scored until 30 seconds into the third period.

The Eagles saw two wrestlers place at 78 pounds; Hunter Conway captured third place and Eli Clure took fifth.

Team captain Tate Wright took sixth place at 100 pounds, as did Brian Woolley at 105 pounds. David Butler grappled his way to fourth place with each in his intense matches.

Brandon Wilson grabbed fifth place at 164 pounds to round out the hardware for Snoqualmie. Also participating, but not placing, was Billy Beach at 90 pounds and Rieley Vancampen at 115 pounds.

The Eagles also had solid performances at the junior varsity and sixth grade tournaments this season.

Top junior varsity performers were Kevin McLaughlin, Duncan Deutsch, Andy Hall and Kasey Ross.Sixth grade wrestlers Tye Wright, Ryan Garvin, Chris Schlichting and Cameron Heutmaker all made an impact this season.