Mount Si has long been a dominant force in Kingco wrestling and this year likely will be no different.

Twelve veteran wrestlers with varsity experience have returned to the team and longtime coach Bruce Caldwell, in his 15th season at Mount Si and 25th overall, will head the effort. His assistant again this year is Mike Johnston, who last year won the top assistant coach award for Kingco.

Last year the team placed third at the league tournament and also took third in dual meet standings behind Cedarcrest and Liberty. The Wildcats sent six wrestlers to state last year, with three, Jason Rothgeb, Alex Haas and Nick Martindale returning this season.

Rothgeb, a junior, took first in the Kingco tournament and went to state in the sixth spot, eventually losing both matches at state. Haas took third in districts, winning one match at state and Martindale took third in districts, going two-and-out at state.

Beyond the state participants, the Wildcats have many other talented veterans in the varsity ranks including junior Andy Lund. Lund, wrestling at 125 pounds, made strong showings at several tournaments last year.

“Andy Lund wasn’t a starter but did really well in the Renton tournament last year,” said Caldwell. “But then he was disqualified on a questionable call that could have gone either way.

“As far as a person getting a lot better and improving, I would probably also mention Andy Lund. He has put so much extra time into wrestling. He has done a lot of freestyle, he is a student of the sport. He works hard, he is not a quitter. I’m hoping for a lot of success for him,” said Caldwell.

For the complete story, pick up a copy of this week’s Valley Record