Dear Editor,

Three fantastic young men from Kentlake fought and battled through a very tough and physically demanding wrestling season. The Kentlake Falcons were able to get three wrestlers, Nick Smith, Josh Beckler and Tyler Deskins to represent their school at the Washington State High School Wrestling Championships at the Tacoma Dome. These three young men had a very rewarding and challenging season this year.

Nick Smith had a fantastic season. He was undefeated throughout league matches, was All SPSL tournament champion and had several other significant match wins and placed 6th at the State tournament in the 106 pound weight class. He was able to do all of this without a partner near his weight class at practice. Most great wrestlers have a partner that can push them and someone near their weight class so they can judge their strength and talents. Nick didn’t have either one.

Josh Beckler’s season was cut short due to an injury. At practice right before the first league dual Josh broke his right thumb and was unable to practice or wrestle throughout the majority of the season. He was only able to wrestle in one dual and a few tournaments before the sub-district tournaments. Usually at this point all the wresters are fine tuning their talents, are at full conditioning strengths, are able to manage their weight for post season matches. Josh on the other hand only had three weeks to get ready. He managed to get his weight down to wrestle at 145 pounds for post season and came in with a goal to make it to state. At the sub-district tournament he managed to take third place, winning his way into the regional tournament. At the regional tournament Beckler managed to beat two opponents that beat him previously. Again he placed third and had a ticket into the state tournament. Beckler placed eighth at Mat Classic.

Tyler Deskins was also hampered by an injury, breaking his nose halfway through the season. Determined and with the drive most only wish for he managed to fight through the pain and continue his season. Then three weeks before the season was coming to an end he re-injured his shoulder and stopped wrestling to try to heal for the post season. He took second at the sub-district tournament, second at regions and fifth at state.

Gary Medina, Kentlake Assistant Wrestling Coach