The Rainier High School wrestling team’s postseason got off to a rewarding start on Saturday, Feb. 3 as the girls finished first at the sub-regional tournament in Hockinson while the boys placed second in Kalama.
For the girls, the victory marks the first-ever sub-regional title in program history.
Emma Desotell (110 pounds), Keira Anderson (170) and Chloe Willis (235) each placed first in their respective divisions, and Zander Peck (157) was the lone male to place first. The girls also had three seconds, one third, one fourth, one fifth and two sixths. The boys had two seconds, three thirds, two fifths, one sixth and one seventh.
Rainier head coach Chris Holterman said each team put forth a complete effort in their respective competitions.
“The girls really put in a whole team effort in capturing the title. Second-place Columbia River kept it close and at one point tied up the score,” Holterman said. “We dug deep and pulled out a few more wins. Having six girls in the finals sets them up in a good place in the bracket next week.”
The girls move on to the regional tournament at Centralia High School on Saturday, Feb. 10. With successful performances in Centralia, Desotell and Anderson could book another trip to the state tournament after participating last season. Katherine Kinahan narrowly missed the trip last year after placing fourth at regionals.
Holterman said the boys displayed toughness in Kalama on Saturday, especially third-place finishers Blake Roberts, Jacob Scott and Ryder Cruse.
“They all battled back from tough semi-finals losses to claim third place. Claiming third after losing in the semis is tough mentally after that semi-finals loss,” Holterman said. “Minds are broken and dreams are crushed, and picking up the pieces and putting things back into order in a short time is challenging. These three really showed what it’s like to be mentally tough.”
The boys will head to the regional tournament in Adna on Saturday, Feb. 10. Peck finished fifth at state last year while Dorien Cano placed fourth. Mason Hornby, Kenney and Cruse also earned spots at state last season, but Cruse did not compete due to injury.
