Mule wrestlers top Ocosta, North Beach

The Wahkiakum Mule wrestling team competed this last Wednesday at home versus two league opponents, Ocosta High School and North Beach High School, with the Mules winning both matches.

The first dual of the night for the Mules was against North Beach. The Mule wrestlers won the dual by a score of 48 to 33. Young wrestlers provided the key to victory, said Coach John Hannah.

"Sophomore Kevin O’Connor (103 lbs) pinned his opponent in the opening round to get the night started, and freshman Jeff Vik (130 lbs) won a close decision by one point," Hannah said. "Other key victories for the Mules were wins by junior Jared McEntire (112 lbs) and senior James Lewis (152 lbs)."

The second dual of the night for the Mules was against Ocosta. The Mules and the Wildcats actually tied 45 to 45, but the last match of the night gave the Mules the tie-breaking win.

"Sophomore Ben Doumit (171 lbs) pinned his opponent in the second round to tie the score for the Mules," Hannah said. "Due to the Mules having more pins on the night, they win the 1-point tie-breaker to win the dual 46 to 45.

"Other key victories for the Mules were senior Chris Mendez (160 lbs) and sophomore Joel Fudge (140 lbs)."

During exhibition competition freshman Mitch Moonen (160 lbs) defeated his opponent from Ocosta with a first round pin.