Wrestling: Wildcats finish regular season with comeback win

Erasing a 24-0 deficit, the Oak Harbor High School wrestling team closed out the regular season with a 48-34 win over visiting Lynnwood on Senior Night Thursday, Jan. 27.

The Wildcats (6-1, 12-5) ended the year in second place of the Wesco 3A division behind Everett. Next weekend Oak Harbor takes part in the sub-regional at Sedro-Woolley along with the other Wesco 3A schools and Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon and Ferndale of the Northwest Conference.

The top five wrestlers in each weight class will advance to face the best from Kingco 3A in the regional tournament in Glacier Peak Feb. 12.

All three Oak Harbor varsity seniors ended their home careers with a win. The Wildcats received pins from Corey Trimbur (103, 1:37) and Kyle Mellow (285, 1:52). Steven Souza (160) received a forfeit.

The Royals (2-5, 3-9) raced to a 24-0 lead with falls over Jahleel Vester (112, 1:42), Walter Castillo (119, 5:00) and Ryuta Meany (130, 1:28). Oak Harbor forfeited at 125.

Nathaniel Stanford (135) got Oak Harbor on the board with a fall (1:22), then David Payne (140) lost 13-4.

Freshman Devin Jensen (145) recorded a pin (1:38) and Oak Harbor received forfeits at the next three weights: Brandon Stratton (152), Souza and Collin Higingbotham (171).

That put Oak Harbor up 30-28.

The Royals regained the lead with a fall over Jeremy Alonzo (189, :43), then Oak Harbor finished the match with three pins: Hunter Vail (215, :22), Mellow and Trimbur.

Coach Mike Crebbin said, “Nate came out on fire and Devin wrestled really well. Also, it was nice to see Corey and Kyle get pins on Senior Night.”

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.