Wildcats romp by Royals | Wrestling

The Oak Harbor wrestling team opened the league and home schedule with a resounding 61-14 win over Lynnwood Thursday, Dec. 15.

After trailing 9-6, the Wildcats recorded five falls in the next eight matches -- then tacked on three forfeits -- to run away from the Royals (0-1, 1-3).

Jeremy Vester (113 pounds, 1:48), Cody Fakkema (126, 3:53), Ryuta Meany (138, 1:55), Nathanael Stanford (145, 1:03), David Payne (160, 1:47) and Josh Orritt (182, 1:02) recorded pins for Oak Harbor.

Mark Johnston (138, 7-4) and Collin Higingbotham (170, 15-3) won decisions.

Winners by forfeit were Jeremy Alonzo (195), Hunter Vail (220) and Ray Quinday (285).

Jahleel Vester (120, 11-4) and Josh Crebbin (152, 20-5) lost their matches. Oak Harbor forfeited at 106.

Coach Mike Crebbin said, "Cody (Fakkema) and Mark (Johnston) wrestled really well. Those were good wrestlers the beat; both were regional participants last year. Collin Higingbotham wrestled well in his first match at 170. Nate Stanford is doing great; he has the right attitude."

He added that his team is "still making fundamental mistakes" and it is "tough to see regression" in some cases.

Crebbin said his wrestlers will be tested when they take part in the Graham Morin Memorial Tournament at Squalicum High School in Bellingham Saturday at 10 a.m.

Oak Harbor (1-0, 3-1) returns home Tuesday, Jan. 3, with Glacier Peak at 7 p.m.

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

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