‘Individual improvement’ main focus right now

As a whole they didn’t come out on top this week, but Oak Harbor wrestling coach Mike Crebbin isn’t really bothered by that.

“At this time in the year I’m not focused on team score as much as I am on individual improvement,” he said, regarding a 44-32 loss to Cascade on Thursday. “Even though it was a team loss in the score, my staff and I are very pleased with our progress and improvements.”

Crebbin had a good reason to feel satisfied after some solid Wildcat performances on Thursday.

Senior Jeff Lang (145) started the meet off with a bang, earning his fifth win of the season in a 22-5 technical fall over Kai Tran. Junior Miles Hartt (152) followed with a 12-0 decision over his opponent.

“They are really turning it on right now,” Crebbin said of Lang and Hartt.

OHHS also picked up big wins from senior Mark Radach (189), who pinned his opponent 45 seconds into the first round and junior Matt Johnston (215), who followed that up with a 51-second, first-round pin.

Sophomore Josh Gronbach (103) earned a forfeit victory, while senior Josh Stratton (140) earned an impressive 22-4 technical fall victory.

The Wildcats had a similar meet on Tuesday, jumping out to an early lead, before falling 40-28 at Snohomish.

Johnston started the meet off at 215 pounds with a third-round pin before the Panthers rattled off five straight wins.

Other OHHS winners on Tuesday included: David Wasickanin (130), Stratton (140, Lang (145), Hartt (152) and Tyler Elliot (170).

Oak Harbor is now 0-2 in league dual meets and 1-2 overall. The Wildcats participate in the Sedro-Woolley invitational this weekend before their next dual meet, Thursday, Jan. 5 at Monroe.

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