This is better.
After the Oak Harbor High School wrestling team lost its season opener at Arlington Dec. 10, coach Peter Esvelt wasn’t pleased with his team’s performance.
The Wildcats rebounded to finish third in the 18-team Edmonds Invitational Saturday, Dec. 14.
“That place is great for the team,” Esvelt said, noting his club accomplished the finish even though it did not fill two weights (126 and 145) because of injuries.
“Two great things came from Saturday,” Esvelt said. “We know we improved from our performance Tuesday, and we know the things we need to improve on before our double dual on Thursday.”
That double dual is at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 with Meadowdale at Mount Vernon.
Southridge of Kennewick won the Edmonds Invitational with 167.5 points, followed by Arlington (154.5) and Oak Harbor (144.5).
Seven different Wildcats placed, led by Jahleel Vester, the 138-pound champion. Vester pinned Edmonds’ Hiram Martin in the second round of the title match.
Christian Bertram (113), Jeremy Vester (132) and Jackson Constant (285) all placed second, earning six pins and a technical fall between them leading into the championship bouts.
Mark Johnston (160) claimed third and Kekai Tarrant (170) and Jacob Dugin (195) nabbed fifths.
The junior varsity wrestlers also competed at Edmonds, and the Wildcats received “great performances” from Sam Zook, Becca Holloman, Eriq Boler, Meredith Bain, Nate Mecom and “many others,” according to Esvelt.