East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

SPANGLE–Pirate grapplers Levi Bowen and Curtis Winona both finished second out of the Brice Williams Invitational here December 9.

"The guys are wrestling well and it's fun to watch their progress each week," said Head Coach Mat Slaybaugh. "We got a lot of good experience today in some tough matches that will pay later in the season."

Bowen, competing in the 157-lb. class, downed Lueck of Wilbur-Creston, St. George of Hanford and Ochoa of Hanford before Phillips of Northwest Christian pinned him in the championship round. "Levi looked dominant in his three wins to earn his spot in the finals," Slaybaugh said.

Winona (190 lb.) pinned Redburn of Ritzville, Whidman of Liberty and got a 12-2 decision over Gustaveson of Davenport, then lost by a 4-5 decision to Pierce of Almira-Coulee-Hartline. "Curtis looked elite today but lost a hard-fought finals match in the final seconds," the coach said.

Freshman Kole Zimmerman (175 lb.) went 1-2 but battled into the third round, gaining valuable experience in his two losses, Slaybaugh said. Zimmerman pinned Tipps of ACH, lost to Schillenger of Davenport and was pinned by Rasmussen of Selkirk.

Peyton Cannon (175 lb.) pinned Larson of MWAL, lost to Holling of Liberty, beat Tipps of ACH, got a 3-0 decision over Soehner of Mt. Spokane and lost to Holmbert of Davenport in the final match.