Back on Dec. 7, five Orcas wrestlers from the Orcas Island Wrestling Club traveled to Stanwood to compete in another Western Washington Kids Wrestling League Novice tournament. The work they have been putting in at practice is paying off. Their placements in their respective brackets, determined by the wins and losses they earn and suffer show this.

Elliot Wooding placed first in the 8U, 50.4-52-pound class. He won his first match with a 15-0 tech fall, won his second match with a 12-3 final forfeit and won his third match with a 20-3 tech fall.

Mariana Nuñez placed fourth in the 8U, 61.6-63-pound class. She lost her first match to an 18-1 tech fall and lost her second and third matches by getting pinned.

Caden McQuire-King placed second in the 10U, 63.3-65-pound class. He lost his first match by getting pinned, won his second match with a 9-2 decision and won his third match with a 12-0 major decision.

Dàvìd Nuñez placed first in the 10U, 87-88.9-pound class. He won all three of his matches by pinning all three of his opponents.

Weston Wooding placed first in the 12U, 96.9-102-pound class. He won his first match with a pin, won his second match with a 5-2 decision and won his third match with a 7-0 decision.

The tournament placements these young athletes have earned and the medals they bring home with them to show everyone who do not get to watch the tournaments are the tangible evidence they have, a reminder of what they have accomplished and a justification of the hard work and training they have committed to. More important are the lessons they learn, the adversity they face and the support and respect they show their teammates, their opponents, the officials, and the parents and coordinators of the tournaments. The coaching staff of the Orcas Island Wrestling Club is very pleased with the level of respect and sportsmanship these young members have displayed so far this year. If you see one of these wrestlers out in the community, wish them luck with their future competitions.