This winter has seen the formation of the first ever wrestling team on Orcas.

Orcas Island Wrestling Squad (OIWS) is a sanctioned club through USA Wrestling and is inviting members of all ages who would like to compete.

“Wrestling instills core values such as respect, integrity, honor and courage in those who participate along with the immense mental and physical fortitude it takes to reach ones personal goals,” said coach Jason Dean.

The sport has two seasons with “Folkstyle” or “Collegiate” tournaments running from December to February transitioning into “Freestyle” and “Greco-Roman” from February to May. Next year the team will start practicing in November to get ready for the folkstyle season, however, anyone interested can join them for practice now to learn the basics and get a jump on next year. Practice is held Monday-Thursday starting at 5 p.m. at YMCA Camp Orkila. The team hopes to use the old gym at the public school as the program expands.

OIWS competed in its first tournament in Federal Way on March 5.

“All our athletes did great!” Dean said. “They were up against kids, some of whom have been wrestling since they were four years old, and they showed we have what it takes to go the distance. Congratulations to our own Joey Susol who won his first two matches then lost to state champion Drew Hatch to bring home the second place medal in the 144 lb. weight class.”

The team’s next tournament is at Sedro-Wooley High School on March 26 with matches beginning at 10 a.m. and running all day.

“Our thanks go out to all our sponsors who helped us get the program started this year,” Dean said. “Without your generous donations we would not be out there competing today. The team motto ‘You Bet!’ means you bet we will continue to grow as an organization, you bet we will be a competitive team in the sport of wrestling and you bet our kids will come out winners!”

Call Jason Dean at 376-2816 with questions.