Tahoma Wrestlers Shine Bright at Edmonds Invite
A quick team meeting after warm up at the Edmonds Invite
On nine mats scattered around Edmonds High School, the echoes of cheers and the resounding thuds of bodies meeting the mat filled the air. It was the Edmonds Invite, a season opening tournament for the Tahoma Wrestling Team, marking the beginning of the season with both triumphs and unforeseen tournament challenges.
Crew Lambro, a returning state placer in the 106-weight class, took center stage. With our fans cheering him on, Lambro powered through the competition, notching a perfect 5-0 record on the day. His victories were punctuated by thunderous falls over Kolten McGuire, Julien Lopes, and Kaden Harding. The climactic moment came in the 1st Place Match, where Lambro secured a decisive 5-1 decision over Wes Leeper from Kelso.
In the 126-weight class, Owen Marshall displayed unyielding tenacity. The incoming freshman, went 5-0 on the day. Marshall conquered opponents with strategic falls and a crucial decision over Chance Halverson. The culmination of his efforts was a major decision victory (9-1) against Aidan Larson from Hermiston in the 1st Place Match. Marshall's technical prowess and determination left an indelible mark on the mats of Edmonds High.
Joe Sullivan, a pinning machine in the 144-weight class, showcased his ability to finish matches with flair. Sullivan's journey included a tech fall over Wilder Gianni-Upton, falls over Chase Deberry and Zachary Martinez, and a final pin against Hayden Reuter in the 1st Place Match. His dominance on the mat was a testament to the power and precision of Tahoma Wrestling on the day.
Cyrus Comia and Kage Repenn also made the tournaments finals. Cyrus’s match was cut short due to an injury. Comia's performance in the 165-weight class earned him a commendable 2nd place, demonstrating resilience and skill in falls over Kellen Perkins and Luke Sage. Repenn, in the 190-weight class, fought his way to 2nd place with falls over Cooper Hendrickson and Josiah Christopherson. Kage has not wrestled in a tournament since 7th grade. Coming back and knocking off a returning state finalist from WF West made for a nice welcome back to wrestling.
While Lambro, Marshall, and Sullivan basked in the limelight, the spotlight also shone on other members of the Tahoma Wrestling Team who achieved notable success.
Colby Hill (113) displayed resilience, finishing 6th and earning crucial team points. His standout victory was a tech fall over Jude Haines.
Carter Tughan (120) showcased determination, finishing with a 4-1 record and notable victories, earning 10.5 team points.
Alex Othon (126) secured 3rd place with strategic wins, including a crucial decision over Caleb Cuevas in the 3rd Place Match.
Zach Baker (132) battled to 3rd place, overcoming challenges and finishing strong with a decision victory over Jacoby Rodriguez.
Gavin Wells (138) impressed with a 5-1 record and emerged victorious in the Consolation 1st match against Jett Knezovich. Wells was part of one of the most exciting matches of the day where he came very close to upsetting a Two-Time State Champion from Orting. Due to how the bracket works at the tournament, he was forced to the backside where he pinned his way through competition.
Andrew Feist (150) showcased resilience, rebounding with falls over Judah Deaton and Gabriel Cortes.
Isac Deonigi (157) secured 3rd place with impressive wins, including a major decision over Bryson Keller.
Alex Mondt (285) took 4th place scoring 17 points for the team and capturing two falls in the tournament!
Adriano Perez(175) and Dylan Stover (175) both competed at 175 pounds. Each worked their way through the goofy brackets to finish 5th and 6th respectivly.
This day at the Edmonds Invite wasn't without its share of challenges. A tournament that started with high hopes of getting done early, turned into a test of endurance. A nation wide computer glitch in the Track Wrestling program brought the tournament to a grinding two-hour standstill. To add to the drama, a fire alarm further delayed the proceedings. Despite these unexpected obstacles, the Tahoma Wrestling Team demonstrated not only their physical prowess but also their mental fortitude, coming together as a team.
Coach Burnham meeting the Edmonds Fire Department with Coach Brett Lucas from Todd Beamer High School. Coach Lucas was one of Coach Feist’s college wrestling coaches.
Culminating the day's trials and triumphs, the Tahoma Wrestling Team emerged from the Edmonds Invite with an impressive 2nd-place team finish. Battling through computer glitches, fire alarms, and a day that tested not just their physical prowess but their resilience as a team, the grapplers of Tahoma showcased the indomitable spirit that defines champions. The 2nd-place team finish added a glorious exclamation point to the narrative of their first tournament of the year, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
The team takes 2nd place