Local Wrestling Teams Gear Up for Postseason Push After Competitive Banks Lake Brawl
Coulee City was the epicenter of high school wrestling action this weekend, hosting the annual Banks Lake Brawl tournament. Fifteen schools, including the Ephrata Tigers and Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos, battled it out in a showcase of skill and determination. The event, now in its 13th year, highlighted both the strength of established programs and the promising growth of up-and-coming teams.
Warriors Dominate, Broncos Focus on Development
The Almira/Coulee-Hartline (ACH) Warriors delivered a standout performance, securing 16 placements and 12 finalists across both boys’ and girls’ divisions. Head Coach Brandon Walsh attributed the team’s success to dedicated parent and community support, alongside the wrestlers’ hard work. Seven Warriors claimed first place in their respective weight classes: RyLee Goetz, Kaitlyn Rimel, Macijean Hodgin, Karis Butler, Kyanna Garza, Ian McWalter, and Noah Butler.
“We had a good day for us,” Walsh stated, expressing optimism about the team’s potential at the state tournament. “There’s a good chance a lot of those eight girls get to the state tournament and have a good showing, even as a team.”
Meanwhile, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos, under Head Coach Jason Hilzer, are taking a longer-term approach. With a younger roster, the focus is on learning and development. Hilzer emphasized the value of facing experienced opponents, believing that losses can be powerful learning opportunities.
“I always tell them that ‘You learn a lot more from losing than you do winning,’” Hilzer explained. “Wrestling some of these other schools…I think it shows them how close they are to getting to that level.” Gabe Mungia and Gunner Grimm led the Broncos with first-place finishes in the 175 lb and 285 lb classes, respectively.
The Rise of Girls’ Wrestling: A National Trend
The strong showing from the ACH girls’ team is indicative of a broader trend in high school wrestling: the rapid growth of girls’ participation. Nationally, girls’ wrestling is experiencing a surge in popularity, with many states adding sanctioned girls’ wrestling programs. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), girls’ wrestling participation has increased by over 80% in the last five years. NFHS Data on Girls Wrestling
This growth is fueled by increased opportunities, dedicated coaching, and a growing awareness of the sport’s benefits – discipline, physical fitness, and mental toughness. Local programs like ACH are at the forefront of this movement, providing a platform for female athletes to excel.
Impact of Football Overlap and Scheduling Challenges
The ACH Warriors faced a unique challenge this season, with a deep postseason run by their football team impacting wrestling practice time. Coach Walsh noted that the boys’ team has only had four opportunities to wrestle so far, but anticipates a more frequent schedule over the next month. This highlights a common issue for schools with successful multi-sport athletes – balancing commitments and maximizing training time.
Pro Tip: Coaches can mitigate scheduling conflicts by fostering open communication between sports programs and creating individualized training plans for multi-sport athletes.
Team Scores: A Snapshot of Competitive Landscape
Boys
- Kettle Falls Boys, 260.0
- Ephrata Boys, 170.5
- Northwest Christian Boys, 165.0
- Tonasket Boys, 139.0
- ACH Boys, 114.0
- Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Boys, 107.5
- Brewster Boys, 102.5
- Davenport Boys, 94.5
- River View Boys, 83.0
- Springdale Boys, 77.5
- Wilbur Creston Keller Boys, 67.0
- Oroville Boys, 51.0
- Selkirk Boys, 22.0
- Tekoa Rosalia Boys, 4.0
- Inchelium Boys, 3.0
- Nespelem Boys, 0.0
Girls
- Tonasket Girls, 172.5
- ACH Girls, 163.0
- Ephrata Girls, 54.5
- River View Girls, 53.0
- Brewster Girls, 51.5
- Tekoa Rosalia Girls, 49.0
- Springdale Girls, 48.0
- Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Girls, 34.0
- Oroville Girls, 23.0
- Nespelem Girls, 16.5
- Inchelium Girls, 0.0
Future Trends in High School Wrestling
Several key trends are shaping the future of high school wrestling:
- Increased Specialization: As the sport evolves, we’ll likely see more wrestlers focusing on specific styles (folkstyle, freestyle, Greco-Roman) and training year-round.
- Data Analytics: Coaches are increasingly using data analytics to track wrestler performance, identify weaknesses, and develop targeted training plans. Tools like TrackWrestling provide valuable data insights.
- Emphasis on Mental Toughness: Recognizing the psychological demands of wrestling, programs are incorporating mental skills training to help athletes manage pressure, build confidence, and overcome adversity.
- Growth of Club Wrestling: Independent wrestling clubs are playing a larger role in athlete development, providing opportunities for competition and training outside of the high school season.
FAQ
Q: What is folkstyle wrestling?
A: Folkstyle is the most common style of wrestling in the United States, primarily used in high schools and colleges. It emphasizes control, takedowns, and pinning combinations.
Q: How can parents support their young wrestlers?
A: Encourage a healthy lifestyle, provide emotional support, and help them manage their time effectively. Avoid putting undue pressure on them to win.
Q: What are the benefits of wrestling for young athletes?
A: Wrestling develops discipline, physical fitness, mental toughness, and self-confidence. It also teaches valuable life skills such as perseverance and resilience.
Did you know? Wrestling is one of the oldest combat sports in the world, with evidence of its practice dating back thousands of years.
Stay tuned for more coverage of local high school wrestling as teams prepare for the postseason. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
