PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles wrestling team claimed seven of 12 contested matches and earned two match wins by forfeit to open the season with a 49-24 Olympic League victory over North Mason.
Tyler Gale, who finished fourth at state last season in the 106-pound weight class, moved up to 113 and won by pinfall in just 25 seconds.
Brady Anderson, a state participant for the Roughriders last season at 120, won his match at 126 against Mark Phillips by a score of 11-3 .
“Brady Anderson was dominant against a solid kid who actually beat Ozzy [Swagerty] last year,” Port Angeles coach Erik Gonzalez said.
Swagerty, who graduated in June, finished fourth at state last season.
Gavin Crain earned a win by fall at 5:41 of his 132-pound match and Caleb Joslin won by fall at 2:40 at 145 pounds.
Brandyn Fouts picked up a 12-5 win by decision at 160 pounds.
Evan Gallacci lost his match by a close 1-0 decision to North Mason’s Tyler Grewell at 182 pounds.
“Gallacci also wrestled well against a state kid from last year,” Gonzalez said.
Matt Robbins, who finished seventh at 182 pounds at state last year, moved up to 195 and won by fall at 3:09.
Kyle LaFritz, who was on his way to a state finish before an injury knocked him out of the tournament, won by pin 48 seconds into his match at 285 pounds.
“It was great to see Kyle back,” Gonzalez said.
Ben Basden and Ricky Crawford earned wins by forfeit at 120 and 152 pounds, respectively.
“Otherwise, it went about as expected and we’re excited to start off our league season on the right foot,” Gonzalez said.
The Riders will wrestle Saturday against a host of schools in the Olympic Duals at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion in Bremerton.
Olympic 78, Sequim 0
BREMERTON — The Wolves ran into a tough task in their season opener, a match with the defending Olympic League champion Trojans.
Olympic returns many grapplers from last year’s team, and those experienced athletes overwhelmed Sequim on Thursday, winning nine of 14 matches by pin.
Craig Baker did the best job in defeat for the Wolves, falling in a 7-4 decision to Shane Santos at 132.
Sequim hosts Klahowya on Tuesday.
