The Kent-Meridian High School wrestlers are gearing up for a strong season.
Coach Todd Owens, who has handled the team for more than 25 years, is optimistic about his experienced crew which includes several state competitors who are returning for a second chance at state.
Emmanuel Daigbe and Jahleel Smith are back in the 195 and 138 pound brackets respectively, and Owens has high hopes that with a prior state appearance they’ll advance further this season.
Daigbe, who has been out sick recently, still competed against Tahoma and took down the third ranked wrestler in the state. Daigbe progressed to the WIAA Class 4A semifinals last year before losing in a decision. Owens attributes the loss to being a little “shellshocked” by his own success.
“He’s very good, very talented, very athletic,” said Owens. “Even sick he’s a pretty tough kid.”
Following the state finishers from last year, sophomore Jerardo Suarez and senior Torry Lundsford also are looking strong. Suarez, who competes at 120, finished fifth in regional competition.
Rounding out Owen’s lineup are Matthew Matamosa and Tanner Torr, both wrestlers that Owens says are showing potential to be league and regional contenders.
While Owens is optimistic about his top-tier wrestlers, he hopes to expand the size of the team to better help wrestlers improve. While the competition may be individual, the practices are team based, says Owens, and that’s the most important part of the sport.
“The problem is when you don’t have a lot of kids, you don’t have a lot of people to work out with,” Owens says. “Individuals don’t get to where they are unless they have people pushing them.”
The team’s numbers are low, and Owens hopes to bring on more wrestlers come January.
“We’re struggling to get people to come out and stay out,” he says.
“It’s a tough sport if you’re just starting it for the first time. We try to get people to show up on a daily basis so they can learn things.”
With consistent practice and a larger team, Owens is optimistic about the Royals chances at state.
“I just think we’re gonna have a pretty decent team that will do well in tournaments,” he says. “It should be a fun year by the time we get to state.”
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