Husky wrestlers capped a 5-0 Capital Conference season and a 14-10 overall mark last week, presenting post season awards at the sixth annual team banquet.
“Unlike other sports, wrestling is easy when it comes to these awards, the numbers speak for themselves,” Coach Steve Thorpe said.
Senior Andrew Swanson, 125, was named outstanding wrestler of the year by finishing third at the state tournament. Swanson tied with freshman Shane Vandehei, 103, with most wins at 35.
He finished third in most forfeit with 3; second in most team points with 162, first in most takedowns with 30, fourth in most falls with 14 and third in most major decisions with four.
Swanson posted a 35-8 record and leaves SHHS as a three time state placer.
Through the last season the Huskies have posted 155 wins, 33 losses and one tie under head coach Thorpe.
Other team awards included:
Most falls: Shane Vandehei and Rob Martin, 21 each.
Most first takedowns: Andrew Swanson.
Iron Man: Tomas Rosa.
Workhorse award: Kyle Temple.
Extra Mile award: Linda James and Mid-Valley Medical Clinic.
Here’s how the final numbers shook out for the Huskies:
Most forfeits: Brad Seiber, 4; Shane Vandehei, 4; Andrew Swanson, 3; Kyle Temple, 3; Bryan Corliss, 3.
Most team points: Shane Vandehei, 186; Andrew Swanson, 162; Rob Martin, 129; Robert Carr, 115; Adam Zurcher, 113.
Most tech falls: Kyle Temple, 3; Robert Carr, 2; Joe Rosa, 2; Bryan Corliss, 2; Shane Vandehei, 2.
Most first takedowns: Andrew Swanson, 30; Shane Vandehei, 27; Robert Carr, 26; Adam Zurcher, 23; Rob Martin, 23.
Most wins: Andrew Swanson, 35; Shane Vandehei, 35; Kyle Temple, 29; Robert Carr, 26; Rob Martin, 26.
Most falls: Rob Martin, 21; Shane Vandehei, 21; Adam Zurcher, 16; Andrew Swanson, 14; Robert Carr, 12.
Most major decisions: Kyle Temple, 5; Robert Carr, 4; Andrew Swanson, 4; Mike Lummus, 3; Joe Rosa, 3.
The Huskies will graduate nine seniors. Each was given an opportunity to talk and to thank their parents, coaches and fans.
Seniors included Adam Zurcher, 23-11; Joe Rosa, 15-14; Brad Seiber, 16-23; Tory Petersen, 3-4; Chris Phillips, 17-14; Robert Carr, 26-10; Andrew Swanson, 35-8; Kyle Temple, 29-10. Also recognized as senior team manager Tera Winslow. Coach Thorpe thanked her for a doing an excellent job.
Senior Tory Petersen, who has been accepted to West Point Military Academy, said he chose to wrestle to learn about discipline to that goal.
“I wanted to challenge myself and I discovered discipline, attention to detail, loyalty and self-sacrifice through wrestling,” Petersen said. “Those values learned and applied here, will carry with you throughout the rest of your life.”
Juniors: Hance Woody, letter; Rob Martin, eighth at state; Matt Harkey, state qualifier; Tomas Rosa, third year letter, state qualifier; Jeff Koechig, Charles Murray, letter; Bryan Corliss, second year letter.
Sophomores: Jesse Aitkin, letter, state qualifier; Jon Farris, letter, state qualifier; Mike Allyn, letter; Matt Maloney, Colt Campbell.
Freshmen: Shane Vandehei, letter, seventh at state; Trevor Tagle, letter, state qualifier; Colton Cooley, Josh Nichol, Travis Walker, John Sutton, Bryan Lindsay, letter; Tom Helfrich, letter; Joe Ellis, letter; Amy Corliss, freshman manager.
Coach Thorpe said he was proud of all the wrestlers who made it through the rigorous Husky mat program.
“We don’t have a run-of-the-mill wrestling program,” Coach Thorpe said. “We do the extra things other teams can’t or won’t do. We have morning run all season long. We have afternoon practice and then expect our wrestlers to work out at home on their own as well. Wrestling is a grueling, unforgiving sport.”
Coach Thorpe said he is both proud and excited about the future of Husky wrestling.
“Our future looks solid,” Coach Thorpe said. “Some of you will be fighting it out for spots on this team next year.”
Overall this season, the Huskies won 373 matches and lost 318. Huskies notched 1,680 points versus 1,136 for opponents. Sweet Home won 97 decisions and lost 172; scored 192 falls to 133 and had 16 tech falls to 9.
The Huskies won 27 major decisions and lost only 1, had 40 forfeits and had one default against three.