By CARL BLOMGREN

For The Beachcomber

“Just wait for these youngsters (six freshmen in the starting lineup) to acquire a little more experience,” said Vashon wrestling team head coach Anders Blomgren, smiling. “Observe them at the end of the season.”

Lack of experience didn’t prevent a very promising freshman Max Croonquist and sophomore Keegan Shrum from pinning their opponents on Friday at home.

Junior Graeme Britz rallied from a 2-point deficit after the first round to bounce back and win by a score of 10-3.

And if one takedown was not enough, Sam Chapman executed five more takedowns in winning his match by a technical fall, 17-0.

Eddie Protzeller will recover from a close 11-9 loss.

After posting a win by forfeit, Geran Webb demonstrated his solid wrestling skills by winning an exhibition match, 9-0.

Wow, these troopers are getting better! Final score was Fife 43, Vashon 32.

Early the next morning, 12 members of the team traveled to Blaine to participate in a two-day, 27-team tournament. Sam Chapman and Geran Webb placed in the top six.

Don’t forget to reserve Tuesday, Dec. 30, for our annual Rock Tournament.

Could the Pirates smuggle the Rock trophy back to the Island where it belongs?

— Carl Blomgren is the father of wrestling coaches Anders and Per-Lars Blomgren.