BY CHERYL PRUETT

The Vashon wrestling community will host the 25th annual Rock Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, when 15 teams from around the state will compete for the golden rock trophy.

Over the years, this tournament has attracted some of the top high school teams from the region, and the same is expected this year. Winners in each weight class receive a gilded Vashon rock customized by the Vashon High School wrestling managers.

Action will begin at 9 a.m. in the high school gym, with the finals set to begin between 4 and 5 p.m.

Last week, nine Vashon wrestlers competed at the prestigious Tri-State Tournament in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. At press time, which came while the tournament was under way, both Shane Armstrong and Chase Wickman were in the hunt for a medal. Full results will be recapped in next week’s issue.

Currently, the scrappy Vashon squad is ranked fifth in the state by Washington Wrestling Report. Individually, in the 1A high school classification, Chase Wickman is ranked ninth in the state; Shane Armstrong first in the 170-pound class; Preston Morris first in the 195-pound class; Joe Coller fifth in the 220-pound class and Louis Jovanovich seventh at 285 pounds.

This weekend’s tournament will be a great chance to see them all in action.